Getting to Arkansas was a bit of a headache this year. We arrived at the Raleigh airport at 4:30 Tuesday morning, only to find that our 6:30 a.m. flight to Memphis had been canceled. After close to an hour of pleading with the Delta agent, we finally were given a new itinerary. We’d leave Raleigh around 9:00 a.m., spend about 4 hours in Detroit, then fly to Memphis and stay for another 2 hours, then finally arrive in Fort Smith. When it was all said and done, I think our total trip time was close to 16 hours, which happens to be the approximate driving time from Raleigh to Arkansas. But, truth be told, the day really wasn’t that bad. Claire loved the hustle and bustle of the airports and thought walking sidewalks, escalators, and the tunnel of lights in the Detroit airport were all her personal play toys. She watched a bit more Elmo than usual on her portable DVD player and slept for a bit on two out of the three flights.
Needless to say, when LeLe and Poppy met us at the airport, poor Claire was plum exhausted! Too bad…she missed out on the delicious steaks that were waiting on us. We spent three full days in VB - here are a few of the highlights:
- We had a White Christmas! It was absolutely beautiful, but the subsequent road conditions kept us in VB a day longer than planned. While we enjoyed more time with my family, we were sad to miss out on the festivities and out of town family at Big Grandma’s house.
- Claire racked up with gifts, yet again. LeLe and Poppy gave her Elmo Live (which was a BIG hit) and a couple of books. She got a cute outfit from Uncle Reag and a sweet book and Visa gift card from Grandma Carole. Auntie Bonnie and Uncle Jimmy gave her a Veggie Tales DVD, Disney Princess stickers, Elmo slippers and an Elmo backpack. The last of which she wore around the house for the rest of the day!
- We had a fantastic prime rib dinner with the Headquist family on Christmas Day.
- Claire was obsessed with our golden retriever, Max. She walked around saying “puppy” and “ruff” for three days straight! Max is such a good dog, he didn’t seem to mind her sometimes-not-so-gentle patting.
- We met up with the Childers clan twice and enjoyed watching Claire and Caleigh play and seeing their newest addition, Delainey. They also gave Claire an Elmo book set.
- Claire joined me for the annual Christmas Eve lunch with my girlfriends at TGI Friday’s, where Jill became her new best friend. Not only because she brought her a TON of Elmo-themed gifts, but because she had the waitress bring Claire two extra bowls of shredded cheddar cheese. My girl loves her some cheese!
- Grandma Carole was a big hit with Claire as well. She loved going through Grandma’s makeup bag!
- We also got a chance to visit with Claire’s other great-grandma, my Nanny, for just a bit Wednesday evening. Claire took to her right away and loved playing with Nanny’s stuffed animal collection! We had hoped to see Nanny again, but the snow kept us from getting to her on Christmas.
It’s hard to write about three fun days of new experiences for Claire, people to see and presents to open - but hopefully I got the main points in there. And if not, here’s plenty of pictures to say a thousand words for me! Note that there’s not a single one of Uncle Jimmy and Claire. Apparently her fear of men with beards doesn’t exclude family! Of course, about the time we were ready to leave, she warmed up to him but a camera was nowhere to be found.
I love this picture of Claire with her LeLe and Poppy!
Four generations of the Angus clan
Our attempt to get a pic of all three girls (Caleigh, Delainey and Claire)
Claire giving her Great Nanny some sweet kisses
Claire had a good time with her Uncle Reag
Playing in LeLe and Poppy’s jacuzzi tub - super fun!
Snuggling with her Auntie Bonnie
Angus family annual Christmas photo
Playing with her Auntie Bonnie in the jacuzzi tub
Saying “Cheese!!” with Grandma Carole and LeLe
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