Whitley's Week: Christmas Vacation 2008: Myrtle Beach and Siesta Key

Perhaps Whitley's second Christmas would have been more magical if it'd been one white with snow, but Mommy was hoping for a warm holiday this year, and Santa didn't disappoint! Tom, Whitley, and I spent the first week of our Christmas break with CC, Day Day, Stacy, George, Drew, and Judy in Myrtle Beach, SC. Though it rained off and on, the temperatures were mild enough to allow for lots of walks, outdoor happy-hours, grilling, and even one trip to the beach! We had a great time doing what our family does best- eating, drinking, laughing, and loving! Oh, and opening presents! For those of you who may not know, we Whitleys treat Christmas a lot like our birthdays- it's better to celebrate by spreading gifts out over a week, rather than just one day! Thus, Whitley and Drew opened a little something every day we were there, and I think it's safe to say that they both mastered the skill by Christmas morning. Their grandparents certainly spoil them! Judy, George's mom, hosted us all for a delicious, formal, Italian Christmas Eve dinner, and Day Day cajun fried some turkeys for Christmas day. Mmmmm!

Then, after a tearful goodbye (Drew cried sooo hard!), we spent less than 24 hours at home to unpack/repack, and flew off to Siesta Key, FL to ring in the New Year with Tom's parents, Grammy and Papa. The weather was sunny and in the seventies the whole trip, and we tried to make the most of it by visiting the beach each morning and the (heated) pool every afternoon. Whitley was initially excited about putting her feet in the gulf, but grew increasingly nervous as the waves kept rolling in. She whimpered to be held every time we got near it, so we let her do most of her swimming in the pool. This, she loved! She giggled, kicked and splashed for anyone who would paddle her around. New Year's Eve was spent with a table full of family and friends at the Watson home, and we had so much food, everyone came over again for leftovers on Jan. 1st! And, would you believe, while we were in FL, Whitley opened more presents? It seemed everyone wanted to give a little something to that granddaughter of Judy and Dick who smiles so often. :) We returned home from our travels yesterday, and have spent the remainder of our two-week break unpacking and de-decking. Both Tom and I miss our parents very much, and I'm sure Whitley is missing the constant attention and affection of her devoted grandparents. Thank you sooooo much, Whitleys and Watsons, for a wonderful holiday. It truly was more than we could've wished for. Love you!!