Christmas 2010

We are back and in the groove again after a restful break in Texas.  Casey and I continually comment on how much we enjoyed being back with loved ones and how happy and peaceful our time was.  The kids seemed to suffer from no jet lag whatsoever other than going to bed early the first few nights.  They all did wonderful on the flights too.  Well, Eben had two little fits, one from New York to Austin and the other in the taxi from Jeddah to KAUST, but we won't dwell on that.  This trip was the twin's last trip as "lap sitters."  They'll be two in February so for all other flights they will get their own seats, Yippee!!!  We are assuming this will make a huge difference.  Eben's biggest scream fest was due to his not being able to sit by the window.  Our total luggage poundage for the return trip was 400 pounds plus carry ons.  Casey did a great job at insuring all suitcases were at their limit so we did not get charged any extra and everything arrived in one piece.

Below you see a picture of the kids and me in the Saudi Airlines Lounge.  These lounges are great.  Due to all of Casey's travelling he gets us in free and it is the best thing.  Free food, good TV, great bathrooms, room to run.  I am holding a little Saudi coffee cup filled with their traditional white coffee.  Alone it is not very tasty but with dates, the way we were told to drink it, it is quite good.  We used the Korean Air Lounge in New York for the return trip and it was just as nice.  The second plane picture is of the kids sharing seats and snacking.  We got all the kids up at 11:30pm for the trip to Texas and pretty much spent the entire trip snacking and sleeping alternatively.  For the trip back to SA we seem to sleep for a much longer period.

These next couple of pictures are our family on Christmas Eve and of the girls with their new Hello Kitty scooters.  It was so fun to dress in coats and mittens.  Marcella especially enjoyed this and was often seen with her scarf.