Jen and Joe Jankord: Christmas in Ohio-2011

This year we spent Christmas in Ohio with my family, the first time in two years! I was excited to be "home" for the holiday to see family and especially my niece and nephew! They are at the perfect age where presents are the best things on earth. Living on the East Coast now, Joe and I decided to drive to Ohio and take the doodles with us. This would be Cali's first time to my parents house and Harely had only been there once when he was a pup. I was a little nervous to see how things would go, if they would get along with Gipper (my first dog who now lives the good life with my parents) Gipper can be a little protective around other dogs. Luckily, they all got along perfectly and even seemed to become buddies toward end of our visit. They LOVED running in the fields and around the pond, playing ball and following my dad everywhere! They also ate 10 times more then I did...they love honeybaked ham!

My family has the tradition of opening presents on Christmas Eve, which Joe has a difficult time swallowing. Like most families, his open gifts on Christmas morning. I'm pretty sure Joe was up early Christmas day to look under the tree in case Santa decided to show up...you can imagine his disappointment. He has decided that the next Christmas in Ohio he will be saving his gifts til Christmas morning. He swears that we will all be so jealous watching him open them...we will see. It's funny how family traditions are different and how we all try to adjust. I never had a problem waiting until Christmas day at Joe's parents house...but I don't believe in Santa anymore either.

Christmas Day was spent with more family including my Aunt, Uncle, Cousins...involving a wonderful meal. I was mom's slave for 2 full days, cooking, cleaning etc...by day 3 we were totally exhausted. We did a little shopping, had diner with my cousin Denny and his wife, Amy, saw the movie "War Horse" and pretty much spent quality time with my family. I didn't get to see any of my friends, it's so hard during the holidays to get everyone together. Hopefully my next visit wont be so crazy!

Our 14 hour drive home was long and exhausting. The day before we left Joe threw his back out and was immobile for the most part, which meant I had to drive the whole way, walk the dogs when we stopped, load and unload...I was hurting by the time we pulled into the driveway. The weather started off with sleet, snow and rain as well, however the closer we got to home the better it was. I was pretty bummed we didn't have snow in Ohio, but I was happy to get home to the near 80 degrees!

So, overall the trip was perfect! It was so nice to be home and to bring the dogs with us! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year as well!