As usual, we had 2 Christmases, one at home and one in Austin.
For a change, the one at home was early instead of the same day as our flight. Several days early, in fact, since we decided to celebrate it on the solstice.
Andy and Leilani got a lot of presents because Sonja and Oma are prepared (Andy did his shopping at the last minute and has the gifts shipped from Amazon to Austin):
This was the year of Playmobil for Leilani:
The good thing about early Christmas is that Leilani had time to assemble and play with her Playmobil before leaving. She even had several friends over to play with them, they were a BIG hit.
Then we were off to Austin via Phoenix Los Angeles thanks to USAirways AmericanAirlines. We flew the red eye, and the Los Angeles sunrise was almost pretty:
Due to the cancelled and rebooked flight, we had a 6 hour lay-over in LAX. We did find good food and the airline lounge (both expensive, but worth it). Leilani got to sleep and play, and the parents rested in a quiet place with wifi…
And most importantly, we arrived in Austin in time for dinner and then midnight mass. The church was nicely decorated, and Rosemary was singing in the choir. They sang lots of Andy’s favorite Christmas songs.
Leilani was very good and listened to the whole mass (90 minutes) without even falling asleep.
The tree at Grandma and Grandpa’s house, with all the presents waiting for Christmas morning.
Leilani on Christmas morning waiting for everyone to be be ready.
Lots of energy spinning on Grandpa Jim’s chair.
First, another family picture…
… then Leilani gives everyone a present…
… and finally the opening can begin.
And very soon after, the playing, reading, and building could begin too.
