Christmas with the Kinders

After our cruise was over the fun continued in Orlando for another six days with Erica's mom and dad and her brother's family and her sister's family.  We were able to spend our first Christmas together in years and it was special to all of us.  The kids loved opening presents on Christmas eve with their cousins and their Mimi and Papadoe.  Santa had plans to bring only a couple of toys for the kids this year and the kids really were appreciative of their gifts.  Of course they made a few comments about having fewer gifts this year and we handled their dissappointment with explanations about keeping our space clutter-free and appreciating any gift no matter the size.  Mimi and Papadoe made their Christmas very memorable with lots of gifts including the much anticipated hoverboard in pink for Blythe and gold for Boyd.  They have new transportation for long distances to the pool at the rv park here in Orlando.

We made a night together happen with my cousin Jason and his family.  Jason and Tammy were in town from Houston for their Christmas Disney vacation.  Erica dropped me and the kids off at their resort for an evening of catching up and letting the kids play together.  We had an unfortunate blowout of the rear passenger tire on the rental car that we quickly changed in the parking lot.  I was amazed how easy Erica handled this situation. She really is a problem solver and I think all we have encountered on this trip has prepared all of us to handle unexpected events and the stress they create with confidence.  Erica ended up taking it to firestone to have it replaced and then she spent her evening with her parents before dropping them off at the Orlando airport for their trip back to Houston.  It was a fun and busy week together after which we enjoyed a few nights as a family relaxing at the rv park and preparing for our next month in Costa Rica.