Nancy and I decided at the last minute to make a trip north for Christmas. We had celebrated Christmas 2 weeks early when the 3 kids came to Florida halfway between Thanksgiving and New Years. We thought that would satisfy our holiday cravings - but it didn't.
So since we had 15 bins full of Keith's stuff in our barn - we decided to drive them north to his new Washington apartment. We decided we could do 2 things at once - deliver his goods - and visit our friends and family back north. We were tempted to load all the stuff in our Ford Truck - but wiser heads decided to rent a 2006 Chrysler Van with Stow and Go seats instead.
On the first day - we drove from Tallahassee to Emporia VA. We used our GPS to land a nice hotel. Next day - we drove to the Washington Hilton - near Keith's apartment. We spent 1 night there - and the next day drove to Wilmington DE to visit my sister Judy and her family. Judy is a triple grandmother now - Sharon and Vaughn had Luke this year - and Kenny and Tara had Joey. It was the first time we have seen the new boys - here is a picture of Nancy with the latest "Everharts."
Next - Nancy, Keith, and I drove to Allentown to see Aunt Ethel and Cousin Ruthann. Ruthann is Nancy's favorite. They exchange gifts every year and this year was no exception.
Then - off to Tamaqua for two days. In Tamaqua - we got to have lunch in the Tamaqua Train Station with our good friends - The Taylors. After that we visited Nancy and Bussy Jones - Nancy's high school friends. Notice the picture of Nancy's sister Lori - Lori's Daughter Dana - and Lori's dog Bootsy.
We spent Chirstmas Day with Betty - Lori - Tyler - Dana - and partied with Uncle Boyle and Delores. Also - Keith and I visited a cemetery in Barnesville I had read about. We found the grave of my greatgrandfather - Nathan Brouse - and my greatgrandmother. There were about 8 Brouses in all buried there. Nathan Brouse would be the father of Mammy (my grandmother) and Dad's Mom. Nathan Brouse would also be Carl Zimmerman's greatgrandfather. It was pouring rain and 32 degrees as Keith and I took pictures of the tombstones. Imagine - I lived less than 5 miles from these family graves for 55 years and did not know about them. Secrets of the Internet.
After that we drove to Balitmore and spent a day with Drew and Robin at Robin's Dad's house. We had lunch with Bob - Lisa - Charlotte - Travis and Jay. Then it was back to DC and 2 nights in the Marriot. Nancy landed this fine hotel for free using some travel points - long story. While in Washington - we helped Keith settle into his apartment and we shopped for a few pieces of furniture.
We watch Florida State beat UCLA in Keith's apartment - although I spent a lot of the game listening to Nancy and Keith snoring.
Next morning Nancy and I decided to drive nonstop from DC to Tallahassee - 850 miles - 14 hours. The Chrysler van was great for cruising - quiet - smooth - and it got 24 miles per gallon - pretty good for a luxury van. We arrived home at 11 PM.
We packed a lot of fun and a little work into 8 days. We got to see so many people we love. We saw new family members - and Keith's new home and workplace.
We had planned to go to Tampa for the Penn State game on Monday - but did not want to spend another 8 hours in a car. We wanted to see Carl and Marylou in Tampa - but that will just have to wait.
So we had a busy and joyous Christmas.
Next big trip is Seattle and Vancouver in January.
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