Christmas, part 2: Virginia

As has become tradition for us (in the 2+ years we've been back), we left Minnesota the day after Christmas for the Schrock family Christmas in Harrisonburg, Virginia. This year we took a more southern route - through Kentucky and West Virginia rather than Ohio and Pennsylvania - and it was great! The distance (1300 miles one way) and time (roughly 22 hours) was roughly the same for us, but we saved $80-100 in tolls and the new scenery also helped. The savings in tolls allowed us (in Harder accounting terms) to stay overnight in a hotel rather than with friends, as is the custom when we go through Goshen.

I very much enjoyed the drive itself, all four days of it. After all, we're in this cozy little pod hurtling past new sights with my three favorite people in the world - all of whom more or less also enjoy the ride.

I must say that our kids are rather stellar travelers. They use the bathroom with less frequency than either of their parents. A quick run run around a gas station parking lot twice a day got their limbs stretched. They are content to sit and look at books for hours on end, with little spurts of playing (e.g. with a jump rope as a phone between them) and/or wildness in between. I had also checked out several books-on-CD from the library, and let's just say that we all have the Bob the Builder one memorized and then some.

They don't sleep in the car anymore (what??), so they were sooo tired each evening. No matter...they heartily enjoyed floating and splashing around in the hotel pool on the way there and back. This cliff is a few steps into West Virginia.

We got to Ramont's parents' home in Harrisonburg late Saturday afternoon, and were happy to find all his siblings and their families there as well.

Here aunt Ravonn helps the youngest four make gingerbread houses. Not sure what incited Jonathan's wrath above...

This is one of the best things about being there: all hanging out in the kitchen/dining room for hours.

One of the evenings we had the Schrock Christmas Eve Meal of Yore. Tradition has it that one year each family suggested one favorite item and that's what stuck. Here Radell and Noelle mix dough for the apple fritters, and realize they actually need to triple all the ingredients.

In addition to apple fritters with sweetened condensed milk, the menu includes mini sausages, omelets, kiwi fruit, cheese, and sparkling green juice.

It's a bit eclectic, to say the least.

The "little" cousins quite enjoyed each other. (at least ours did!)

One day we took a tour in the countryside. First stop was Joseph and Ranene's lovely farm a few miles outside Harrisonburg.

In addition to several sheep, chickens, and formerly a pig or two, they have planted tons of garlic and some fruit trees on their property....

...with Shrock plans for much more!

Then we drove a few miles to Radell's sheep farm. His llama came out to greet us,

with great curiosity.

Brothers Radell and Ramont.

And then the real purpose of the entire 2600-mile trip for Jonathan: a ride on Radell's tractor with Grandpa.

[Don't think we hadn't heard about this tractor in the preceding few months.]

Grandpa gave the grandkids rides,

first time ever on a tractor for these two!

Another highlight of the time together was the Christmas play, complete with fantastic costumes made by Grandma and the telling by Grandpa.

I wish I had more pictures of the event - it was really special (and our kids love it).

There was also plenty of down-time to take naps, visit, play games, and do ambitious things like read books to kids (thank you, Ravonn!).

And then, back in the little blue Saturn for the long, and quite lovely, trip home.

Such a good vacation!