In 5 days, the Vermillion household will be driving to Florida. 13 hours. Since we all have next week off from school and work, we decided to just bite the bullet and go visit my parents, who have recently started settling in there. Airfare is insane and now that Curly is a more focused and distractable 3.5 year old, we figured he’d be ok during the long car ride with some breaks here and there. Also, thanks to Nutella’s parents, we got a Kind.le Fire for Hanukkah which we’ve loaded up with movies and apps, so that should keep him occupied. Wish us luck!
Speaking of Hanukkah, this was the first one that Curly really got excited about and interested in. He loved helping to light the candles, reading the same three books about Hanukkah over and over (and over and over), and of course, opening a present every night. We went to two Hanukkah parties and he also did a lot of Hanukkah-related activities at his daycare-preschool (not Montessori), so we really feel he got a lot out of it. Of course, now he knows Christmas is coming up, and while our family doesn’t celebrate, we’ve been telling him about those traditions and brought him to a drive-through lights display which he loved.
It’s hard to continue writing about our lives and goings-on without mentioning the horrible tragedy that took place in Newtown. Unimaginably heartbreaking. And while we thought perhaps we could shield our 3 year old from knowing about such things for a while longer, we were told there would be a moment of silence at his Montessori school and so we explained in very general terms what had happened. Curly took it mainly in stride as is typical for him right now, but it is sad to know a time is coming soon when he’ll realize how tragic this world of ours can be.
That said, happy holidays and a joyous new year to all of you reading. May you find peace and love to carry you through.
1 In Vermillion 
Glad to hear you guys enjoyed Hannukah and hope that the drive to Florida goes well!
Good luck on your drive! 13 hours, eee! I love the traditions of Hannukah and am glad Curly is beginning to understand and appreciate them too.
We’re in the car right now headed to FL too!! One of my favorite girl bands from college is playing tonight if you’re in the Tampa area : ) Happy Holidays…
You are so awesomely brave planning a 13 hour car trip. I am such a wimp. Three is my max. I also get a bit car sick so that is a part of it, but really such a small part. I am long car drive wimp. Let me know how it goes. If it goes well, I might try to stretch to being willing to do four hours.
It is sad to think of our kids learning about the harder things in life. Sigh.
Whoa, 13 hours. Did you drive it all in one day? Did the Kindle keep him occupied and if so, is he suffering from withdrawal? We’re experiencing iPad withdrawal over here…