So we arrived at the Bridges' Shelbyville estate for some good ol' Ruthie lasagna and all the trimmings.
Abby and Hannah had a fun time showing us all of their dolls and the accessories, many of which they got for Christmas this year. Ol' Uncle Keith stepped right in on his 2010 Uncle of the Year campaign, while Kristi once again established her role as entertainment chair she introduced at Kentucky Lake.
Abby had so much fun after our first day there that she asked Kristi if we could spend the night a second night. And Hannah, who was attached to her mom like an extra organ in the summer, warmed up for plenty of hugs, high fives, and snuggles with her southern visitors.
Pops and Polk were also excited to show off their trendy Franklin house, complete with fresh orange paint on the fence, to Kristi, and to re-introduce it to Uncle Keith.
There were plenty of gifts exchanged. Kristi's haul featured mostly knitting accessories, but she also got a big bag with her name stitched on it. I received a fancy self-setting alarm clock radio from the Bridges, along with the infamous Catch Phrase game. The AARPs got me a digital scale, and a couple of nice shirts to augment my winter and spring wardrobe.
Finally, Sunday featured a visit to the AARPs' new church, Grace United Methodist, and a trip to Papa Murphy's for pizza and football before we left again for the airport. In typical Indiana weather, we arrived to howling winds, which the locals said were the worst in several weeks, and left to nearly two inches of snow on the ground.
The spread at Bridges. Dig in!
A high chair, a stroller, what else do you need?
Did you know Hannah isn't the youngest kid in the family?
A fancy accessory
Somebody's happy with what she got!
Opening gifts from the Halseys!
After morning baths, the girls rumble down the stairs on the way to the AARPs' house
Opening a pint-sized stocking, for a pint-sized recipient
Grip it, rip it, open those gifts!
AJB and Santa, er, Pops looking at Ruthie's annual personalized calendar gift to the AARPs.
Polk getting emotional about a gift from one of her kids. Stop me if you've seen this before.
Haven't yet confirmed if she can fit all of her purse "accessories" in this thing
More opening of gifts
Six months after the castle debuted at Ky. Lake, it's still providing fun
Ruthie and the girls hugging and playing
Two swing voters in the 2010 Uncle of the Year election
The age-old four motor bomber/jet fighter tickling routine
Everybody's favorite pillow, Maggie Mae
After a full day at the AARPs house in Franklin, the girls are out of gas
Ruthie and Abbs reading a book, a Christmas gift
Hannah and Abby with their new best friend
Somehow we all fit on this chair
Kristi and Abby cutting a rug
Andy, Pops and Abbs watching football on the couch
Biscuits and Gravy curled up on the snow-covered porch
