2009 Roadtrip: Update #8

We got into Montgomery last night at 6:45, which was a bit later than we expected, but not too much later. We stayed at the Cerha's house (who are currently visiting other family for a few days out of town) which was awesome because we didn't have to spring for a hotel, and it was much more comfortable than some La Quinta.

When we got in, we had a bunch of stuff to do-- unpacking the overnight stuff; setting up beds; cooking corndogs and french fries that Jen's mom had bought for us; charging all the phones and computers; etc.

The coolest part of all was that when we got to Grandma and Grandpa's house, there were PRESENTS! Christmas presents for everyone under the tree:



But before opening them, everyone had to sit for the requisite picture before carnage ensued and wrapping paper flew everywhere:



Connor then went to work playing Santa and handing out the presents:



Oh snap! I wonder what it is! I WONDER WHAT IT IS!



It's... CLOTHES!



Normal kids might be disappointed with this- but in a family of ten, when you get new clothes that aren't hand-me-downs, this is freaking awesome:



Grandma and Grandpa did a pretty good job with the clothes. Everyone got one complete outfit and a set of pajamas. Each kid and Jen got a set of pajamas-- clean clothes to sleep in: YAY!



Here's everyone in their new pajamas:



But it wasn't all just toys, Grandma and Grandpa also bought them some toys and activities to do on the trip and while in North Carolina, which was really cool. Here's the travel Lite Bright they got:



What else? What ELSE? OH MY GOD! WHAT THE ELSE COULD THEY HAVE GOTTEN?!?!



Card games for the older kids!



A Hannah Montana karaoke microphone!



Twister Hopscotch!



And a special birthday present for Mason whose birthday was yesterday (even though we celebrated it the previous week):



The Kingdom Hearts DS game! JUST WHAT HE WANTED!



There was a bunch of other stuff too: rubik's cubes; some letterboxing stuff; a new stamp for our letterbox; some travel flashlights; flying baloons; multi-flavored lipgloss; some dominoes. It was really, really cool and they're going to have a ton of stuff to do on vacation.

Everyone eventually calmed down and was asleep by 9:00 pm. It was a great end to a really good travel day.