Off to Buffalo

We decided to head up to Buffalo a day earlier than planned because we hoped to attend some Christmas Eve festivities that we didn't think we would be able to if we drove up on the same day. It was a good drive....well, I thought so...Brian did all the driving. I did all the turning around to deal with our little blessings.
I decided to try a trick that worked well on our summer treck up to to Buffalo. I gift wrapped a bunch of odds and ends found at the local dollar store. Stickers, lollipops, little puzzles, a plastic horse and that sorta thing. Every 45 mins or hour or moment Stella would get punchy I would say oh...here is a little present because you are being so good on our drive. This was sooo effective on our summer trip so I had high hopes for this to work again. About 2 gifts in I happen to look back and see Stella sharing her snack or a toy or something with Jacob. She did this totally on her own and it was really quite sweet. So, I decide it is gift worthy and pass back another wrapped pack of crap from Dollar Tree. She is thrilled and acts like she doesn't own any other packs of stickers but these precious ones. A few minutes later I hear her say....I gave something to Jacob so I should get a gift coz I'm such a good girl. Well, that was that. She kept asking for presents and telling me why she should get them. She usually just says....coz I was such a good girl over and over. I guess that trick won't work anymore.
We made it to Binghamton before having to pull out the DVD player so that was good and all in all the trip went very well.
It was so nice to get there in time to really spend the holiday together. Denis was in town too so that was an extra special treat. Christmas eve service was nice and Stella liked wishing Jesus a happy birthday. She said he could borrow her birthday balloons which I thought was very generous of her! We had a lot of fun at Debbie and Dave's house but didn't stay too long. Jacob was losing his mind and Stella was dangerously close to the meltdown window. We much prefer that to open in private if at all possible. Home we went and got snug in our beds. We really can't wait till they get the whole Christmas thing. Though Stella is excited for gifts and likes spending time with Grammie and Grandpa we know that she doesnt quite get it yet so we are already looking forward to next year.
Christmas morning was lovely and it was so sweet to see the kids opening their gifts. My mom always does such a nice job and this year didn't dissapoint. From brunch to gifts to dinner it was a great day.
It was also nice to connect with my other friends Marjorie and Franklin while we were upstate. Frank had just bought a new home when we were there this summer and it was beautiful. Then we got ready for Stella's 3rd birthday part on Sunday. All in all a fun, busy time in Buffalo with family and friends! I will post pics soon.