Christmas in Santa Barbara 2009

The Journey - So, it's known that we are cursed when it comes to traveling and just to prove it, here is a brief summary of our journy to California. Our flight took off from Dallas at 7:30 Christmas Eve night. Of course, of all days, it happened to be slightly snowing, which never happens in Texas. So we made sure to get to the airport 4 hours ahead of time to make sure we had PLENTY of time to get to our gate and not rush. After calmly reaching our gate and settling down, Tyler went to go get Subway for us. Just as he was leaving, he happened to look up at the flight schedule...it read "Canceled". He came back and told me the news which I couldn't believe. We happened to get stand-by on the only flight leaving to San Diego that had two seats left. However, let me mention that the flight was going to San Diego, which is a 4 hour drive from our original destination, Santa Barbara. We miraculously were able to get on the flight but were told we wouldn't get our bags until tomorrow. At this point we just accepted it and felt relieved to actually get on a plane.

While on the plane, we were told that it's engine had to be de-iced. We waited and waited and waited some more. It took 3.5 hours to finally get the plane ready for take-off...mind you, that's 2 hours after our orignal flight was supposed to leave. It was so hard sitting for 3.5 hours with Kellen. When we took off he finally fell asleep. We were starving and they didn't serve any snacks either. I was also nauseous from being pregnant and burst into tears several times. It was a 3 hour flight, and when we finally arrived, just after midnight, Tyler had to go pick up a rental car. I waited for over an hour for Tyler to come back with the car (He got lost). Meanwhile, the airport had closed and Kellen was going CRAZY climbing on everything, I was so exhausted and burst into tears a dozen more times. A sweet man came up to me and offered me a cookie:) Of course a cookie would make it all better. Tyler eventually came with the car and we made the 4 hour drive to Santa Barbara. We didn't have a car-seat for Kellen so I had to hold him the entire way, which he mostly slept through...thank goodness. P.S. Never do this, it's not safe

We arrived at Tyler's parents house at 5:30 a.m. Christmas morning. We didn't get our bags until the 26th with all our Christmas presents, so we got the opportunity to celebrate Christmas twice. My bag was also missing, and can I just say how nice it was to finally get my luggage, shower, and wear clean clothes. All in all, it was an adventure and I'm so glad we got to go because it ended up being one of the best trips. We had sooooo much fun with Tyler's family. We ate great food, played fun games, watched great movies, enjoyed warm weather, and much more. Here are a few pictures. Enjoy!!!




Tyler and I made our first gingerbread house together. Isn't it awesome.

Kellen openeing presents on the 26th after our luggage arrived. I'm sad I didn't get more pictures.

He absolutely loved this Finding Nemo book that talks when you push the buttons.



Tyler's parents took us to see the old Santa Barbara Catholic mission. It was gorgeous.

We took a walk along the Santa Barbara Pier and saw this huge Pelican. Later that night, Tyler's parents took us to a seafood restraunt on the pier. I got fish and chips. yum yum




The cutest thing happened today...I was trying to teach Kellen the word "arm", he quickly ran away from me into his room and returned with his Mr. Potato Head's arms.haha He gets it!