We woke excited to be finally on our way. A quick breakfast at home, an easy transfer to the airport and we were on our way to LA.

We were flying Virgin this time which was fine - not as good as Qantas in my opinion but the kids had a screen in front of them with plenty of movies to watch so they were happy.

Unfortunately we landed in LAX behind a number of other aircraft so getting through customs and immigration took a long time. By the time we picked up our bags and then walked to terminal three and went back through security they were boarding our connecting flight to Washington Dulles. We had been issues boarding passes in Sydney which had all the kids sitting by themselves which isn't allowed so we had to get seats reassigned. It was a little stressful but fine in the end. It was a bumpy slight over the States - both Eleanor and Spencer were ill so it wasn't a great flight. It was fun to see all the snow as we flew over Colorado.

We landed in Washington, picked up our hire (popped for the full size) and drove to Pa Mike and MR's in York. The traffic between Washington and Baltimore was terrible so we didn't arrive until 8:30pm to be met by Pa Mike (MR was bowling). It was an exhausting day but it was great to be back in York.

Highlights of the 9 days;

Christmas Day - special day with Pa Mike and MR.

Christmas Eve lobster and Pa Mikes special shrimp.

Spencer's birthday at Spooky Nook - an amazing sports complex with indoor rock climbing and sports fields. Spencer's face when he opened the box only to see a DVD player box and then to open it and see Pa Mikes baseball mitt.

Family bowling with the kids - Campbell had the special technique!

Christmas Lights at Rocky Ridge with Aunty Angie

Seeing Uncle Mark riding his bike from Phillie to York in a day.

Watching some High School hoops at Leigh's alma mater

Breakfast with Grandma CC at IHOP - how many choices of breakfast can there be!

Opening Christmas presents with Grandma CC - I think she went a little over the top.

The best part of our time in York was spending some quality time with Leigh's family and friends.