merry christmas and a happy new place!

We had a great Christmas day (although Jeff was not with us) opening presents and enjoying family time with Sara's family. The kids were elated to see that Santa had left them a note and eaten the buckeyes they left for him. Charlie was possibly most excited about his new underwear (I will respect his privacy and not mention what kind!!) and Heather mentioned that the Barbies were not quite what she meant when she said Barbie but was happy to see that someone else got Polly Pockets which actually was what she meant. They enjoyed trying out theie new toys before we packed them up to leave the next morning.
Friday morning mom finished loading up the car and we settled in for a 9 hour trip to the naval base we were to fly out of. The kids were GREAT! Cameron slept virtually the whole trip and cried for less than 15 minutes in total. The next morning we got up and had a leisurely morning of hotel breakfast, cartoons, and swimming in the indoor pool. We headed over to check in our stuff--which was an adventure--then to Chucky Cheese to kill the afternoon. Mom and dad had an extended stay with us at the airport as our plane got delayed but we eventually got on and took off.
Well just before we took off from our nicely situated four seats the stewerdess informed me that the car seat had to be in the middle--ie between me and Heather or Charlie. I started to panic but got us situated and the older two sitting next to eacfh other took off in experienced flyer (which they are not) form. Eventually there was a moving about of seats and I sat in 3 of the 4 seats during the trip. We landed and there was Jeff waiting to meet us. The kids were elated and made it through. Travelling went well but was made MUCH easier by help from family and Jeff's sponsor who happened to be headed back home on the same flight we were.
More about the house and area later but Jeff did a great job unpacking and after less than 24 hours I can say there's nothing I don't like about it. Of course everyone would like bigger but everything is very nice, the rooms are situated well and we should be able to create space for all of us. The island is really pretty and VERY rural! Jeff took us out driving around and we saw a rainbow--I'm taking that as a "promise" that everything is going to work out during our time here.