Mike and Michael's Family Blog

During the first year of our relationship, Mike and I implemented a tradition that we have followed every year without fail. We spend one holiday, either Thanksgiving or Christmas, at home in Philadelphia with Mike’s family and one holiday at home here in California with my family. Oftentimes, Mike’s parents would join us and my family in California for the holiday spent here. When the next holiday season would roll around, we would switch the holidays. Our families have come to expect and rely on our schedule. Last year, we spent Thanksgiving in Philadelphia, and Mike’s parents flew out to California to spend Christmas here with my family. This was our first holiday season with Christopher, and we wanted to make sure we were at our home to celebrate it.

This year will not be any different…from last year. Although we should be planning to spend Christmas in Philadelphia, we just couldn’t think of spending it away from home. Besides, Mike’s cousin was planning to get married in mid-November. We decided to spend an early Thanksgiving in Philadelphia to see the family, celebrate the holiday and Mike’s cousin’s nuptials. It was rather convenient.

The flight to and from were uneventful. Before departing San Francisco, the pilots invited us into the cockpit to get a view. This photo shows Christopher delighting in this experience.

Christopher in the pilot’s seat

Much to our surprise, Christopher only slept for 30 minutes on the flight to Philadelphia. As you can imagine, we spent quite a bit of time walking up and down the ailes during the 5 1/2 hour flight. Here Christopher takes a break with dad to read a book.

Taking a break to catch up on the Backyardigans’ Christmas Adventures

We had spent time with Mike’s family quite a bit this year, with Christopher’s 1st birthday in May, his Christening back in Philadelphia in July, our wedding in California in July followed by our reception in October. Yet, something about this trip was different. Christopher is now at the age where he recognizes people, even those whom he has not seen in awhile. Christopher squealed with excitement when he saw Nana and Pop-pop. Here is a picture of Pop-pop and Christopher sharing a moment, albeit in front of the television.

Pop-pop and Christopher watching the game

We are very thankful…