Christmas '09

I went back to southern California for Christmas and it was amazing. I felt right at home walking off the plane, seeing signs for "exit" instead of "way out" hearing American accents, and most importantly driving 80 mph on the freeway in my rental car. I'd forgotten you could move that fast!!!

The trip was filled with sun, warmth, fun and family. Couldn't have been better. The niece and nephews were such a joy. Honestly, I was sad to come back to London after 3 weeks of hanging out with old co-workers, friends and especially the family. Especially considering that since my flight was delayed out of Chicago, I arrived at Heathrow airport after the last train had left so I continued my glorious traveling by sitting in the airport for another 4 hours until the tube started running again and bearing the below freezing temperatures outside with the atypical ridiculously cold weather London was going through when I got back.....aaaanyway.

Here are some pics. Aren't they cute???

Dallin, contemplating the deep things in life I'm sure. Check out those eyelashes...

Jim W, Kate and Billy.

Carrie and my nephew Thad (hadn't gotten to see him in person before this trip!)

Carrie, Evan, Dallin, Thad

Mom, Dad, me, Billy, Cambry


Dallin "Storm Trooper" Gilstrap. I love it.


Cambry. This was snapped during one of her dancing sessions.


Billy. I got to spend the most time with him. I'm pretty sure I secured my position as favorite aunt by the time my trip was over. I loved that he called helicopters "be-bopters" and my favorite was hearing him say my name, "THANNON!!!"


I didn't have too many pictures of the adults in the family, but the kids are cuter anyway.