Dallas Zoo - New Years Eve 2016

As another activity, Kimberly Brittany and our families went to the Dallas Zoo.  We've never been there so it was fun to explore a new zoo.  It was much smaller than the Fort Worth Zoo, which was fine by me.  We were able to still see plenty.

Watching some birds

Look, it's a giraffe!

Giraffes and zebras

Watching the gorilla

He came right over to the glass

We ended up splitting off from the rest of them and went around with Tyler.  

Tram ride to see more animals

Love those silly faces :)  Tyler was really good with the kids and a good sport even though you could tell being at the zoo was not his favorite thing.

Wiped out!

Another tired kiddo (not Tyler though)

That night we had a spread of snacks to enjoy for New Years Eve and threw a little party.

We played a video of a countdown at about 9 pm so the kids could do it.  They had noise makers and then went outside to make more noise.

After the young kids were in bed, the adults and older kids played apples to apples.  (Not everyone was in a good mood so it wasn't the funnest New Years Eve we've ever had.  I ended up just going to bed earlier than the rest.)

Fun over Christmas Break 2016

It was nice to just be home this year and not go anywhere over Christmas break.  It was a lot of days (at times that has its downfalls too) to hangout.

The gingerbread houses served as constant access to candy for the kids.  

The Karaoke machine was hit with the whole family

Maxwell liked hanging out with Tyler (likely because he was on a screen a lot of the time).

We all went to a trampoline place.  It was super fun!

Whew - no major injuries

We went to see a movie (although can't remember what it was now one year later...)  Emmalyn and Maxwell were excited to take their snackeez cups (the lid on top opens up to a container for snacks which was perfect for popcorn).

Playing with Maxwell's new glitter glue pens

Enjoying nice weather outside with chalk

Uno!

We went next door to make smores outside on their new outdoor fire pit

We made our traditional pretzels topped with hugs and M&Ms.

Maxwell got a science experiment kit for Christmas and was super excited to start doing the experiments.   He did a great job of reading and following (with guidance) the directions.

Maxwell's friend met Luckshya met us at the park to play.

I bought a piano!  A guy in the neighborhood was selling it for 100.00 so we got a uhaul and picked it up.  I am sooooo excited!  It needs to be tuned but is in decent condition.

This stinker is heavy!  It took 3 guys to move it.

Breaking in the new piano.

More science experiments

The kids and I went with Kimberly to the Dallas Arboretum but first stopped at Tida's shop to say hi and then picked up some BBQ for a picnic lunch.

Gianni showing Maxwell the big mixer

It may be winter but it's always a good time for a popsicle!

We got lots of running in on the pretty grass in the sunshine.  We didn't end up exploring the Arboretum much beyond the portion by the entrance.

Peter and I went on a date out to eat and then to see the Book of Mormon musical (which neither of us really liked).

Another night we went to a movie and then over to Tida and Jason's.  Kimberly watched the kids (they had a great time).