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).

September Trip to Utah Part Two: Shannon's Wedding

The second part of our short trip was about seeing the Great Grandparents.

First stop: Grandma and Grandpa Blanks.  The kids had a lot of fun playing the piano.

Playing this trumpet that I'm sure my aunts played on too, it's so old.  :)

For some reason I didn't get any pictures of my grandparents.

Next stop was Grandma Nelson's.  

Emmalyn found this cash register at Aunt Tammy's house and LOVED it.  She has dragged it around with us.  

Grandma cooked some delicious meatloaf for us.  It's always a treat to get her cooking.  Her food is part of many memories for me.  I was lucky to get to enjoy it a lot when I was in college and lived here part of the time.

Emmalyn was so tired and it was time for a nap, so I made a little pallet for her on the floor.  I thought it was super unlikely she would fall asleep but she totally did!

Emmalyn enjoyed a pb & j sandwich with chips when she woke up.

Emmalyn, always a lover of dogs, wanted to pet Benny.

We headed back to Tammy's for dinner.  Emmalyn and Maryn went out to pick some raspberries.  mmmmm fresh raspberries are so amazing!

These two cuties make my heart so happy.

Maxwell and Preston playing soccer

After dinner we all went for a walk around the neighborhood.  (How cute are Emmalyn and Preston?)

Maxwell had fun holding snowball's leash

Finishing the night with a little uno

 

The next morning, we got to see everyone before they left for school.  It was such a short trip, we couldn't believe it was over already.

Such a sweet girl

Back on the plane!  We had a quick layover and then got on another plane.

Sneaky pic from Peter - boy do I look thrilled.

She was an awesome traveler!  I was happy to have her as my seat partner and we were able to find a few other things to entertain her and not just the ipad.