We finished up our holiday season with our extended family Christmas. We decided to make a long weekend of it so that everyone had a long chance to see us.
First stop, Grandpa Melvin and Grandma Roma. This was quite a treat!! We arrived in weather that made us think it was spring, which led to Chase being able to play outside almost all day. Beau and Duke (doggies) loved it! We got the gift opening out of the way and enjoyed the rest of the day watching football, eating, and catching up on both of our lives. I so enjoy this part of being with them. Chase got Scrabble for a gift and we broke that open after the girls went to sleep. Nothing makes you feel, well, stupid, like Scrabble does. I am seriously reading the dictionary as a resolution this year. But the game between us all was a lot of fun and OF COURSE Ryan ending up winning. After Chase hit the hay, we decided to introduce the dogs and let them have some fun. Oh and way after Ella had went to bed. For those of you that don't know, Ella is TERRIFIED of big dogs, hence why we got a dog. She did a little better this trip but they still can't be out while she is up. Anywho, the dogs had the run of the kitchen and they did just that, ran around and around the island in the kitchen. Beau was playing with Ava and Duke was running away from her. I am pretty sure she knew that when she went at Duke, he was scared to death of her. It was a rather funny sight to see. Little pipsqueak of a dog running after a big big dog that is scared to death. So funny!! We had a load of fun and are looking forward to our next visit! Here are some pics from our visit.
Stop #2
This was the Pickett Christmas and this consisted of 3 various present opening stages all day. We started with a visit from our grandparents and aunt and uncle. We enjoyed some great Chili and Potato Soup then we moved onto the presents. It is always so fun to see our kids opening and LOVING the presents. Then other grandparents joined us and then it was our turn. I know the kids had a great time and really had a lot of fun playing with the packaging more than the presents, which is always the case. We had such a great time and after the kids went to bed, the goofyness began. Ok maybe before but it was nice to kick back (a few) and really kick back and relax the day away. Here are some pics from our visit:
Stop #3
This was Grandma Sue's Christmas. We were excited that both uncle's would be there with us. Poor Jason wasn't feeling well but he toughed it out and made the most of it. We were all spoiled here in every sense of the word. The food was great and plentiful. The gifts were fabulous and plentiful. The company was excited and there was never a dull moment for any of us. By the time we got the Grandma Sue's house, we weren't sure we would be able to get home. We either had to choose to leave presents behind or kids. But we somehow magically fit it all in the minivan, not sure how. Here are some pics from our visit:
These stops are a great lead into my New Year Reflections. Each of our families are so different and I love each and every one of them. We are all so lucky to have so many of our extended families still alive and so interested in our kids. Here are some of my favorite reflections from our trip:
Come on, what is cuter than my grandma, Kyndall's great grandma, dancing with her in front of the tree. I mean really, so cute and such a great memory for us all.
Ok so these 2 pictures don't really need any reflection. Great drinks = great times!!
And this, look at these faces. All they say is "I'm happy and I love life", what more could a mom ask for?
Animals were the highlight of most of the houses. Duke, Beau, and Ava had a blast running around and playing. It was a little different at my parents house. Katie (beautiful spaniel girl) was less than impressed with Ava, and her keep her nose is Katie's toosh all night. It reminded me of those shark scenes everyone has seen. Big shark with this little fish attached to it's side, always right there and never moving. This was Katie and Ava. Katie was never without Ava and it wasn't until the next day when Kaite finally put Ava in her place. Although it didn't really do much. But the highlight of the trip was Ava's new friend, Smoke. Smoke is a gorgeous black cat that my mom has rescued and has let live inside. Smoke is not a very lovey cat but seems to understand kids and is very understanding with Kyndall. But Ava, there was NO understanding. Smoke hated Ava and hid for most of the time we were home. Here is where she hid and here is what she did when she came down. Check out the dinosaur like fin on her back!
We had such a great time with everyone and the kids are definitely loving all the new toys. We are so blessed to have all of these great people in our lives. And although we all live these crazy busy lives, we all find time for each other. Since we are a little behind my New Years Resolution Post is going to have to wait a couple days. Hope you enjoyed the post! Talk to you soon!
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