Weekly Happenings - 12/26 - 12/31

1.  Peyton & Garrison got to extend their stay at Grandma & Grandpa's until mid-day Tuesday.  They stayed busy going to see Sing and playing lots of games, running errands with Grandpa and playing with some of their fun things from Christmas!  

2.  On Wednesday we stayed super busy!  Peyton's friend Hailey spent the day with us and we went to the pool to swim.  Garrison had a great time diving for his new superhero pool toys while the girls did countless handstands and summersaults.  We picked up Chick Fil A on the way home for lunch and played Pie Face which was a big hit!  Later in the afternoon, Garrison's friend Zach came over for a playdate.  It was wild to say the least but everyone had a good time!

3.  Wednesday evening brought the kids' next trip which was a trip to Grammy & Grandpa's for a few nights.  With a trip to the aquatic center, lots of cooking (especially for Peyton who learned how to make Grandma Mintun's homemade noodles), game playing and fun crafts, everyone had a great visit and lots of fun!  After lunch on Saturday, Grammy & Grandpa brought the kids home.

4.  While the kids were away, we played a bit but also got a lot done!  Our big project has been painting Garrison's room (it isn't quite done so the reveal will have to wait for next year) but we also got a new chair for our bedroom and did a bit of organizing.  As for playing, Chad went out with several guys from the neighborhood on Wednesday night and had a great time!  Then on Friday night, we went to dinner with our friends Kip & Marla to Rye - yummy!!  After dinner we enjoyed a bottle of wine before calling it a night.

5.  When the kids got home, Daddy helped Garrison build his very own rocket ship out of the chair box we were left with.  I'm pretty sure Garrison no longer needs his Christmas presents-  this rocket is a hit!

6.  Saturday has brought our celebration for the upcoming New Year.  Our celebration this year was pretty low key but it was great none the less!  We enjoyed Chinese food for dinner followed by brownies made by Peyton & a sparking juice / milk toast to the New Year!  The best part - the kids were off to bed at pretty much normal time and Mommy & Daddy are probably not far behind.

Happy New Year - may 2017 bring more adventures and memories for our family!!

Weekly Happenings - MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

1.  My favorite landing spot for Tinkerbell and Cookie - kneeling with the nativity set - helps remind us all why we are celebrating Christmas!  On Christmas Eve, they also brought a note that the kids could give them hugs & kisses goodbye since they would be traveling home with Santa that night.  The kids were excited to get to touch them but not so excited to tell them goodbye.  Until next year!

2.  Peyton asked if she could bake our cherry coffee cake for Christmas morning breakfast all on her own.  She did an amazing job and did everything herself!!  Yummy!!

3.  We celebrated Christmas with Grammy & Grandpa on Christmas Eve and our celebration started out with a bang with a trip to The Melting Pot!  This was the first time the kids had been and they liked it...ok, they loved it, especially the chocolate!!  It was a great meal and a great way to start our day!  When we got home, we relaxed for a bit and then opened presents.  The kids had a blast opening their presents and helping the adults open theirs too!  Garrison dug in and played with several of his toys right away and Peyton got out a couple of her games that we played later in the afternoon - a fan favorite was Heads Up!  Since we had such a big lunch we just snacked for dinner and then decorated Jesus' birthday cake before singing Happy Birthday!  Such a fun tradition that Grandma Mintun started many years ago!!

4.  Before long it was time to start our Santa preparations!  The kids tracked Santa with the computer and decided it was time to get his cookies and milk ready and to put out the reindeer food we had made!  Next up, Daddy read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to the kids before they danced off to bed with much anticipation!!!

5.  Peyton was up SUPER early (I'm talking 5 AM) and she couldn't get back to sleep as she knew Santa had been there!  We made her wait until 6:40 to wake up her brother but as soon as we woke him up he was geared up and ready to go too!!  The kids ran into the hearth room and were excited to see what Santa had left for them!  Peyton helped Apollo with his stocking and then the kids both helped us with ours.  Then we opened up our family gifts - it was a GREAT morning!  Grammy & Grandpa stayed the night so they got to enjoy the crazy of the morning, too!  And I have to tip my hat to Daddy who was willing to go along with my idea for matching PJs this year!  Garrison picked-out the style and I have to admit I have loved looking at all of our pictures with our matching PJs - so fun!!!!

6.  Later in the morning we loaded the car and were off to Grandma & Grandpa Todd's for our celebration with the Todd family!  We arrived before the others so the kids had fun telling Grandma & Grandpa about their morning so far!  When everyone arrived, we opened gifts and then had a late lunch.  The kids had lots of fun playing with Wyatt, Whitney, Morgan, Lucas and Austin and checking out some of their new toys!  Peyton & Garrison got to stay the night so we came home to a very quiet house!

Weekly Happenings - 12/19 - 12/23

1.  Our week started off with Peyton's 2nd performance at Clara's Dream and Grandma & Grandpa Todd came for this show!  Peyton danced great at this show and looked forward throughout her performance!!  Since it was a school night, we didn't stay for the ballet portion but the kids enjoyed treats before it was time to head home.  

2.  Tuesday was super busy!  First up was Peyton's holiday party at school.  I was able to volunteer at this party and had a great time helping the kids make a snowman craft.  They also had a snowball fight and lots of snacks as part of their party!

3.  Next up was Garrison's party!  Peyton was already out of school so she came along.  Garrison was excited to have us at his party and he shared with us the cookies that he and his class made and decorated as a reward for completing good deeds!  Santa even came by for part of the party!

 

4.  Peyton's final performance was on Tuesday evening and Grammy & Grandpa were there to cheer her on!  I was backstage for this show so didn't get a chance to see her perform but Grammy & Grandpa said she did great!  Since I was backstage, I did get a few pictures of Peyton with her friends - the first is with her friend Nicole and the 3rd is with Brooke & Madison.  We again didn't stay for the ballet since it was getting late but Peyton got to sneak in a snack before it was time to leave.  All in all I would say our first time being part of Clara's Dream was a success!!

5.  On Wednesday, Peyton went to her friend Hailey's for the day while Garrison had his last day at school for the year!  He went out with a bang - check-out this crew watching Polar Express!  Garrison is the one in the very front laying down with his Spiderman sleeping bag!  He looks quite relaxed!!

6.  On Thursday, Hailey came over and the kids had a great day!  They played very well and even made Yummy Nummies all on their own!

7.  On Thursday evening we had a great evening to walk around our neighborhood and deliver treats to several of our friends.  Here's Peyton & Garrison delivering.

8.  Cookie & Tinkerbell have been busy this holiday season but on Thursday they decided to take a bit of a break and played a game of cards!

9.  Friday was pretty busy around our house but we had some time to have fun too!  We had several whole family light saber battles but I caught Garrison & Daddy in this one!

10.  Friday was our day to decorate cookies for Santa.  The kids did a great job decorating a few cookies to live for the big man in red!