Gingerbread Houses

Did we really do this? Yes we did. Sick but able to create!

Christmas at Papa's

By the time it was to go to Papa's I realized I had a nasty cough and fever. It was basically a haze of music, laser gun sounds, and a puffy jacket of my mom's that kept me warm.

But I'm pretty sure everyone had a BLAST.

The kids were in love with all the fun stuff Papa got them in their stockings.

They were thrilled... literally thrilled, about all their gifts.

Excellent food, company, and very peaceful... except for my hack.

Thanks Papa for a wonderful evening!!

Christmas Eve & Morning

Christmas Eve was spent watching STAR WARS!!!! And a delicious dinner I didn't have to cook at the Peppermill coffee shop. So relaxing, so nice!

I was starting to feel a little tired but when I woke up I was fine.

Christmas morning!! So exciting!!

Everyone was very happy and very grateful.

Aunt Pam's shoes are always our favorite!!! Uggz, Nike, and Vans!??!?! WOW!!!

Daddy got a new coat so now he can throw away the one he got from a dumpster.

After gifts I was feeling tired again so the kids were wonderful and enjoyed all their goodies while me and Joe slept.

Build a Bear Magic

I knew she would love it. My mom was big on letting children enjoy an "experience". She was in 7th heaven. 

And they were having a sale so she got... SISTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Candy and Cotton Candy welcome to the family!

Pretzels. Check.

See's Candy. No check. They sold out of all their chocolates. Seriously. Empty shelves.

Time at play place. Check.

Making new friends? Um, of course!

Rides on the zoo express? Check!

And ending it out with some yummy ice cream of course! Check!