Science City at Union Station

We had a day off, and an invitation to go to Science City, so we were "off and running!"

what a coincidence that we ran into Anna and Gary here!

Kayli really wanted to try the sky bike on the wire, but she was very disappointed when the lady told her she didn't meet the height requirements. She was so close...the lady even made her take her hat off, bummer...

well, on to the next thing...

after Science City closed, we took some time to explore the Union Station...

It was so beautifully decorated!

Family Gift Exchange

We all gathered at Laura, Mickey, and Colin's house for a family Christmas dinner and gift exchange on Christmas. I took a few photos of some of the individual families...

Anna was "off and running," but here's a candid shot of Eileen and Gary...

there were lots and lots of presents and food brought to the party...

Anna and Kayli sold Girl Scout cookies to everyone...

Jake and I both took a turn playing Christmas carols on the piano...

we had a fabulous meal together of beef tenderloin, with all the trimmings. It was heavenly!
Then, we gathered in the living room to exchange gifts...
I got a gift certificate for a massage, and a babysitter while I'm gone getting the massage!
Kayli got something she would have never guessed, a pair of Dwarf African Frogs! They are soooo cute...

here are a few more pictures taken at home...

so, back to the Christmas exchange...Kayli helps her Grandpa open one of his gifts...

the exchanging went on and on...

Adam's girlfriend, Stephanie, doesn't seem to be too fazed by our big, loud crew. She just goes with the flow. She fits right in...

Aunt Suzanne had some special gifts for the kids...

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Christmas Morning

NO WAY, after I told her and told her that she could not expect Santa to bring such an expensive gift as an Xbox, well, what do you think that crazy, jolly old guy decided to leave under our tree???

Kayli says "I owe Santa soooooo many cookies!!!"

Such a Happy Day...

A new friend for Ling, that, according to Kayli, is dressed "so swag!" Her Godmothers sent her. She has a long streak of purple in her hair. She plays the guitar...

She brought a beauty shop chair...

that she loves to sit in while Kayli adds ribbons and bows!

Kayli's good friends, Nickolaus and Kaitlyn, sent her some sweet gifts too,..

Santa was good to Sprinkles too...

I guess we've been pretty good this year, Sprinkles!

Tayli the Elf

Tayli came a little bit late this year, but made up for it with some fun gifts like chef aprons and hats, some tiny Christmas books, a tiny Christmas bowling game, and some tiny movie night paraphernalia that I am sure Kayli's dolls will now be happy to use!

thanks for hanging out with us for a few weeks, Tayli! Merry Christmas!

The Traditional Grinch Party

This party is such a great opportunity for me to have the kids all to myself for one night during the Christmas holiday! I get such a different perspective as I sit back and listen to them interact and talk about what's important to them in their lives right now. It's priceless!

 from the oldest to the youngest, we share pizza, cookies, candy, and fun...

Kayli and I had a surprise for everyone this year...she had acquired a crazy, big marshmallow shooter at the Girl Scout party/ market a couple weeks ago, and wanted everyone to have their own personal marshmallow shooters to take on our Christmas lights walking tour tonight. So, we bought some pvc piping and made a smaller version of hers for everyone. So, just before we headed out the backdoor to walk to the neighborhood lights tour, we handed everyone a marshmallow gun and a handful of marshmallows. They were too much fun!

and to top off the night, the oldest "Who" and the youngest "Who," spent some time relaxing in the hot tub!

Memories...priceless!