One Happy Boy

Carter has wanted a Nintendo Switch for quite some time. Every time we would go to Target he would stand and look at the switch and dream about the day he would have one. He has been saving his money and once he finally had enough to buy it he was ready to go to Target. He has played and played on it and even has a couple buddies from school he can play with. 

 

Valentine Party

This was our 9th annual Valentine Party. 

The kids and I headed to Mom and Dads on Friday March 12 for our 9th annual Valentine Party. We had to post pone it this year due to bad weather in February. Friday night we stayed up way to late talking to mom and dad and then Saturday morning we headed to Columbia to visit friends and run a few errands. Saturday late afternoon and evening we traded our valentines and just enjoyed each others company. Sunday everyone went to church and then back to mom and dads for lunch. After lunch the kids both took turn driving John's new to him truck. It is a 5 speed and they both want to learn to drive a stick. Uncle John always has the most fun toys. 

Our boxes this year:

Iceberg with penguins (Henry), Lighthouse (Shelly), Popcorn Truck (Megan), Up house (me), Coocoo Clock (John), Cinderella's Castle (Kenzie), Heart (Dad), Shiny (Carter), Valentine Box (Grandma Lou), Train (Lilly), Elsa Castle (Aubrey), and Valentine boxes (Mom)

Carter's box - he did Shiny from Moana

My box, I did the up house.

Got a few pictures of Grandma with the kids.

 

Shelly and kids visit

Shelly and her kids came to visit in January. Everything was shut down and it was freezing outside so we just played games, did science experiments and hung out. It was such a fun weekend. 

There was lots of playing in the snow. 

McKenzie loves to make Disney themed dinners. They are always so good.

Look how cute her cake pops turned out. 

Our neighbor makes hot chocolate bombs so we had to try them. They were fun and delicious.

These two are two peas in a pod.

 

Happy New Years

New Years Eve we met Jason, Zelda & Harper in Iowa City for the weekend. On the way to Iowa City we had dinner at The Shed. It was great food and the waiter and waiters wore bib overalls. It was farm themed and I loved it.  

We got to the hotel around 8 and just hung out there. I took balloons, party hats and sparkling grape juice for the night. The balloons were a huge hit with Harper. 

Ringing in the New Year.  I haven't stayed up until midnight for years but had fun doing it this year. 

In the morning everyone humored me and went with me to the Dillard's New Years Day sale.  I always went to this sale in Columbia but had thought I wouldn't get to this year,  Little did I know I would be staying in a hotel within walking distance to Dillard's. After a little shopping in the mall we ate lunch and went Ice Skating. How fun to have an ice skating rink in the mall. 

The next day we went to the Children's Museum. It was geared toward kids Harper's age but everyone had a great time. 

 

McKenzie showing us how to hula hoop.

Tim milking the plastic cow.

We found a local BBQ restaurant for lunch. My little guy loves his ribs. 

The balloons were a favorite activity all weekend. 

In the afternoon and evenings we hung out in our room, played cards and swam at the hotel.

Christmas morning

Mom and Dad came and stayed with us Christmas eve. I didn't take very many pictures, I just lived in the moment.  But we ate well, played games, opened gifts and enjoyed their company. 

Mom and I in our matching pjs. 

 

Christmas at Mom and Dad's

Christmas at Mom and Dad's was a ton of fun. 

Henry and Carter opening gifts

McKenzie helping Aubrey read her Christmas Card.

Shelly sitting in the floor with the kids to open gifts. 

Tim and Grandma

Grandma, Aubrey, and Tim

A few of us snuck away to see some family friends living nativity they put on every year.

 When your birthday in 3 days after Christmas you get to celebrate when everyone is together. Carter opening his birthday presents. 

Carter doesn't love cake so mom made some chocolate dessert for him. 

Christmas in Branson

Two weeks after our Thanksgiving trip to Branson we went down for the Cummings family trip. Except this year it looked different that usual. It was cancelled but we still met Tim's cousin down there and shared a condo with them.  We had a blast and hope to do it again sometime. 

We always stop for throwed rolls on the way down. 

Friday we went shopping. It was raining so Carter was such a gentleman holding the umbrella for Lex

We went to the Presley's Friday night. 

Alexis' husband Josh is serving our country but was granted leave for Christmas. He showed up to dinner and surprised the kids. They had no idea he was coming but they were so excited to see him. 

Our new thing this trip was the Steamboat Branson Belle.  It was a hit. I would like to try it when it is a little warmer and we could be outside more. Burr it was cold. 

Tim and his cousin Alexis.

Josh and Alexis

My cute family.

The show inside the Branson Belle. The talent in Branson is incredible. 

One night we all pilled in our car and drove through the Promised Land Zoo. We have done this the past few years. They set up lights at night to drive through. They have Santa, hot chocolate and real reindeer also.

This ape use to be at the Landy but is at Promised Land Zoo now. I have pictures of the kids on it from when they were very little until now.