Snow fun

Once we ate & the kiddos got their haircuts, their Uncle B was ready to go out and have some snow fun. 

Zack & Kenzie wore their snow boots, but Kassi didn’t nor did we think about bringing snow clothes.   Thank goodness this household has tons of extra winter clothing items.  Once Kassi was bundled up, she headed out with Uncle B and was the first up.

It’s funny because years ago I would have cringed at the idea of this, but on this day I never thought twice about it.  Uncle B is great with the kids – he explains everything & stresses safety!!  So here they are having fun being pulled while on a snowboard . . .

Kassi was a natural – I guess all that skateboarding gave her the edge.

Uncle B was a skateboarder in his youth – so he was looking to have fun too.  So, Zack & General C drove the quad while pulling B.

Mackenzie even got into the action & did a fine job too.  I never got to see Zack doing it, but apparently he had fun too.

 

JAY’S TURN . . .

Yes, we finally talked Jay into giving it a try, too.  

He didn’t find it as fun as the kids, but he gave it a try.  The kids had a blast!!

‘Umble Jay’

When we arrived at Jay’s sister’s house – it had been about four months since the little ones had seen him, and they weren’t too sure who he was.  He tried to talk with them, but they were having nothing with it.  Finally, Princess said something to Kassi about not knowing him, but Kassi assured her she did know him and it had just been a while since she had seen him. 

Well, Princess was sitting at the island and Jay was trying to explain who he is . . .

“I am your mommy’s brother.”

her reaction . . .

“NO, you’re not!”

Well, there were more conversations about who was who’s mommy, who was who’s husband, who was who’s brother, etc.  I don’t know if she ever really grasped the whole concept or if she just finally realized he was alright.  Because once she warmed up to him, there was no turning back.

She liked hanging out – literally on his shoulders – with her ‘Umble Jay’. 

Time to sell

Mackenzie is enjoying taking part in her troop’s activities and what better way to help support their activities, but to sell those much loved cookies. 

Mackenzie has set her goal at 400 boxes and she’s well on her way!  The first day out – Jay took her out for a total of four hours – and she sold 136 boxes – that’s straight pavement & door to door sales, once you add the few additional family orders in there, she’s at 175 boxes. 

I am so proud of her!!

Quality time

While Jay & Zack played their game, Mackenzie sat with Odie going through her Littlest Pet Shop animals. 

He really liked these little animals.  Earlier we were sitting with him showing him an animal and then he’d name it and he’d tell us what kind of sound it made.  After a while, he reversed the role and would ask, “Hassie, wha’s dis?” After she’d name it he’d say, “Good job.”  How adorable he is!!!

He’s also such a little love bug!!  We are so glad we are getting to spend time with him. As Jay said, this is the best age.

Game time

Zack was introduced to this game by a couple different friends and it is all he has been talking about.  So, we broke down and bought it once Jay got here.  I had read that it could be a tool to use to teach/learn a little bit of history of WWII.  It’s not a quick play game.  It takes quite a while – like HOURS to complete, and I’m not really sure how much knowledge of the history of WWII can be gained from just playing.  I will have to read the ‘book’ – game play - that comes along with to see how I can also make it educational!

Arrived

Jay is with us for a short visit.  Some young ladies joined the kids & I to pick him up at the airport.  We were so excited to be seeing him.  Well, when we picked up Jenna & Alyssa, they brought with them this awesome sign. 

How bad is that??

We – his own family – didn’t even think to make him a cool ‘welcome home’ sign.  But you know what – that’s why we so love Jenna & Alyssa because they are AWESOME and make everything fun and cool!!

Hangin’ with Odie

Odie loves Mickey Mouse.  One morning I was sitting at the table with him eating breakfast while he was watching Mickey’s Playhouse.  When it was time for the show to end, he turned to me and said, “That’s my Mickey, Aunie.”  I laughed and told him Mickey has lots of friends. 

Well, I just knew we had to get him that crazy dance star Mickey for Christmas – so he could have his Mickey.  Odie is just at that fun age and we enjoy him so much.  We like spending time with him and giving him things!!

Well, while we were cleaning up our dinner/pizza mess so he could open his gift and then we could watch Despicable Me, he decided to start on the wrapping.

Finally, it was time for him to tear into his gift.

He was so cute to watch and interact with Mickey.  He carried him around. He showed his mommy.  I think – at least, hope – he liked his new Mickey.

Then we all settled in to watch the movie.  He sat and watched the movie with Zack.

Mackenzie kept company with the dogs.  They were so cute together.

Our family gathers together

Last week we had our family Christmas.  We were suppose to do it the day after Christmas, but Zack was sick here and a couple of my nephews were sick there.  So, we decided it was best to postpone and get all the ‘icks’ out of the systems before we came together. 

So, last weekend we made the short trip to their house.  It was a nice casual gathering of family and simple foods.  After we ate, it was time for a quick floor clean up – remember there are two three year olds in this house, LOL - gather the kiddos, and open presents.  So, we got the little ones – a two year old and two three year olds – situated and started passing out the gifts. 

Little Odie here was very anxious and tried to sneak a peek.  We kept telling him to wait, but he’d slooooowly and very quietly rip a little more.

Isn’t he too funny!!

There were two little play carpets we were able to get the twins to sit on each and collect their gifts. 

This family likes to play games.  So we got the kids some new games to add to their library including Uno Moo for the littles.

Odie finally got his gift unwrapped!  He is definitely different than most kids – he truly enjoyed opening each gift and then examined each gift before being encouraged to move on to the next one.  Including the ornaments we gave him – he wanted them opened for inspection. 

We thought it would be nice to get Lil’ Princess her own little tea set.  What little girl doesn’t have tea parties with her dollies?  Ok – mine didn’t, but there’s still hope for her.

Our nephew is the big UNO player in the house so we also got him a new version of UNO. 

Mackenzie was excited about all the new craft kits her aunt found for her.  I had no idea Crayola has such a selection of kits – and at Target!

Uncle B sat down with his littles and played a round of UNO Moo. 

While we played Mexican Train Dominoes. 

I think Lil’ Man really liked the laptop Grandma & Grandpa got him.

It was a great visit and the kids had a great time hanging out with their cousins.