A Visit from the Seattle Rippeys

Matt, Audrey, and Alice came down in the afternoon for a second round of presents, sugar, and awesomeness! This kids absolutely love hanging with their cousin.

 The ladies got right to it with Playdough (which is now OK for Hannah to play with).

 The boys assembled many, many Legos.

We loaded up for some exercise at the park.

I did a little mini family/Alice/maternity shoot with them. Audrey is due with Baby Boy in early February...though she'd be totally fine with it if he wanted to show up a little earlier!

 Zane is very proud that he's mastered the fire pole!

 Cuteness.

 They were so zonked they took a huge 4 hour nap together...HAHAHA just kidding. Of course they didn't. Mine wouldn't dream of doing that. But they are still adorable :)

Christmas 2014

Sugar cookies were made in preparation for the big man.

 They were rigorously tested for quality.

 Santa came...must've been good this year!

Zane woke up first, around 6:30, and couldn't wait to come down. Hannah followed around 6:35 (and was a hot mess for the rest of the day).

Ninjago Lego set from Santa!

 Loves her animatronic puppy!

 Hat and scarf sets made by Granmama!

 Hannah helping Papa put together my new fire pit!

And then we played and waited for the Seattle Rippeys to join us!

A Visit from Unkie G

Mason's buddy from high school, Garon, is back from his tour in Japan and is now stationed in Southern California. We're so happy that he's back on the west coast and hope to see much more of him! Both kids absolutely adore him and the first order of business was to teach Zane how to fly airplanes (both made by Grandpa Hal).

 The aerial acrobatics were going well until Zane's plane was swarmed by dinosaurs.

 The kiddos were banished to the Kindle while a basketball game was on.

 An astounding number of Gettysburg High School alumni live in Portland. Of course there was a get together while Garon was here. This photo was taken by another alum who just happened to be at the same bar. Anyone else find that odd?

The kids and I joined some friends for brunch and crafts while the big boys went downtown.

 Hannah was very focused on her beading!

 Zane and Ada doing some trading.

 Group coloring.

 This is how to drink coffee in the morning! I think Garon needs a Snuggie.

 Until next time, Unkie G!

Zoo Lights

Tonight we hit the zoo with our neighbors for our annual viewing of the lights. It was great! The train was working this year and they'd rearranged and added new light features so it was new and exciting. It was 44 degrees but NOT raining! Little Miss absolutely loved it! Lots of Ooooos and Aaaaahhhhhs all night with a lot "Oh LOOK!"

 Hannah and Zoe waiting for the train in front of the Christmas fish.

 Riding the train was the highlight!

 A horrible attempt at a group kid photo….hahaha!

Other holiday goings on:

Near nude Christmas hat posing.

The kids and I went caroling with other swap families in downtown St. Johns and had a great time. Zane ran ahead with the older kids, but I did see his lips moving when it was time to sing. Hannah stayed with me and sang "Jingle bells, jingle bells, HEY!" over and over.

We received a super fun box of holiday miniatures for the wooden train that Grandpa Hal made. The kids are still bickering about what should go where, but we're excited to have options!