Christmas Vacation

On Christmas morning Ainsley was the first one up at 4:45 AM. Next came Kaylee around 6:30 AM, and then Landon around 7:00 AM. By the time Landon woke up the girls were going nuts. Especially Kaylee who was throwing around threats about what was going to happen if she didn't get to open her presents soon. We stayed in our pajamas until it was time for dinner with the Beeson's. Actually Chris didn't because he was outside setting up our new trampoline!

Grandma Yarbrough arrived the day after Christmas.  During her stay Landon and Kaylee convinced her to jump on the trampoline with them. Today Grandma had to go home, but we snuck in a quick trip to the Children's Museum before we took her to the airport.

Tonight is New Year's Eve. We're going to play some games and let the kids stay up a little later than normal. I've considered letting them try to make it to midnight, but they are so notorious for waking up early no matter what time they go to bed that I just don't think I can bring myself to let them . . . maybe next year. Here's to 2011!  Happy New Year! 

Merry Christmas to all . . .

 . . . and to all a good night! 

Countdown to Christmas Break

December was filled with activities. There was a spelling bee, a choir concert, and classroom Christmas parties. And, Chris and Landon got to see Yo Gabba Gabba Live!

Thanksgiving Break

Over Thanksgiving break Grandma Gadd came for a visit. Grandpa was supposed to come too, but he'd recently had surgery and was still recovering. After much deliberation, Grandma and Grandpa decided Grandma would come on her own. While she was visiting, we introduced her to the wonderful world of geocaching and the delicious Hula Hut. We did a little Black Friday. We decorated our house for Christmas. And, (as always) we were sad to say goodbye when the time came. We missed Grandpa a lot, but we're so glad Grandma still came.

Grandma and Grandpa Yarbrough

Grandma and Grandpa decided to come out for a visit at the end of October so Chris and his dad could go to a hockey game in Dallas. The Penguins were playing of course. Because of the timing of the game, Grandma and Grandpa joined us for Halloween again this year. We also got to celebrate Grandma's birthday with her. Fun!

 Fun!

Don't Barf on the Floor

I discovered this little gem on the kids' white board the other day - compliments of Ainsley.

Geocaching

Definition:  Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.

Our Profile:  Five Goonies, members since 11/06/10
First cache found:  11/07/10

We've decided to make this our new family pastime.  The kiddos are incredibly excited.   I'm about to have a "Goonies" movie night with them, so they'll understand why I decided to call us "Five Goonies". 

 Our First Hunt

 

I know, we're nerds, but I think we're going to have some great outdoor adventures. 

Halloween in California

Last weekend I headed out to California all by myself for a family visit. My brother was throwing a Halloween party the Saturday I was there, so I got to go! I arrived super late Friday night after a crazy plane trip that made me confident I could navigate flights and airports if I ever compete on "The Amazing Race". 

On Saturday my dad and I spent the day figuring out his costume. He really wanted to be a pumpkin headed scarecrow, but the pumpkin was way too heavy even after he carved a face in it. My aunt was visiting from Utah, so while my mom took her to the airport (she'd already been there for a week) my dad and I headed over to JoAnns.  We had a hilariously great time picking out random things for his costume. Before we'd even picked up anything to buy we were rolling with laughter over the crazy combination's we were coming up with. A woman that happened to be shopping near us commented that we were having way too good of a time. We finally came up with a costume and called him the JoAnns 60% off clearance guy. Angel wings on his back and Cat Woman by his side.  I dressed up as Professor McGonagall and felt like a kid again playing all the party games. It was a spooktacular night! 

 

Happy Halloween!

From, Vampire Kaylee,

Obi-Wan Kenobi,

and Alice

Trick-or-Treat!