Goodbyes

Goodbye's.

They are always the worst part of any trip, aren't they?

Getting to the airport in time for a flight was crazy and partially our fault because we were all caught up in a riveting game of Ticket To Ride (obsessed), and then Landen puked all over himself and his carset, and then the lines were long and the stress level was high......just to find out our flight was delayed a bit.

 We are so thankfully for this Christmas and the time we got to spend with Grandma and Grandpa, Aunts and Uncles, and cousins.  It has been so special.

 On our first flight we were lucky enough to fly with Jam, Z and Landy. Everyone kept busy and enjoyed the flight because we knew the second we got off that plane it would be a mad dash for our separate flights.

 They must be talking about something important...

 Each family made their connecting flights, thank heavens.

Christmas 2015 was a roaring success and a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. While it will be nice to be home in our beds, we sure are going to miss everyone.

Thanks, Forsberg's for all the memories!

Obsessed

There is absolutly not down time right now if you are over the age of 12 because we are working on getting this puzzle done.  It an obsession really.  The kids go to bed and the puzzle/game frenzy starts.

 Grandma has the kids hooked on Sorry! and they are loving it.

Braley got a Harry Potter game for Christmas and Uncle Anders feels the need to quiz her all the time. So far she's crushing it. I would like to say tho that myself, Auntie Kirs and Kahau are holding our own.

 The biggest obsession is happening right here. We are ticket to ride junkies. J-u-n-k-i-e-s.  It's bad. We have been playing til 2 in the morning most days. it's always fun to see who wins the argument to come back at night after the kids are in bed and play between Kirstin and Travis.  

 The games have gotten intense and the amount of stink eye being thrown around is unbelievable. There are high fives and drum rolls and yelling and....outta control people.

 Its so dang fun!

Then theres these two.  They think they are rail masters but hmmmmmm, I don't think they are.

A taste of winter

 Its been so warm here that we've almost forgotten its winter!  We did get a little white stuff which sent these to crazy boys outside in their bathing suits to run down the street (to prove their manliness) and then make snow angels.

You better believe though that right after these pictures they headed straight to the hot tub.

40th anniversary

Dad and Mom will be celebrating their 40th anniversary this next August and sadly we won't all be there.  We took the opportunity to have a surprise anniversary brunch for them since we were all together.  We got there a little early  and did some decorating.

 Look at these handsome boys!

 And this snugly girl...

 The Reeds:

 The Forsbergs:

 The Widings:

 The Semenoffs:

I need to find a pic of them. They were there, I promise.

Prim.  She is slowly warming up to us.  Before we leave she will be our best friend. I'm sure of it.

 We ate wonderful (and large amounts of) food,

 the kids played, and then

 We had the chance to sit and tell our parents thank you for raising us and the lessons that we have taken from them.  It was really, really special. I know that my sisters, brother and I were very fortunate to be raised by wonderful, caring, attentive parents who really only wanted us to reach our potential and find happiness. I think we have all done that.  They have been a force of good in our live and taught us to be good people and raise good families.

Happy (early) 40th mom and dad!  Love you!

Bubba and Bugga

 The little guy follows the big boy all over and its. cute.  

This is Ansen's entire argument for wanting a little brother right here and I can't blame him.

Winning her over

The girls have been excellent kid helpers the past few weeks. Olive, Axel, Meadow and Landy go to them without hesitation and  it's been fun.  Little Prim though hasn't been too sure.  Finally, just in the last day or two she's warmed up and Braley and Kahau couldn't be happier.

Good job girls!

Family pictures

Family pictures were on the must-do list while we were home.  We talked and talked about locations and then decided that we would do them at our old church building.  We spent so much time growing up there so it seemed fitting.  And also, it has the New Engaldy feel to it.  They turned out great!

Enjoy...  

Grandma and Grandpa had these great sweatshirts made for everyone.  They are so awesome!

Love this family of mine!