Family Visit from Jeff, Lilly, Greg, and Britt

This has been such a fun holiday season. We have had several things go on. First, Jeff, Lilly, and their 4 kids, as well as Greg and Brittany came down for almost a week. Jeff, Lilly, and the kids stayed with us and Greg and Brittany stayed at Brenda’s. It was a lot of fun getting to know them, and especially my sister in laws. The cousins had a great time together. The first night was pretty hectic with trying to get them to sleep, but after that they were always so tired it wasn’t really an issue.

While they were down here we got to spend a little time with Grandma Brenda, Great Grandma Melanie and Great Grandpa Wes. We had dinner a few times over here and played our new game Dominion, which I’m officially hooked on.

The kids had a lot of fun playing, and played Hungry Hungry Hippo. Do you think that’s the board game? Nope! They took the hippo push toy, and played hungry hippo by attempting to eat the other kids with it. Nice huh?

They came down Tuesday night 12/6 and left Saturday 12/10; Greg and Brit left on Sunday 12/11. The first night everyone came over for dinner, except Jon who was working nights that week. We had soup and just hung out. After everyone went home, Jeff, Lilly, and I put the kids down, and Caleb was the last one to fall asleep, and that was at 1030 pm. Wow!

Wednesday we just hung out and got to see Great Grandma and Grandpa for a bit.

Thursday all the cousins, Jeff and Lilly, me, and Greg and Brittany went to see Santa at the mall and had their pictures taken with him. They had a very awesome set up; they had a station to write their postcard to Santa, then scan it, insert it into the mailbox and push a button to send it. It was actually pretty cool. Then all 7 of the cousins that were here sat with Santa for a picture, and they did surprisingly well. Addison (8 months old) cried a little, and Carolee (6 mos old) cried after all the pictures were done when I went to pick her up. Too funny!

While we were at the mall we went to eat at Johnny Rockets. We love eating at that place, and especially love the shakes and love it when the waiters dance. So sure enough they danced for us and the kids loved it. It also helps that they often have deals where kids eat free and so that always saves us money. It reminds me of a sock hop and is fun!

After that we went to see Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo. It’s such a different experience and the kids really had a good time. And the adults enjoyed seeing the cool lights too! They put so many lights up and they’re all in the shapes of animals. Seriously so much fun! Everyone except Carolee, Addison, and I got to touch the stingrays at stingray bay. I figure I’ve done it before…everyone else should get to! :)

Friday we went to the park and the cousins got to play and then that night was the ward Christmas party. My boys were in the play as shepherds and everyone but Jon was there to spend time with the family. Jon was working each night but at least he got to spend a little time with them in the mornings.

My two shepherds with Aaron Maxwell! Not too bad for a sheet right?

Saturday morning Jeff, Lilly, and the kids left and later we got to play some games with Greg and Brittany. They left the next day. It was such a fun week and I can’t wait to get together with them all again. We decided to draw names for Christmas gifts; so the cousins all drew each others’ names and the siblings drew each others. We’re hoping we can make it so even though we live far away, the cousins can grow up knowing each other and get to spend time together.