Rose Bowl Fun

Daddy headed off to California for the Rose Bowl. Since mommy encouraged him to go, he sent her her own roses. So, the kids had fun posing with them and then watching the game. We made snacks and watched the game while doing puzzles and playing with new Christmas toys. I think we had a lot more fun than dad given the first play of the game was a 75 yard toughdown and Iowa lost 45-16. Didn't phase the kids, though!

New Years Party Animals

Despite Brian being in Cali at the Rosebowl, we still hosted a New Years party with some friends. Adults relaxed, kids ran around crazy playing. We had them celebrate New Years at 7:30 with sparkling apple juice, noise makers, hats and streamers to throw. 

Adults didn't make it to midnight, as kids had had it. Around 8:30, I looked around and couldn't find Gavin anywhere. So, I went upstairs and he had hour himself to bed with all the lights on...apparently was done partying. 

Alexis kept herself up until 10:00, even though she took several little cat naps anywhere and anytime, since she was exhausted. She didn't want to miss out on the action. Conner was the real winner staying up to help mom clean a little bit with the promise to see the ball drop at 11:00. Unfortunately TV and my phone were a couple minutes off, so missed it by seconds. Thankful for YouTube at that point and that Conner didn't recognize it said 2015 instead of 2016! A great way to ring in the New Year!

Granting Smiles

Today was the day we had been prepping for for over a month. The gifts had been piling up on our bedroom like an amazing pile representing all the amazing giving and selflessness that represents our village. 

People we talk to all the time, people we haven't seen since high school, parents friends, etc had come together to send gifts to us to take to the hospital treasure chest. It was truly amazing to see the amazing response to one post about wanting to give back to the hospital and if anyone wanted to give, they were welcome. The outpouring truly warmed our hearts. When we unpacked them all, it was amazing to see. 277 gifts...each to give a smile to a kid during treatment. 

We loaded the gifts into wagons and hauled them to the clinic. It took 4 wagon trips! The kids got to unload the gifts into the treasure chest. There was one girl there picking out a toy, and so I pulled out a couple girl options. Her face lit up when I brought out the princess duplo Lego set. It was so great to see! Direct impact. 

Thanks for all that gave to this cause. It's so great to give these kids that go through so much a little something to bring a smile.

Limo Fun

We hosted Laura's side of the family for Christmas this year. 10 kids and 7 adults in a house meant that we tried to find a lot of outside activities. We had a great time bowling as well as a limo ride to look at Christmas lights again. Alexis loved dancing, and Conner and Gavin stuck their hands out the window to wave at cars going by. Always a fun time in a limo!

Note: sorry for the blurry pics. Our computer broke, so not many pics have been taken lately!