Goodness! I didn't know it would take me a month to post about our trip! Blame it on lots of snow leading to lots of time in the house with the kids leading to no energy left to get on the internet!
Anyway, I'm excited to show the pictures of everyone we saw on our trip.
We first visited Troy's Uncle Bob and Aunt Jonna in Chouteau, OK. We had such a good time with them and they are excellent hosts and cooks. They love having people visit! Plus, the kids loved them as well!
Uncle Bob gave us a tour of his place (in 12* weather). He is an avid train collector and creates and builds himself these models in his yard. Because it's winter it wasn't all set up. Hopefully the next time we visit it'll be a little bit warmer!
Uncle Bob loves kids and our took right to him. Brian started calling him Grandpa Bob. :) He was especially fond of Ellie.
Brian had a great time playing in the game room, especially after Troy introduced him to the arcade games!
We were so surprised, Aunt Jonna and Uncle Bob got both of the kids Christmas presents. They were truly very generous to us!
Last of all, I couldn't help sharing this shot of Brian getting ready in the morning - that's how comfortable we were there, lol!
It's no secret our final destination was sunny California! The kids were so excited to see their cousins Eli and Eva, plus Aunt Erika, Uncle Rocky, and Aunt Britney. We also had a wonderful time spending Christmas Eve and Day with the Nevares Family (Rocky's family).
Brian helped Eli make cookies for Santa, but he mostly just ate the frosting. Even when we gave him his own bowl to eat, he still stuck his spreader in the container, contaminating the frosting for the rest of us! Oh well!
Christmas morning was fun and I got some great ideas for make next year simple and special. We loved spending this time with our family. I love this picture of Britney and the kids because it shows the joys of trying to take pictures of kids - Brian had had enough!
After Brian calmed down, we attempted our own Christmas family photo.
The Nevares' house was beautiful, especially their tree - as soon as I got home I bought my own huge ornaments. Isn't it so elegant?
One of the funnest things was watching Ellie. She was so friendly and let anyone who wanted hold her. I think it's because anyone and everyone gave her all the treats and food she wanted lol! Here she is with Anna, Rocky's sister-in-law.
The weekend after Christmas we went to the pier to ride on Rocky's police boat and go for a walk. We were worried about the weather, but it turned out perfect!
Boy's can't resist throwing rocks in the water, although they got a little too close for me!
The water was so calm and beautiful; I wish I could show all the pictures. This one was fun - there was one seal in the water who kept trying and trying to jump up with the other guys. They just wouldn't let him!
I think we can all agree that Rocky looks super spiffy in his uniform. The kids really loved him and he and Ellie developed a great bond. We hope he comes out to see us soon!
After the boat ride we took a walk down the pier. Troy and I came here on a date when we were engaged, so it was fun visiting it again (our picture at the top in the header was taken at the end of the pier).
This bird was posing! He stood still and cocked his head so you could take his picture!
The final thing we wanted to do in CA was visit the San Diego Zoo. Unfortunately, it didn't happen! We drove down there and it was packed! There wasn't even a place to park. So, we chose to hang out at Balboa Park (which is right next door) and go the the (overpriced) Natural History Museum. ;)
Although the museum was small, it was very hands on. The kids had fun climbing on the models and goofing off.
Poor Ellie, we wouldn't let he climb on the dinosaur. . .
This shark was pretty exciting to see
After the museum we played by the water fountain. Here's Erika and her two kiddos. . .
And me and mine. They had fun running all the way around the fountain and chasing the birds; and no one got wet!
After all that activity the kids were exhausted! This is the only time they all sat still the whole trip!
After our stay in California we took a quick detour to Tucson, AZ before heading home. We were so tired once we got there I didn't even think to pull out my camera! So, I stole these pictures from Emily's blog; I hope you don't mind!
Britney has a huge bean bag that Brian loved. Everyone took turns throwing Brian into it.
Ellie borrowed a shirt as a bib and ended up keeping it. Thanks Aunt Brit!
No, we didn't make gingerbread houses, but I wanted to show a picture of Emily and Gabe. Gabe made us an awesome steak dinner (with the help of Brit and Em) and we want to say thank you! We loved seeing you again!
One of the best parts of our vacation was being able to see Erika, Britney, Eli, and Eva again once we were back in Ohio. It was great because the kids didn't have to get reacquainted and were able to jump right back into playing together (and fighting and screaming, etc.).
The kids did A LOT of playing, especially in the snow. I can't believe how much snow we've had in January, and it's not stopping!
From the first day they were here we had snow. The kids loved going outside; they would stay out for what seemed like forever. They were all bundled up like little marshmallows and stayed pretty warm. Here is Marshmallow Eva. :)
Sledding was so much fun - they never tired of it!
Erika helped them make this little snowman
Brian had a little trouble on the rock wall. Before Auntie Britney could help him down she just had to take a picture lol!
And here is beautiful Britney in the Ohio snow.
While the kids played outside, poor Ellie was inside doing face-plants. This girl is a klutz! Here she is recovering from one. . .
Another fun adventure for us was heading down to Cincinatti and going Bananas! This was a fun inflatable play place that was great for kids and adults. The pictures speak for themselves!
This was a great group shot - thanks Brit!
Bonding with Grandma
Micah (just turned 12 months) was the bravest of them all - even braver than Ellie! He would start crawling down and slide down the slides by himself!
Ellie needed someone to go down with her. . .
But Brian, brave boy, could do it by himself.
Britney insisted on getting a picture of everyone going down the slides - thanks a lot!
We really did have some great bonding happen. . . Eli and Micah were especially good friends (Brian also bonded; I just didn't get a picture).
Sariah and Eva
Britney and Ellie
And, last of all, the true reason for Erika's and Britney's trips to Ohio:
We were so lucky to share this experience with you, Britney!
We love our family so much!
It's wonderful when we're able to see them. Speaking of, we'll be seeing all of you in Utah coming this April and May! Yea!
Anyway, I'm excited to show the pictures of everyone we saw on our trip.
We first visited Troy's Uncle Bob and Aunt Jonna in Chouteau, OK. We had such a good time with them and they are excellent hosts and cooks. They love having people visit! Plus, the kids loved them as well!
Uncle Bob gave us a tour of his place (in 12* weather). He is an avid train collector and creates and builds himself these models in his yard. Because it's winter it wasn't all set up. Hopefully the next time we visit it'll be a little bit warmer!
Uncle Bob loves kids and our took right to him. Brian started calling him Grandpa Bob. :) He was especially fond of Ellie.
Brian had a great time playing in the game room, especially after Troy introduced him to the arcade games!
We were so surprised, Aunt Jonna and Uncle Bob got both of the kids Christmas presents. They were truly very generous to us!
Last of all, I couldn't help sharing this shot of Brian getting ready in the morning - that's how comfortable we were there, lol!
It's no secret our final destination was sunny California! The kids were so excited to see their cousins Eli and Eva, plus Aunt Erika, Uncle Rocky, and Aunt Britney. We also had a wonderful time spending Christmas Eve and Day with the Nevares Family (Rocky's family).
Brian helped Eli make cookies for Santa, but he mostly just ate the frosting. Even when we gave him his own bowl to eat, he still stuck his spreader in the container, contaminating the frosting for the rest of us! Oh well!
Christmas morning was fun and I got some great ideas for make next year simple and special. We loved spending this time with our family. I love this picture of Britney and the kids because it shows the joys of trying to take pictures of kids - Brian had had enough!
After Brian calmed down, we attempted our own Christmas family photo.
The Nevares' house was beautiful, especially their tree - as soon as I got home I bought my own huge ornaments. Isn't it so elegant?
One of the funnest things was watching Ellie. She was so friendly and let anyone who wanted hold her. I think it's because anyone and everyone gave her all the treats and food she wanted lol! Here she is with Anna, Rocky's sister-in-law.
The weekend after Christmas we went to the pier to ride on Rocky's police boat and go for a walk. We were worried about the weather, but it turned out perfect!
Boy's can't resist throwing rocks in the water, although they got a little too close for me!
The water was so calm and beautiful; I wish I could show all the pictures. This one was fun - there was one seal in the water who kept trying and trying to jump up with the other guys. They just wouldn't let him!
I think we can all agree that Rocky looks super spiffy in his uniform. The kids really loved him and he and Ellie developed a great bond. We hope he comes out to see us soon!
After the boat ride we took a walk down the pier. Troy and I came here on a date when we were engaged, so it was fun visiting it again (our picture at the top in the header was taken at the end of the pier).
This bird was posing! He stood still and cocked his head so you could take his picture!
The final thing we wanted to do in CA was visit the San Diego Zoo. Unfortunately, it didn't happen! We drove down there and it was packed! There wasn't even a place to park. So, we chose to hang out at Balboa Park (which is right next door) and go the the (overpriced) Natural History Museum. ;)
Although the museum was small, it was very hands on. The kids had fun climbing on the models and goofing off.
Poor Ellie, we wouldn't let he climb on the dinosaur. . .
This shark was pretty exciting to see
After the museum we played by the water fountain. Here's Erika and her two kiddos. . .
And me and mine. They had fun running all the way around the fountain and chasing the birds; and no one got wet!
After all that activity the kids were exhausted! This is the only time they all sat still the whole trip!
After our stay in California we took a quick detour to Tucson, AZ before heading home. We were so tired once we got there I didn't even think to pull out my camera! So, I stole these pictures from Emily's blog; I hope you don't mind!
Britney has a huge bean bag that Brian loved. Everyone took turns throwing Brian into it.
Ellie borrowed a shirt as a bib and ended up keeping it. Thanks Aunt Brit!
No, we didn't make gingerbread houses, but I wanted to show a picture of Emily and Gabe. Gabe made us an awesome steak dinner (with the help of Brit and Em) and we want to say thank you! We loved seeing you again!
One of the best parts of our vacation was being able to see Erika, Britney, Eli, and Eva again once we were back in Ohio. It was great because the kids didn't have to get reacquainted and were able to jump right back into playing together (and fighting and screaming, etc.).
The kids did A LOT of playing, especially in the snow. I can't believe how much snow we've had in January, and it's not stopping!
From the first day they were here we had snow. The kids loved going outside; they would stay out for what seemed like forever. They were all bundled up like little marshmallows and stayed pretty warm. Here is Marshmallow Eva. :)
Sledding was so much fun - they never tired of it!
Erika helped them make this little snowman
Brian had a little trouble on the rock wall. Before Auntie Britney could help him down she just had to take a picture lol!
And here is beautiful Britney in the Ohio snow.
While the kids played outside, poor Ellie was inside doing face-plants. This girl is a klutz! Here she is recovering from one. . .
Another fun adventure for us was heading down to Cincinatti and going Bananas! This was a fun inflatable play place that was great for kids and adults. The pictures speak for themselves!
This was a great group shot - thanks Brit!
Bonding with Grandma
Micah (just turned 12 months) was the bravest of them all - even braver than Ellie! He would start crawling down and slide down the slides by himself!
Ellie needed someone to go down with her. . .
But Brian, brave boy, could do it by himself.
Britney insisted on getting a picture of everyone going down the slides - thanks a lot!
We really did have some great bonding happen. . . Eli and Micah were especially good friends (Brian also bonded; I just didn't get a picture).
Sariah and Eva
Britney and Ellie
And, last of all, the true reason for Erika's and Britney's trips to Ohio:
We were so lucky to share this experience with you, Britney!
We love our family so much!
It's wonderful when we're able to see them. Speaking of, we'll be seeing all of you in Utah coming this April and May! Yea!
7 comments:
Wow! Is there anything across America that you DIDN'T do on this trip! Looks like you had a great time!
Really coming to Utah this spring? We'd love to see you.
It looks like you guys had a really great trip. What are you guys coming to Utah for?
Not sure how I feel about pantless Brian, but looks like you'all had a great time! Woo-Hoo America!
We are coming to visit at the end of April to fly one more time before Ellie turns 2. This might be the last time we fly. . . :(
As for Brian's tush - it's adorable and you know it!
good times! i love you guys!
Okay...Next time your on a vacation...I'm TOTALLY going with you.
I'm planning a Super Vacation for my family too...all the way to our Cabin! haha
So much fun reading your account and re-visiting the fun memories. Thanks!
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