Christmas Eve 2017

The night before Christmas Eve my sister brought the boys over along with stuff to make gingerbread houses. Justin was out with his sister that night so it was a fun thing to do with all of the kids. Teddy basically just wanted to eat his immediately and the same with Nora. Everly took her decorating very seriously. It was so cute. We finally convinced Aspen to leave the Mickey she was watching with Cameron to come and decorate hers. She was very meticulous about putting the candy on. The next morning we planned a ne little Christmas Eve tradition called Bagels and Bingo. I am not sure if this will be something we can do every year since I often work on Christmas Eve but it was fun to do this year. My sister had a Christmas bingo game and some candy canes as prizes and I picked up bagels and brought them over. It was a fun little way to start the day. Christmas Eve I was running late as usually and we barely got a seat but somehow I managed to sneak in and get a row for all of us. The kids were all actually pretty good during mass but part of that was because Teddy was sick. After mass we headed home for our Christmas Eve appetizers and presents from the cousins. The kids had a great night and it was fun to watch them open everything. Even Cam got really into ripping off the paper. It was a great night and we finally headed home to put out cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer!

Ted, "Can I eat this now?"

frosting everywhere

 

Missing Mae!

We clean up well.

Happy Birthday Teddy!

Last week we celebrated Teddy's 5th birthday with a party at Pump it Up in Peoria. This is the same place we had the girls party in the fall so they were excited to go back. It was kind of a nuts week with getting ready for the holidays and everything but the kids had a blast. It was funny to see Teddy interact with his little school friends. The kids burned a ton of energy and Teddy got lots of legos so it was a successful night!

Everly's First Camping Trip

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, Justin planned a camping trip for Everly. My brother-in-law and nephew went along as well. They decided to go over to Lake Pleasant because it is close and Teddy is obsessed with fishing. Everly was very excited to go although I acted all sad she was leaving me and she actually cried a little in the car because she was going to miss me. She is so sweet. Other than a little fall while hiking and forgetting to bring plastic utensils, it sounds like they had a lot of fun. Justin sent me a couple of pictures but made a little video of the trip.

Zoolights 2017

You know the holiday season is really here when it is finally Zoolights again. Last night we went for member preview night because it is way less busy than the regular nights. Also, member nights include free stingray bay and free carousel rides. You can see our previous years at Zoolights HERE. It is fun to look back at previous years. Arizona is weird. Sometimes it is cold and last night was not one of those nights. The weather was very mild and it is going to be a warm Thanksgiving this year. This year we were also able to go through the Dino trail since we have the season pass. The last time we were at the zoo a couple of weeks ago the kids went on the camel and we realized adults can go too so this time Doug took Cameron on a camel ride. He did great and the other kids were jealous! We did the carousel in the beginning and Justin and Doug took the big kids through sting ray bay at the end. It was a fun night and I still can't believe the holidays are here!

pretty pink skies last night!

love these goofballs!


dino fun!

they brought the talking giraffe back!

Isaac the camel

Love these guys!

Friday Zoo Day

On Friday, I had the day off from work and Everly had no school for Veteran's Day so we headed to the zoo with my sister and the kids. It was a busy day to be at the zoo but thankfully we got there before it opens to non-members. The zoo is still slightly under construction but it is much better. We also upgraded our passes so we can see the Dinos in the Desert anytime through April. We checked out the Dinos first and then headed to the lions, hyenas, baboons and wild African dogs. On our way to the farm playground we were walking by the camels and Aspen (who is normally scared of all the things) decided she wanted to ride the camel. So I decided to roll with it. Teddy, Aspen and Everly all went for a ride together. She seriously never hesitated and did so well. Teddy was totally smashed in between the girls but they had a good time. We hit up the playground after and then the carousel on the way out. Aspen insisted on the giraffe that doesn't even move but she was happy. It was a good morning and I think 3/5 kids fell asleep on the way home so success!

these kids are obsessed with Christmas

love these kids!

 

these two are inseparable