New Year's Eve

Church from 9-12 (had to be at church ten minutes early to sign a certificate) and that was it! No other meetings for either of us!! We actually went to church in one car--doesn't happen very often.

That afternoon we straightened up for the party and I put together a 2017 family video to watch. Kids did lots of floor puzzles. We had a scrumptious dinner (spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, mozzarella sticks, peas and mystery koolaid--strawberry Sharkleberry fin... I totally got it first!) and tons of snacky food out and treats and soda and games. We watched the family video and kids wanted to watch all other videos I had added to my YouTube channel from past years. We got out glowstick glasses and did the countdown with New York on Univision at 9 and again at midnight and went outside and banged pots and pans. Fun that the kids are old enough to stay up late and play games and enjoy all the snacks!! 

Here's a link to our 2017 YouTube video:

Saturday and Christmas Away

Many good movies on today while we worked on various projects. Ross went with Allen to the scout tree pickup fundraiser. I finished a puzzle and started another. We organized the garage and took Christmas down. The girls played with toys, including my old domino set. Ross took Abby grocery shopping for our New Year's Eve party. I gave three girls baths and Allen worked on his camel diary project for school.

"I had my own white Christmas through this 750-piece project. 😉❄️🌲"

Which Park?

"After French toast and chores we went to the park. I asked the kids what park they wanted to go to. Allen described his favorite park, but didn't know the name. His description matched nothing nearby and I realized he was talking about a park in Texas. Wow! We've lived in California for 4 years now, but this kid remembers fun we had in Coppell as if it were yesterday. Made my heart happy. 💕 Memories are a gift!! 🤗😘 to all of our TX friends!"

Still working on my puzzle after two more movies. Still has a hole, but it's getting smaller. ☺️

Tonight we went to the temple. I fed the kids dinner and they were popping popcorn as we left and going to watch the Veggie Take Christmas and then Condorman. We were the witness c and when we got home it was nice that everyone was asleep in their beds. Good job babysitting kids!! So thankful we can attend the temple and the kids are learning responsibilities.

"Joyful experience. Last temple trip of the year."

Puzzle Day

I made a repeat breakfast. I took kids to library. I spent much of the day working on this puzzle and watching Hallmark while kids read and played with toys and playdough.

Christmas Abel

Ross went back to work. I made pancakes, eggs and ham for breakfast. We watched lots of movies and Hallmark. Here's a list to keep us on track for the day...

Christmas Cain

Took Abby shopping at the mall to use her $100 gift card and I used a $20 card from my birthday. I bought a new Purse and handbag. Abby bought boots, pink sparkly jacket, silver hat, shirt, s'more toy, lotion, bath bomb and hand gel.

That night we went to the drive-in to see a double feature--Ferdinand and Greatest Showman... And we could see another screen playing double feature Star Wars and Coco. When Ferdinand ended we found the radio station for the other screen and watched several scenes of Star Wars. When Greatest Showman ended we watched end of Coco... so we felt like we saw four movies!!

Christmas Day

I was up at 6:30 before most of the kids (got 3 hours), and we watched Luke 2 and Joy to the World and Charlie Brown Christmas while everyone gathered and before we opened presents.

Here's some of what we got:
Ross--ski pass, Google homes, daily comic book, socks, running shorts

Andrea--boots, shirts, coat, instant pot, purse, cd

Allen--Drone, telescope science set, robotic dinosaur, mp3 player, binoculars/water camel pack, Ripley's book

Abby--Drone, Furreal pet, mp3 player. My Life outdoorsy doll, Sharpie set, robotic fish

Jane--Drone, Furreal pet, boogie board for writing, robotic fish, Barbie and Barbie food truck

Emma--Drone, Furreal pet, boogie board for writing, Batgirl cave, track for Hexbugs.

Jill--Drone, Furreal pet, boogie board for writing, robotic dinosaur, Tangled playdough set, Barbie

Family--magnet tiles, karokee machine, DVDs, jump drives, van and foosball table, drive-in twice, dinner for Christmas @Bucca di Beppo.

Great day!! Fun to open parents. Play with toys, play with foosball, do a puzzle, watch movies (Grinch, It's a Wonderful Life, When Calls the Heart, A Christmas Story), and Italian dinner.

Here's some video clips and photos below...

https://youtu.be/vgv59Y0v3eM