Happy Birthday Ben!

We headed to the Carlson's on New Year's Eve for Ben's Birthday party!  It is becoming quite the tradition since it is our 3rd year in a row attending.  The kids were excited for Pasquini pizza and Diego cake. The kids lined up in the kitchen to enjoy the pizza and homemade mac and cheese.  Avery and Ryan are getting to the age now where they can go off and play and we can enjoy a beer and some adult conversation. We then headed home, got the kids to bed and celebrated the New Year with some champagne! What a fun evening!

Pizza time

Cake time

Born to be Wild

We met up with the Angeliers at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The kids had fun checking out the animal exhibits.  We then went to see Born to be Wild, our first IMAX movie.   The kids did great with the movie - it had the right subjects - Elephants and Orangutans!   It was a really good story and it felt like the animals were in your laps!  After the movie, we grabbed lunch in the cafe.  I think Natalie was a little overwhelemd with how crazy Avery and Ryan can be!

Avery checking out the polar bears

And the seals

Ryan with the sea lions

And the bears

Great view from the museum

Waiting for the movie to start

Avery with her 3-D glasses

Christmas

We were all excited for Christmas morning but all managed to sleep in until almost 8am .  Andy and I stayed up late putting together a train set so we were happy to have the extra sleep!  After breakfast, we were ready for presents.  Ryan asked for a picture in front of the tree and found a perfect spot and Avery joined him. It was so fun to see them open up all their gifts with such excitement and joy. 

Presents divided up 

Ryan  curious about what Avery is opening

Ryan happy about his new stuffed elephant

Ryan excited for his new car carrier truck from Taiten and Greyson

Avery checking out her new outfit for her new bitty baby from Taiten and Greyson

What a great mommy


New cameras

Sporting new barrettes


After opening all the gifts by the tree, we went upstairs to check out their new train set from Grams and Gramps.  They love it!

Christmas Eve

After delivering gifts to our neighbors, we played in the snow with the kids. Avery and Ryan love the snow and would have stayed out longer if we would have let them. After an unsuccessful nap, we drove over to the Carlson's for Christmas Eve dinner, and of course they fell asleep in the car. It was so nice of them to include us in their evening. Avery and Ryan had fun playing with Ben and Jack - and their toys. The kids ate their dinner in the kitchen - Jack was in charge as the oldest. And, the adults enjoyed adult conversation and a delicious gourmet meal in the dining room.

Our meal - beef tenderlion, mashed potatoes, gravey, and aspargus. Yummy!!

Ryan and Ben playing with cars Jack playing with the boys


Ryan discovered the trampoline - Ben did not like they he didn't follow the rules and told him so. Ryan wore shoes, Ryan and Avery jumped at the same time, and Ryan's turn was too long - all no nos

Jack's turn - love Ryan's pose here

Hanukkah

Friday night, we celebrated Hanukkah and opened presents from Andy's family after a yummy Hanukkah dinner.

Ryan ready to go




Avery and Ryan opening presents from Uncle Jimmy - Ryan got a cool cement mixer and Avery got a toaster set



Ryan with an Elephant and Avery with a Zebra from Grandma and Grandpa

Avery excited for her 1st doll from American Girl - thanks grandma and grandpa!

Ryan loves his mini airport - Grandma and Grandpa know he loves airplanes

Opening presents from Uncle Josh, Aunt Brandy, Bailey, and Emma

Everything lined up on the runway including the elephant!

Hanukkah Party

Saturday afternoon, we had the Krumholz's over to celebrate Hanukkah. I made latkes and sugar cookies and Ana brought homemade applesauce. I haven't made latkes in a few years and they turned out well and kept disappearing off the platter as did the cookies! Matt and Andy played Dreidel with the kids and soon they just wanted to eat their gelt instead of play Driedel with it. The kids did well playing with each other and it was fun to catch up with Matt and Ana.



Latkes and Applesauce





Sugar cookies

Time to play with the Driedels

The girls played well together

Coloring

Ryan lined up everything with wheels