Christmas in Missouri

We spent Christmas break in Missouri. The trip took about 11hrs but Justin found things to do while riding in the back seat for awhile.

 Getting ready to open presents on Christmas.

 The gang.

 All the kids opening their "big box" present at the same time.  They all got sleeping bags.  Looks like we'll all have to go camping now!

This one made me laugh for some reason. I don't know...they just looked like a bunch of kids...all grown up...sorta. (Greg is on a smaller chair.)

 My mom got the boys matching shirts. I guess that means they have to wrestle.

 Lunchtime.  Elias REALLY liked sitting at the counter with Isaac and Olivia on each side.

 Group shot. On couch: Karsen, Aleah, Nana, Gramp, Elias, Olivia, Isaac. Behind: Nate, Katie, Greg, Justin, Tami. Missing: Andrea.

 Helping Gramp with the dishes.

 Isaac and Olivia took turns reading to the "class".  If you look close you will see the "kids" are dice. 

 Cousins.

 Uno Domino was a big hit.  It was played a BUNCH of times by adults and kids.

 Aww..

 I have no idea what's going on here, but it looks intense.

 We did some baking while there. Haystacks.

 Dipped pretzels, peanut brittle, and sugar cookies.

The kids tromped thru the forest in the backyard and made a fort. They could actually crawl under the roof you see here.

 Katie, Justin, all the kids, and I went hiking around a short trail in Gramp & Nana's neighborhood.

 Took a pit stop.

 We went to the Magic Tree again this year. This time Grandma Phyllis and Don came too.

 This was made with the little snow that was left in Nana & Gramp's backyard from before we arrived. I&O put a real carrot, chocolate chips, and mini twigs in it.

 Nana and Gramp showed us where this pond was in some trees nearby.  It was frozen so I&O got to walk on the edges of it. They thought that was cool.

 Another pit stop.

 Aww...

 We came out of the trees into the school playground.

 Then it snowed for real while we were there! It was beautiful!! I&O playing on the deck.

 Gramp taking Elias on the swing too.

 Isaac walking through the backyard trees while it snowed.

 We got to make a bigger snowman, snowfort, and snowtower. Thank you Karsen for staying out so long with me!

 We brought some snow inside for Elias to play with too. He didn't have snow attire. We also made snow ice cream, a new favorite of mine. Too bad we live where it never snows!

 Justin took I&O sledding with his cousin Jackie and family.

We also took a day trip to Springfield MO to go to a friend's wedding.  I got to meet up with an old roommate, who happened to be driving thru Springfield on the same day. Our families met at the mall so the kids could play. SUPER FUN TIME! Here they are: Brandi and Cesar with kids Isaiah, Levi, and Arin.

We were in Columbia for New Years. No pictures but everybody went to Justin's Aunt Jackie and Uncle Doug's house for games and food.  It was the first time that Isaac and Olivia did not have to go to bed. Yes, they stayed up until 1AM!!! (and no meltdowns)

We had a great time seeing everyone in Missouri. Christmas comes and goes so fast. Isaac is already asking when is it going to be Christmas again.