Sunday, December 18, 2016

homeward bound

Well, we were on the road home late morning today. Karen and Doug so kindly brought our dog to us at Nana and Papa's house after spoiling him for the weekend. We all had some coffee and cookies before loading up and driving away. Thankfully the drive home wasn't bad like our drive down. The kids couldn't wait to get home and unpack all their goodies. First thing Rowan did was love her hatchimal so it would hatch. Here it is!

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Xmas with the Smith's

Well when we arrived last night Molly and all the kids boys were in bed! So the kids were ecstatic to see them all this morning. And they were all ready to go immediately.
They couldn't believe that all of their elves were playing cards together.
And before long we were busy opening gifts. I will say; it was so chaotic I couldn't tell you what anyone other than my kids got for gifts. But I guess that is all that matters. Once the kids were done; we sent them away to play so we could open adult gifts. They didn't stay away long though.
Then it was time to head outside and play and help Papa clear the driveway. Had to snow blow half the driveway and then move all the cars around and do the other half. Was definitely a group effort. And the kids built a tunnel and attempted some sledding too.
 
Then in the afternoon, Nana arranged a babysitter (Aunt Amanda, my sister)! And us adults got locked in a room and had to find our way out in less than an hour based on clues and hidden messages. Sadly we did not succeed. But it was a challenge and fun.
Then we came back just in time for some more snow to arrive. So we snuggled in and played some games and hung out. Fun as always. Kids had a blast together and passed out early.
Eddie was done with pictures; he looks like he is in pain.
And our annual family picture! Was much nicer last year getting to do it outside...but this year it was dark and we didn't care to hang out in the many inches of snow. But we were successful.
Rowan and the boys...

Friday, December 16, 2016

crazy and travel

Always amusing in my office in the morning.
Not so amusing on the roads headed to WI for Xmas with the In Laws this weekend.
With blowing snow and white out conditions, some scary slippery bridges, a few cars in the ditch, and eventually not being able to even distinguish lane markings; we did eventually arrive in Delafield an hour longer than usual.
Was definitely time to relax; have a couple adult beverages and entertain ourselves. Typical male Smith's...see below. These are supposed to be drawings of yourself...

Thursday, December 15, 2016

artwork catchup

The artwork line was getting a bit full; so time to thin it out. Always amusing.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

The moon

Picture obviously isn't great...but when I was letting out our neighbors dogs for them tonight I noticed how cool the moon was looking above our house. Had good intentions for our Christmas lights this year; but this is all we've got.

Sunday, December 11, 2016

snowy sunday

Well, this is what we woke up to this morning. Kids had a blast helping Grandpa snow plow!
 Back seat drivers...
Cleaning up the driveway! 
We decided due to the snowy conditions we should probably get on the road home because Rowan had her gymnastics show in the evening! Roads were not good for most of the drive home!
Eddie had hockey pictures and practice tonight, so the boys headed there; and Rowan and I headed to her Winter Gymnastics Show.
 
Warming up!
Beam time
All the loot! Ribbons for each area and a trophy. 
Up on the podium! 

Saturday, December 10, 2016

B and B Xmas

We started out this morning doing Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa Bremberger; and Willet! Lots of fun gifts and fun.
Then late morning, the Blodgett family started to arrive. We did lunch and gifts with them today too. So nice to see them all and catch up.
Quick picture with 2 very important women in my life!
Collage of fun from the day! Cookies, presents, stockings, fun, elves, and more!
A quick family picture before they all got on the road home in front of the snow storm!