Vacation happenings!

We've been having a great vacation! So glad to have 2 weeks off, it's certainly been awhile since I took this long off. Very nice, the holidays are so busy do it gives some time with a slower pace to enjoy. Having the smiths in town this week has been lots of fun. Before they came, my mom and sisters took the kids to the santaland elf show at Macy's, and over to my sisters's new place. It was a very fun day, and Eric was very nice to rescue us after I locked my keys in the car...The kids loved the show and were in awe. They also very much enjoyed their aunties and their grandma.

In between, I took the kids to a couple outdoor parks (the weather was great until recently) and Eric and I got a whole day to ourselves to devote to cleaning up the basement. It was fun for the kids to be watched by my parents and do something fun with a play area and train, meanwhile Eric and I cleaned up so much. We reflected on things that had been once valuable to usbut now after 10 years and 2 children, these things have no value other than taking up our valuable space...feels good to donate it to someone whol may now value it. Our space is progressing, Eric took down his huge weight machine (hope his back recovers!) so we'll see what he does with that. It was fun all the who,e to talk with Eric with no children and to catch up, we had a great day. Thanks mom and dad!

With the smiths, we had fun going to the mall with a carasel and a play area, the out for ice cream and to the holiday lights show. Kaylee loved it, exuberantly participating in the viewing of her favorite vignettes. Adorable to hear her be so articulate. Unfortunately, they didn't make the show very viewable from a rear facing carseat and though Levi did see a bit and benefit, he fell asleep shortly after it started. We also had a very nice visit over it Cindy and chucks and to see qt and Nadine after. The kids had a great time with all the attention! Kaylee loved playing hide and seek at c and c's house. Then yesterday barb and I took the kids to the huge remodeled indoor playground. The kids had an excellent time! Today we're thinking we'll take them to the zoo. Excited!

Overall, it's just good to have time with the kids and with extended family to help out. Kaylee went to preschool yesterday and saw two kids from daycare and her provider. She got very long hugs (and one kissed her ) they miss her...obviously she is loved while we are at work, they are I mean and for that I am ever so grateful, beyond explanation...as I enter into 2012 I am so thankful for my family and friends - thank you to you all. May you 2012 be a great one, and for some who've had an incredibly tough 2011 may this new year bring you much relief and a new beginning! Hugs!