The rest of Christmas break was lots of fun. Jefferson slowly got the use of his leg back. A few days totally unable to put any weight on it, a few days limping, and finally, running around again. For the first few days, we just carried him around. Visiting family and friends, there was never a lack of people willing to carry him around.
The day after Christmas, we went to a big family picnic and saw the whole crew. We'd missed out on earlier meet ups with our trip to the ER, so we were glad to get to see everyone.
Our SeaWorld passes expire at the end of the month, so we fit in one last trip to say hi to our favorite animals and do a last few rides. The girls went on the fast Manta Rollercoaster three times, once with Mom and twice with Dad. The first time, Eleanor was pretty terrified when the roller coaster took off at top speeds. But, once she finished, she knew how it went and cheerfully popped back in line.
We also cleaned up our Christmas decorations. It's always sad to put them away, but we get it done before Christmas break ends because if we've still got time. Since all the boxes were out, the kids also decorated for Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year. It's a bit early, but why not? Eleanor put out all the Valentine's Décor for the mantel, including adding her own pink, and heart-themed stuffies. Steven saw here putting stuffed animals up there and brought her a dinosaur. She smiled and added it to the mantel, cause she's a good big sister like that.
On New Year's Day we went out with Grandma and Grandpa to our favorite pizza joint, PizzaRev. Everyone got to pick their own toppings, which the kids love.
The day after Christmas, we went to a big family picnic and saw the whole crew. We'd missed out on earlier meet ups with our trip to the ER, so we were glad to get to see everyone.
Family gift exchange!
Aunt Tehri got all the kids pikas, which they loved!
Olivia and Adelaide exchanged presents.
Pika snuggles
Jefferson on Daddy's shoulders
Two Cinco De Mayo pals
Jefferson and Jefferson
Everyone with their pikas
Later in the week, Olivia came over for a fun afternoon building gingerbread houses and decorating cookies.
Olivia and Adelaide, hard at work.
Team Eleanor and Mom
They did a beautiful job!
Our snow man melted, but that made him
even more awesome.
Sweater cookies!
MORE candies!
Well done Eleanor!
Way to sprinkle Jefferson!
Looks tasty!
Meanwhile... Matt, Alyssa and Raj were testing
out the boys nerf guns...
Our SeaWorld passes expire at the end of the month, so we fit in one last trip to say hi to our favorite animals and do a last few rides. The girls went on the fast Manta Rollercoaster three times, once with Mom and twice with Dad. The first time, Eleanor was pretty terrified when the roller coaster took off at top speeds. But, once she finished, she knew how it went and cheerfully popped back in line.
Jefferson and Steven on the bounce ride,
too short for the Manta. Sorry dudes.
Nope, we didn't actually do this one,
but we can pretend.
Best big sister ever!
Adelaide loves the turtles, they are a favorite.
Megalodon could snap them up in one bite.
We also cleaned up our Christmas decorations. It's always sad to put them away, but we get it done before Christmas break ends because if we've still got time. Since all the boxes were out, the kids also decorated for Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year. It's a bit early, but why not? Eleanor put out all the Valentine's Décor for the mantel, including adding her own pink, and heart-themed stuffies. Steven saw here putting stuffed animals up there and brought her a dinosaur. She smiled and added it to the mantel, cause she's a good big sister like that.
Perfectly done Eleanor!
The kids got several craft kits for Christmas and couldn't wait to break into them. They happily spent the moments in between family visits and outings to paint rocks, make clay figures, sew, and more.
One of Eleanor's favorite craft kits,
she spent hours making little
bakery items.
So delicious!
Using our Hogwarts ice cube molds
to make candies.
Everyone busy with their craft kits.
Steven's an amazing artist!
Captain America!
The boys made bouncy balls with a kit
for Aunt Jessica.
Nice dudes!
Melinda had to work on Christmas Eve, but the plan was too meet Matt and Legoland with the kids for their traditional brick drop and firework. The family headed up to do some rides before Mom got there, but the rain started to fall - hard. And, though the kids were initially still all for the idea of going, the voted to turn around when the drops became harder and harder.
So, they headed back home, and Melinda did her best to put together some at-home fun, including a delicious dinner with sparkling apple cider. The kids watched a few New Year's specials on Netflix (including Nailed It's New Year's episode).
New Year's Eve dinner.
2019 Balloons, each with a letter
inside thanking the kids for a great year.
On New Year's Day we went out with Grandma and Grandpa to our favorite pizza joint, PizzaRev. Everyone got to pick their own toppings, which the kids love.
Ready for Pizza!
After New Year's the boys school opened back up, but the girls still had a few days off. They went to Christmas camp for a couple days at Three Treasures, but spent one day with Grandma and Grandpa getting totally spoiled. They event took them to Barnes and Noble where Adelaide got new books and Eleanor bought two baby niffler figures, increasing the family niffler collection.
Niffler Love!
Boys had a good day too, doing
dress up at school. No nifflers though.
It's back to real life after a fun holiday. Grandma and Grandpa are off to continue their RV trip by heading to Arizona. Oh to be retired! For the rest of us, back to work!
since the rain had cleared!
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