Christmas & New Years Celebrations

Hey, hey! Happy Monday friends!!! So, we're two weeks past Christmas, and I promise this is my last Christmas post! We just had lots of celebrating this year and I want to make sure it's all on the blog because one day, I know I'll want to look back at it all!

While we were in Branson, we celebrated Christmas with DJ's dad and stepmom. They were so sweet to meet us there and bring all of the presents! And, I tried to get as many pictures as I could, but I didn't get as many as I would have liked- ha!

DJ is a huge Cubs fan. They gifted him a replica championship ring, a poster, and some other fun gadgets to use around the house! 

All of the girls received a fun little scarf! 

And they gave Gretchen the best little gift! A bowl full of baking supplies, little spatula's, cake mixes, and a Paris apron! She loves being in the kitchen with me! 

Back in October, Megan asked for the Paw Patrol Sea Patrol boat and was STOKED when she opened it!!! She was so excited! It was the most random gift that she asked for, she rarely even watches Paw Patrol, but I'm pretty sure she had seen it on a You Tube video and decided that she needed it! 

They got Adalyn a little diaper bag and baby pac-n-play, which she loves, and was perfect for her. And they gave me a beautiful pair of earrings and some fun little gadgets- like a wine bottle cork thing- holla!

DJ's mom met us toward the end of our Branson trip, and we waited until we were home to open presents with her.

Except, she did let DJ open his presents early because she couldn't wait any longer! She gave him a sign of all the universities he's worked for, and it has room for us to add on more, should we have to move in the future. 

She gave Gretchen a Project Mc2 notebook, which Gretchen had been asking for!

Megan and Gretchen both received lego sets. 

Megan and Adalyn both received baby dolls. 

We're dubbing this Christmas the Christmas of the babies, because that's all the girls really wanted! 

And we spoiled Nana with a gift card, and gave her a little gold ring, that had an elephant carved out of it. Elephants were her mother's favorite animal, so we thought she could wear it and think of her mother.

On New Year Eve we headed to a friend's house for a fun party! 

The girls instantly dressed up, and later we found them all in leotards because they were playing gymnastics! 

Our hostess, had an amazing fortune teller, Esmerelda, and she told all of the kids their fortunes and gave them a scratch off fortune card for 2018. 

And, we had lots of fun in the photo booth! 

The girls all made little crowns. 

And we toasted at midnight (eastern time)

It was a wonderful way to ring in the New Year!!!

Branson Getaway Part 2

Right after Christmas, we loaded up and headed to Branson! We were looking for a quick little getaway to just get away from life here (the housework, the laundry), a new change of scenery! It was also the perfect location, because DJ's family was able to meet us half way, and we were able to spend time with each of them.

I shared Part 1 of our trip here. 

DJ's dad and stepmom headed back to their home on Thursday after spending a few days with us. 

Gretchen was dressed, but decided to get all cozy in the resort robe! She did some research on the computer while waiting on the rest of us!

After his parents left, we decided to do some shopping! Shopping is always one of my favorite things to do in Branson. 

We hit up a few stores, before heading back to the condo for lunch. And then we waited on his mom and sister to arrive! Gretchen was looking super hipster in her new beanie. 

And these girls were going a bit cray! 

The condo was a wee bit louder, once the cousins arrived, and instantly all the kiddos started playing upstairs. They had the best time! 

We ventured out, and decided to head to Fritz's, which is new and tons of people had recommended. And, y'all, it was SO much fun! 

 

There was a little play space for smaller kids, with small tunnels and slides. 

And they had an indoor ropes course perfect for little kids! 

Megan and Adalyn spent forever on this ropes course! 

There was a silo in the middle with a super fast slide going down! 

Fritz's also had an indoor climbing wall, which you could repel down! An indoor airplane that you could go inside, a laser room AND an indoor ropes course for adults. We actually tried it, but Gretchen freaked as soon as she got up there, so she quickly headed back down. I did about three sections, and was all "peace out, see ya later." Because, from the ground it wasn't intimidating at all, but up there, yeah, I guess i'm not a fan of heights after all! 

We spent all afternoon playing before heading to dinner. 

Saturday morning, we stayed at the condo, until DJ's sister headed out of town. We made tacos, and then bundled up because we were crazy people heading to Silver Dollar City in 20 degree weather. And, look at these sisters getting along! It made my heart so happy! 

These girls are cray, and we're about to venture out in freezing temps!!! 

Once we arrived at SDC, we rented a stroller for the girls. While, we don't ever use a stroller when we're out and about at home, we use one at amusement parks, because it's a heck of a lot of walking! SDC also has huge hills, and I'd rather not be piggy backing a child up those hills! 

We were so excited that Nana could tag along too! And look at how cute the gingerbread people were! 

And the snowmen too :) 

SDC was practically empty, which was fabulous. But, because it was so cold a lot of the rides were shut down. Gretchen asked to see their version of a Christmas Carol, so we headed to the theater first. And, then I tried to convince the girls to ride Fire in the Hole with me, and not one of them would! (It was the only ride open!) So, Nana and I went to wait for the ride, and DJ took the girls over to the kiddie area of the park, which we thought was open, but it ended up being closed. Thankfully, there's a huge ball play area, so they went in there- and it was heated! 

We headed back up the hill and warmed up in the ice cream shop with hot chocolate and a funnel cake. And y'all, there were people eating ice cream! When it was 20 degrees outside! 

We stayed in here a while, because #warm. 

And then we headed outside to watch the tree lighting. It was fun and gorgeous, and we all oohed and aahed. 

Even though it was after Christmas, it left us all warm and cozy inside. 

We went through Grandpa's Mansion and caught the train. 

We stopped and were told the Christmas story, and it just made me so thankful for the season. 

After the train ride, Megan was flipping out. She was freezing! Her little hands were ice, even with her gloves, and she insisted the only thing that would make her happy was a new pair of gloves! So, we rode the carousel, because the girls insisted, and then bought Megan a pair of gloves before heading out! 

We ended the night with dinner at the condo resort, warm baths, and packing, because we were heading home the next morning! 

Branson Getawat Part 1

A few days after Christmas, we loaded up, and headed to Branson for a Christmas break getaway! When we don't have bowl games, we travel to see family, but back in November, DJ and I thought it would be fun to take a family vacation and have his family meet us in Branson, which is pretty much halfway for both of us. Plus, I wanted to get away, so I didn't feel like I needed to do laundry, clean and declutter.... I wanted to relax and just be with family. 

Our car was packed! We had a few presents, lots of toys, two suitcases, and a duffle bag, and some food. We were like a can of sardines. 

We met DJ's dad and stepmom, and had lunch, and then headed to Ripley's Believe It or Not. I haven't been here since middle school, and I knew that the girls would enjoy it. We also couldn't check in to our condo, and this got us out of the cold ;) 

We had lots of fun exploring. 

Do you remember those "nail" things, where you can stick your hand or face in, and it presses outward? Ripleys had a giant one, and the girls basically stuck their entire body through it! 

We saw miniature heads, statues, and more. 

And then we walked around the corner, to find these mannequins that appeared to be taking pictures. It was quite funny watching people jump backwards because they didn't want to get in the way of a picture. 

We found a gigantic ball of twine. 

And then headed outside to see the ferris wheel that was relocated from Navy Pier. We have plans to ride this summer! 

The girls had a blast at Ripleys!

We checked in to the condo, ran to the grocery store, had dinner, opened presents from the grandparents, and then headed out to see the lights at Shepherd of the Hills, and I have zero pictures from our lights trip! 

The next morning, we headed out to play mini golf! I had found a groupon for an indoor putt putt place, and I was so thankful for groupon, because putt putt is expensive for 7 people! I miss the days of our kids being small enough where we don't actually have to pay for them! Ha! 

But seriously, I need to remember to check groupon more often, because there are some deals! 

Also, Addy Pearl made a hole in one on the 2nd hole!!!! We were all impressed! 

Later, Megan made a hole in one! 

We've taken the girls to play putt putt before, but this time, I think they understood it better! 

And we were thankful that the grandparents could tag along!

We headed to our favorite pizza place (Mr. G's) for lunch, and then went back to the condo and took the girls swimming. 

It was 19 degrees outside, so we were thankful for an indoor pool! 

The girls played Marco Polo and had some fun doing back flips underwater, and having their daddy throw them. 

We wrapped up our night with dinner at the condo restaurant, and sometimes, when you get so sleepy, and delirious, you make little hats out of take out boxes.