Another Day at the Beach and New Years Eve

We spend another day at the beach and stayed even longer armed with snacks.  That evening we took a walk on main street which was still decorated for Christmas.  After a lot of games, cookies made by Nick, and brownie Sundays, we watched the ball drop on the computer. 

Blake digging a really big hole.

Trey, Gavin, and Carter playing in the sand.

It is getting better.

A lot of cousins

Main Street

Watching the ball drop on the computer (Jeff and Brielle don't have cable.)

Miami

We drove through the night to get to Miami to see Brielle, Jeff, Austin, and Bennett.  After a much needed night sleep, we hit the beach.  The water temps were in the 70s, which was too cold for me, but not for the kids.  The air was in the 80s.  The kids played in the sand a lot and had a wonderful time.  Alycia's kids hadn't been to the beach for a really long time, so it was exciting and new.  My kids could live at the beach, so we had a great afternoon.

Gavin and Blake burying Trey in the sand.

Crazy Carter.

Austin and Carter getting attacked by a wave.

The Sheppards

Brielle spent most of her time like this under the umbrella.

Sydney and Renée (best of friends)

A very sandy Austin.

Miami

Bennett is such a sweet happy baby.

Gavin feeding Blake after he buried him.

Digging.

Carter's really sandy ear.

Gavin the Barber

I was on the phone with a client when Gavin came down stairs to ask me if he could cut gum out of Carter's hair.  I stopped my conversation to tell him absolutely not and I would take care of it when I got off the phone.  By the time my conversation was over the damage was done.  The saddest part was that Carter didn't have gum in his hair.  It was tooth paste!

Carter the Builder

Carter got some new tools for Christmas and some building kits. He actually squealed with delight when he opened them. 

Christmas

The kids slept in until 7:48am!  That was my favorite Christmas gift.  We opened presents, ate our apple multaschen, and then got ready for church.  This is the most dressed up we have ever been on Christmas.  We usually stay in our PJs all day.  Sam and I both sang in the choir at church and our ward put on a beautiful Christmas program.  After church we played with our new toys.  Carter worked on his legos and Renée and I painted.  We hosted dinner for the Jensens, Laynes, and Angerbauers.  After having my whole family here for Christmas last year, I knew I needed a house full of friends to make it feel like Christmas.  We ate and played games and it felt just like family.