Christmas Break and the Start of 2020

The rest of our Christmas break was great! We did a lot of fishing.

Took Benny and Ivy out one night to see a movie!

I had my birthday!! The big 41. We went to breakfast at First Watch and then went to see the new Jumanji movie. Then a date night out with Daniel to dinner and the mall. It was a great day!

We had the greatest visit from Aidan and Anna. Both wanted a last hurrah in Florida before they went on their missions. We loved having them!!!

Daddy daughter date nights!

Love this scene. Ive's reading and Rosco snuggled at her feet. 

Too cute not to include!

We went to the Mechum car show. Mostly for Benny who can spot a "cool" or "sick" care from a mile away (and Daniel, too, of course - he loves old trucks)

Love finding interesting selfies on my phone....

Date night with Benny and Pearl... McDonald's of course. 

The remainder of 2019...

A little commercial action!! The kids were able to participate in producing a commercial for Wild Florida. They got to miss school, report early for hair and make-up, and spend the entire day shooting film! It was pretty fun at first but it literally took all. day. long. and when we were headed home Jackson said, "I would have rather been at school." So looks like Hollywood life is not for them. But it was a fun experience!!

Babysitting Baby Porter!! Enjoyed some good baby snuggles. Had Rita as my helper. 

I got the sweetest picture and message from Ivy's teacher. She had brought GG's kissing bears into class and a picture of GG for show-and-tell and her teacher thought what she said was the sweetest thing and she felt that they really had a connection and her GG would be so proud of her. It brought me to tears because it is all very true. 

My competitive girl during field day!

Everything Christmas 2019!!!

Here we are! Finally to Christmas! And what a wonderful Christmas season it was. Full of visits with Santa (and the Elf!), Christmas parties and of course, Christmas Eve at Grandma's and Christmas Day!!

Benny enjoyed "Milk & Cookies" with Santa at his preschool! It was a definite Fun Friday!!

We always enjoy our church's Christmas party. The have a delicious dinner and the kids always get to see Santa. This year, we had a special visit from Buddy the Elf!! They also participate in a little nativity... my little angels. And of course, the photo booth with my babe!

The Sunday before Christmas is always such a special Sunday!! Love my Christmas babes dressed in their Sunday best!

My kids are just as excited about Christmas Eve as they are Christmas. I remember feeling the same way when I was a kid. They love going over to Grandma's for the most delicious dinner and dessert and of course, lots of presents!!

Christmas Eve night... Love our traditional pictures in front of the Christmas tree!

Santa came!!

Family selfie in bed before going to see the spoil!

A Visit From Grandpa!

We cut it super close, but the night of Benny's Preschool Christmas Program my dad flew in for a visit!! The weather was bad and his plane had to circle quite a bit. I started getting nervous, not sure what to do, but then he landed! We raced back to St. Cloud to walk in as the kids were beginning their first song... couldn't have timed it better!!

Here is the handsome guy in his Sunday best!

He wouldn't leave his tie alone. At least he sang some of the songs.

After the program with both his grandparents! Lucky kid!

The group! Daniel was at work for a special event and Ivy was at her Christmas Actvity Day event.

While my dad was here I let each kid play hooky a day to hang out with and shop with Grandpa! We took him to check out the new safari, we played a lot of cards, he joined us for our 12 Days of Christmas deliveries on the golf cart and he was able to catch everyone's basketball game before he left. We loved having him!!! 

When my dad left, Benny asked me, "Mom, why can't we keep Grandpa?" It was so cute. After I explained that he had to go back to his home he argued,  "But we love him!!!" 

We sure do miss him!!