It was good news when we heard Jeff's eye appointment went well. That meant the Excell family could get on the road singing, "Over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house we go."
Well, I'm pretty sure they weren't singing. At least not singing that song. But one thing is for certain--grandmother was excited to see the four boys and their parents.
Everyone was hungry, so we had a late pizza dinner when they arrived. Then it was off to bed for all.
The next day the boys were very excited for their cousins to arrive.
Ben and Haley were anxious to play games while the children were happily playing together.
Of course four boys living in Las Vegas would be eager to get outside playing in the snow.
The Excells and the Goldens went ice skating.
See that beautiful pink coat Madison is wearing? It now no longer exists--at least not in her possession. It was left behind at the skating rink and when Rebecca went back the next day to get it, the coat was nowhere to be found.
Lincoln was so cold after ice skating and was looking forward to a warm grandma snuggle when he got home.
The rest of the time Sarah's family was here, we basically did the same few activities over and over again: eat (which included several French toast breakfasts), play with cousins, play games, and put puzzles together.
All this was happening with nonstop, televised football games on in the background.
Madison just loves to wear the big, red glasses. They used to be sunglasses, but she took out the dark lenses so she can see better.
Unfortunately, one of the hinges broke, so she only has one side holding up the glasses and they fall off easily, but she continues to find and wear them whenever she is here.
One day, we decided to have a girls' meal out (after we fed the children a macaroni lunch). The guys ate take-out. They were going to have Smokin' Bones, but that restaurant was closed. They opted for Texas Roadhouse steaks instead.
We girls went to Olive Garden "for old time's sake" as Sarah said. That has always been a favorite for the girls, but not so much a favorite for the boys.
I cannot believe I did not take a photo at Olive Garden to commemorate our walk down memory lane.
Nani had sent us home with the leftover ice cream punch ingredients from the Christmas Eve party so our family could enjoy that bedtime snack and we sure did. Carson especially loved the drink.
Usually the grandchildren were in the basement playing, but one night I found all of them upstairs in our bedroom watching a movie together.
I just loved watching Lincoln and Jonah playing together in their make-believe world. They got all outfitted with their weapons and accessories and then really got into their characters. So cute!! Notice the phone rubber banded to his arm.
I thought for sure Jonah was going to insist on sleeping with his sword in the back of his shirt.
We were so thankful the weather cooperated for Sarah's family to arrive and then to be able to leave when they were scheduled to go back home.
It's always nice when we have these little mini family reunions whenever someone comes to town.
