Bonanza!!!

So, Um, I'm not really sure how to go about this overload of events and pictures and videos. I guess I'll start at the beginning. I have been done teaching since the 12th of the month and T has been done for over a week now. Since we had a bunch of free time this winter we have been trying to keep busy. We bought year passes at the Zoo and went down there last week. Z liked it a lot but has been somewhat difficult to get a good photo of lately so you get these.

Aiden liked the animals he could see but mostly just wanted to walk around on his own.

He likes sticks better than monkeys apparently.

He met a sheep.

We hung out at home a lot last week in the sun. A likes to spend mornings laying around in his PJs

Z likes to play in the sun.

And read books.

On Friday we drove down to Orange County for Christmas Weekend with the Spoil Me Rottens! (who lived up to the moniker) We had a fun Christmas eve.

The kids T and Grandma made cookies for Santa.

A wanted to taste test the dough for santa.

We all went to bed and woke up the next morning to a free for all!

The kids dove right in with the indispensable help of Grandma.

As you can see Z could barely contain her excitement/ agression/ kleptomania.

A got all kinds of manly stuff. He's aiming to be a Rock N' Roll- Race Car- Construction Worker

Note the stage presence and rockin tunes.

Z got all kinds of Lady stuff. She's aiming to be a princess- Doctor.

She spent most of the rest of the trip with her princess dolls and paraphernalia.

She likes to turn people into frogs by casting spells with her magic wand.

We spent the afternoon at a local park in the 70 degree weather.

That night we went to dinner at a chinese restaurant, a Grover tradition! Z got all dressed up in her Christmas finest.

We ate a delicious feast with family. Here is angry/tired A with his goofy Dad.

Sure he's happy when Aunt C comes around.

Beautiful Ladies!

We loaded up the car and drove home today. It wouldn't all fit (seriously) so Grandpa is coming up on Wednesday! Our friends are coming on Thursday and the lights are still up, the tree needs taking down, etc. gotta go. RTSZA

Lights

We went and saw some Christmas lights at the local hot spot. It was mostly impressive. These people really go all out on one whole cul-de-sac. These pictures stink but you can get the idea. I also just realized I only really got one house. oops.

Z was somewhat intrigued.

"A" not so much.

It was fun in a slow moving, car exhaust kind of way. I'm sure what this guy thinks. (the only house on the whole sul-de-sac that refuses to do it every year.)

Imagine those block parties. Other Pictures.

Tata for now RTSZA

Lancaster Christmas

So, We went to the downtown Christmas party last night. It was a bit chilly, a bit crowded and a bit crowded. The kids liked seeing live reindeer, crafts, costumes, carolers and such. Did I mention it was a bit crowded? This meant the lines for all of the good photo-ops were way too long for my taste. so instead of picture with Santa we got Mrs Claus (who apparently needs to tone down the fake baking)

We also saw a giant teddy bear, and a bunch of nicely designed trees.

Aiden approved.

Right as we were about to leave strange stuff began to fall out of the sky!

It was soap. It was fun. RTSZA

So, I know most of you out there who actually read this were there. I am going to write a bit just for posterity purposes. T turned 21 again on the 22nd. We had cake and I got her a coat (which I think she is going to return (I shoulda known better than to attempt fashion)) Here is her delicious Coldstone Ice cream Cake.

Here is Z reading books to her baby doll.

On T's actual birthday we drove down to OC had a delicious taco dinner and chocolate cake then went to bed relatively successfully (compared to last time). The next morning we woke up, T's dad took us to the airport and we were off to Houston. This time Z had her own seat and A was a lap child. It was a bit easier that having 2 lap children like last time but A was quite a fighter this time and the DVD player we'd purchased specifically for this trip lasted about 45 minutes. Here are the kids enjoying the plane.

We arrived in Houston safe and sound and stayed at Kirk's place. He has a trampoline and 2 fun kids for A+Z to play with. Noise reigned. We ate more Chocolate Cupcakes for T's birthday!

The next day was Thanksgiving at Kristen's house. It was delicious.

The rest of the trip was full of fun, other people running, cousins, amusement parks and delicious food. Pictures--->

I realize this was again picture heavy. There are shots of T-bone Toms, Keemah Boardwalk and Discovery green. That is all. RTSZA