BREEZY FIELDS

Meags says there are way more pics of stuff with the Stinchfields vs. stuff with the Bennetts. Yeah, that's because I cheated and stole all of their pics. We, however, spent equal time with both families. Some of the Bennett highlights included an entire day at Kid's Club, an indoor playground. It was awesome, Sawyer and Ellyn climbed everywhere. I was thrilled to see Ellie wanting to do it all. Grandma took a turn or two with her as well. All of the kids were sweaty and worn out and so were the adults. We followed that up with some 5 Guys- Cheeseburgers sent either from Heaven or from Hell. It depends on your point of view. We also took the kids to a great indoor pool with a water slide and that was a blast. I was not a huge fan of the day we went to the park and it was 29 degrees. I am a wimp and I hate being cold. Oh, a huge highlight had to be going to the water treatment facility. Not the most exciting but we were looking for activities to get the kids out an...

Jane wanted the makeup kit from Estee Lauder. Sadie was dying for a Belle doll. Everyone received their heart's desire. Mike spoiled me rotten, new Kitchen Aide, new blender, new stainless steel pots and pans, new griddle. Don't worry, I got him a Battle Star Galactica movie:(. We Had A Deal! Christmas Night at Stinchfield's The 'kid table' Barb's impression of Kenn on his iPhone Brent - just a big kid, really. The day after Christmas my niece, Morgan, was baptized. It was a really neat time for all of us.

Every year on Christmas Eve mom does The Nativity with the grandkids. Not too long ago it seems, Mike and I were playing Mary and Joseph and Jane was baby Jesus. Now we have an abundance of angels, shepherds, wise men, and a few choices for baby Jesus as well. It is beautiful and chaotic and very fun. It is a wonderful way to spend the evening, putting our minds in the right place for a few moments before the Santa frenzy begins. Tristan is the cutest shepherd ever. All of these angels are highly suspect. Samuel Grandma narrates, she starts with the prophecy of Samuel the Lamanite. Sawyer, Daddy, Pa, Ruby, and Violet all enjoyed the show. Jane played our closing song. And to all a good night.

The day before we left Mike played Santa for Ellyn's school. He did such a great job and the kids were so cute. Ellyn recognized his voice but was a little put off with the beard and costume. Mike and I spent our 16th anniversary keeping each other company on the twelve hour drive to Washington. We were supposed to leave Friday at noon and drive up to Mike's buddy's house. We stayed up until 1:30 the night before getting packed and then I got up at 5 so that Beth and I could fit in a final seven mile run before we left. Mike and I weren't worried about not having any sleep because we were only driving as far as Sacramento. Then... Dave texted- kids coming home from school sick- it ended up being strep. So Mike and I started our journey with three and a half hours sleep (Mike had been up with Ellyn all morning). But, we made it to Washington and the party began. We ate our way through the holidays and loved doing it. The Montage, a delicious Cajun restaurant. Ke...