Trip to La Grande- more pictures!

 We did lots of swimming at the hotel.  We went pretty much every day except Sunday.  We mostly stayed in the hot tub because the pool was freezing, but on the last day the pool was warmer so we played in there for a long time. 

 It's a good thing the hot tub was big.  We all fit in there quite nicely.

 The kids would get in the hot tub, then jump in the pool...

 Then scream because it was way too cold...and run back to the hot tub.  Sadie's hair turned green by the time Christmas came around.  It was very festive.  ha ha

 Riley helped me build this tower...I mean, she helped me knock it down.

 We decided to go back to the field with grandma and grandpa's sled.  We put the kids in their snow clothes this time and they lasted a lot longer.  Rob was awesome and did most of the sled pulling.  I think Luke took a turn too.  The kids loved it. 

 More swinging for William and Riley.

 Then we piled all the kids onto the sled for a fun picture.  Rob and Luke took turns throwing snowballs at each other and Uncle Duncan pushed Riley on the swing for a long time.  Thanks Duncan!

 

 Someone brought over some homemade suckers and the kids went to town.  Emery got this purple one to match her shirt.

 Riley didn't nap while we were there, but this day she was sitting really still on my lap and sure enough, she was asleep.

We went miniature golfing and I stayed with the kids so these three could actually score their game.  I don't remember who won, but it was fun to watch and Duncan won a free game on the last hole!

 On Christmas Eve, we went back to our hotel room and opened the presents that the elves brought us.  Then we got all tucked in and went to sleep.

 The next morning while we were waiting for the green light to head over to grandma and grandpa's house we decided to act out the nativity with the kids.  William made an excellent baby Jesus.  Zac was Joseph and Sadie was Mary.  Emery was an angel and Riley was a sheep.  I was glad that we were able to do this because it helps the kids (and me) remember the true meaning of why we celebrate Christmas.  I'm so grateful that Christ was born and lived on Earth.  I'm glad I get to teach my kids about what an amazing prophet and example he was and still is. 

Trip to La Grande- continued

 We got to make some magic Christmas potion with grandma and can't wait to hang them on our tree next year.  

 Riley loved Hallie the dog.  She loved her a little too much.  Sometimes Hallie would nip at her but Riley kept going back for more.  

 The kids holding their Christmas potion with Grandpa.

 Rob took Riley to the store and when they got home this is what the cheese looked like.  ha ha.

We played the Oreo game a few times while we were there.  We brought some Oreos and if you wanted to eat one, you needed to put it on your forehead and get it to your mouth without touching it with your hands.  Here are some pictures from that.

 Fun times.  When we got home to Utah, Rob took the time to teach the kids how to do it.  Now Zac and Sadie can do it pretty well.

 The kids went with Grandpa to his therapy one day.  They let them help.  I was at the hotel trying to get Riley to take a nap (which she didn't). 

 Here is Zac helping Grandpa walk in the hardness.

We also played a game with marshmallows.  You had one minute to try to build as many snowmen (3 marshmallows stacked on top of each other) as you could.  It is harder then it sounds!  The kids and adults had a fun time with this one.

 Emery liked the eating part.

 I built this cool pyramid.  I wasn't so good at making the snowmen.

 Then we made fruit loop strings for the tree. This is a picture of Riley working on hers.  Emery spent a good 30 minutes or more on hers.  It was cute watching her.

 Grandpa was teaching Sadie how to knit hats.  It was cute to watch her learn from him.  Also, Emery loved Hallie the dog too.  :)

Trip to La Grande- day 1

We went to La Grande for Christmas this year.  (Well, I guess it was last year now...) It was a fun trip.  The kids are getting better and better at traveling as they get older.  It's really nice.  We only had to stop 2 times on the way there!  I was worried since Riley is in undies now, but she did great!  When we got a little more than half way there, we pulled out the ipad and watched a couple shows and a movie to pass the time.  The kids loved it. 

Here we all are in the car.  :)

Riley had a little nap.  

I made everyone pose for a picture right when we got there because I always forget if I don't do it right away. Grandma and Grandpa Kevan with the kids.

Emery wasn't shy and hopped right up on grandpa's lap and he taught her how to drive his wheelchair.  

After being at grandma and grandpa's house for a little over an hour, Zac lost his first tooth.  It was so loose in the car I am glad I decided to snap the picture on the left with all of his teeth.  I pulled it out easily with a kleenex when we got there. 

Of course, the kids found all the fun stuff.

Riley with the big hulk hands is really funny.

The kids had a blast playing dress up.  They always wanted me to take a real picture.  So here are a few of their costume choices.

I love this pirate one.

Then we walked over to the field and checked out the HUGE snowballs they had rolled up there.

We should have taken the time to put our snow clothes on because it was bitter cold out there.  We played for a good ten minutes though.  Later on in the week, I was racing Zac to one of those huge snowballs (which are actually mostly ice) and he tripped and fell face first right into one of those.  I was sure his teeth would be smashed when I turned him over to assess the damage, but fortunately he just hit his chin and it didn't bust open.  It was just a scrape and bruise.  Thank goodness.

Riley loved the swings.  

Daddy was very good at pushing her and making her giggle.

That night we went back to the hotel and read some scriptures and then watched TV until we fell asleep.  It was close quarters, but Sadie and Emery wanted to sleep on the floor, so Zac got the whole big bed to himself.  Riley got to sleep in her pack and play.