We just got back from a great week in Arizona with 30 Joynts! The weather was beautiful and we got to spend a lot of time with family and enjoy the holidays. Although CK and I were dreading the flight(s) down and back this was actually our best travel experience with kids to date. I think Reese and Asher are finally old enough to amuse themselves provided we prepare with enough toys and "new" things and snacks to help (their LeapPad and Leapster certainly helped- thanks Nana!) and Emily is young enough that she pretty much slept most of the way. All three of them were great on all 4 flights.
Grace celebrated her first birthday on the 23rd and we had a fun party. Here's Jeff and Michelle helping her blow out the candle.
She didn't know what to think of the frosting at first...
But a few minutes later she was "all in"
Nana with the birthday girl who, by this time, had lost one ponytail and was rocking the single side pony look from the 80s.
We even managed to get a family picture all dolled up for Christmas Mass. Too bad the little "angels" didn't act this angelic once we actually got to church.
Dan and Venus meeting Emily
Sarah and Fred and Dan and Venus Christmas morning, managing to stay awake with some java
Fred, Sarah and Emily
Asher teaching Dan how to use his new power tools
Steve, Fred and Sarah
Mom and her brood, all sporting our white t-shirts (well, except Asher, not sure where his was)
Family game day was a competitive adventure. Here, Alison and Reese on their way to victory in the 2-man-2-legged race (yes, the other competitors were all disqualified but a win is a win)
Alison and Nick showing everyone how it's done in the 3-legged race
Jane took on babysitting duties (after cooking everyone a wonderful feast the day before). She had to escape to Show Low after we all left for some well deserved peace and quiet :)
Not sure what this move is called or what kind of bat that is...
Asher and Reese loved going to the park and getting outside for some sunshine in December
They were both disappointed when we got home to Montana and they couldn't head straight to the park.
