The day before we left California we had to make one last run to the mall (MAD HOUSE!) and Emily took the opportunity to send off a letter to Santa to solidify her request.
On the 22nd we were off to Texas! As you can imagine, the lines were long and the people kind of crazy but Emily did great and was an awesome helper.
Once we arrived we went out to Mimi and Papa's house for one night. I didn't take many pictures from our stay but I did get a few of Emily's favorite thing to do on this visit...
research/look up birdies in Papa's bird encyclopedia.
Everyone was made to get in on the action...
and there was careful consideration made to be sure no birds were left out.
It was exhausting.
Then, on the 23rd we drove up to Nana and Grandpa's house where Emily unloaded our gifts while waiting for the cousins to return from their outing.
The rest of the evening was spent playing with them.
The hit game was a "monkey hunt" that Aunt Sarah brought.
Emily was all about finding that monkey...
but did enjoy a little dance party (music supplied by reindeer in rocking chair - you know the one) with Cole and Cooper too.
On the 22nd we were off to Texas! As you can imagine, the lines were long and the people kind of crazy but Emily did great and was an awesome helper.
Once we arrived we went out to Mimi and Papa's house for one night. I didn't take many pictures from our stay but I did get a few of Emily's favorite thing to do on this visit...
research/look up birdies in Papa's bird encyclopedia. 
Everyone was made to get in on the action...
and there was careful consideration made to be sure no birds were left out. 
It was exhausting.
Then, on the 23rd we drove up to Nana and Grandpa's house where Emily unloaded our gifts while waiting for the cousins to return from their outing.
The rest of the evening was spent playing with them.
The hit game was a "monkey hunt" that Aunt Sarah brought.
Emily was all about finding that monkey...
but did enjoy a little dance party (music supplied by reindeer in rocking chair - you know the one) with Cole and Cooper too. 
Finally, when the littler ones were in bed we had a mock spelling bee to help prepare Lauren for her 3rd grade bee coming up. Good luck Lauren!
Good thing you had Emily to help with all that luggage! Just think what the load will be when you have 2. Okay, never mind. Don't think about that. :)
ReplyDeleteThis trip looks like it's off to a good start but since I know you and Em had a stomach bug, I'm assuming it gets worse. Boo for viruses!! We've had our fair share.
She was hilarious with that bird book and the mandatory involvement of all in attendance! Even Liam had to call out a bird to be researched!
ReplyDeleteI KNOW Emily had so much fun with her cousins! The girl loves kids!
XOXO ~mimi
Wonderful that Papa and Emily have a great activity to do together. Awesome that she takes such interest in the birds!
ReplyDeleteLove, Aunt Carolyn
P.S. Wow, that was a lot of luggage!
Wow, what a fun-filled first few days you had in Texas! I love the cousin dancing and birdie research the best. Can't wait to see what else the holidays have in store for you...
ReplyDelete