Christmas 2013 and Sam's 3rd Birthday 2014

We are still in vacation mode…dreading the reality of tomorrow. We had a wonderful week relaxing and then Saturday we celebrated Sam’s third birthday.  She requested that we go see Frozen (again) for the third time, but just to shake things up we saw it in 3D   That is the first time I have seen something in 3D for like 16 years (or the last time I went to Disneyland or Disney world possibly).  It was a totally different experience, and I loved it!  The kids really enjoyed it as well.  Before that we went downtown to visit Andy at work (he’s in the busiest time of the year right now and has to work Saturdays, ug!) and pick up lunch and then eat with him…all for Sam’s birthday! (below is a little snip it into the personality of Samantha Hart in the progression of our little photo shoot)

And later...a little birthday cake :)

We got some sad news that Lachlan fell yesterday and broke his hip.  We are worried about Him, but know the Lord is in charge.  We are praying for him and for Carole as he goes in for surgery today.  Hugs to the Hart’s, we love you and are praying for both of you! Please keep us up to date on everything.  Andy is going to try and get a ticket out to see you guys ASAP for a quick visit.

I have a lot more to say and a ton of pictures to attach, but I have to get Bella to her biannual exam before 9am and then I am off to the gym (blasted new years resolution! HA!).  It’s cold this morning, and I am not wanting to go outside!!!

I have some great pictures from our trip.  We were all able to go up in Papa dad’s airplane, Tyler even got to fly.  Andy got an “extra” trip to get the cadet version of piloting with Daddio.  They did an engine stall out, among other things and Dad showed Andy how they got out of it.  He didn’t eat any breakfast just in case he got nauseous, but ended up fairing really well!

...Ok I told you all I wasn’t finished :)   I have so much to report on. 

We had such a great time with the family!  Chaotic fun is what I like to call it.  Loud and unfiltered, crying, whining, fussing, all lined with laughter and good times :)  I bet someone could make a really great comic with that description!  The decibel level at meal time was substantially increased when the our Hart clan arrived…and then again increased with the Ford Families arrival.  Someday it will be really fun to “watch” that scene of our lives together…there would definitely be some giggling involved.

Above:  The CHEESE my nephew Porter would give me everytime I looked at him.  It usually involves a single, quick, spastic wave of the hand as well...He loves me because I look like his Mama, but he's old enough to tell the difference now.  Just a few months ago I could trick him without batting an eyelash!

I did go through some really blue moments about 24 hours after we returned home.  There really is something about having family to interact with all day….that are adults, that interact BACK with you.  Very fulfilling.

Below: Pictures from Dixie Bluff.  Gorgeous huh?  I could have spent all day there...LOVED it.

The handsome Colonel!

Addison Harward (left) and Kaylee (right)

Tyler and Audrie (posing of course!)

Everyone minus James Harward (who offered to take the pic, thanks James!)

We played nuts, hiked the bluffs, rode the bike for two, went to the Dinosaur museum and my children even got to play in some leftover SNOW (see that little bit behind Kaylee in the bike pic?  Haha, yes we got REALLY excited about that much snow.  Doesn't take much for us Texan's)!  Not sure how the neighbors felt, but they couldn’t resist!

Dad and Kaylee.

Above: our inevitable sister/mother game of Nuts, that is probably more entertaining to watch than play (and WE LOVE to play...shall we say we get bit dramatic and loud?)

We had several firsts.  It was the first time saw Katie with EARS!  Which was awesome.  We did a little shopping together, she took us to her “hair school” studio and we got manicures by her fellow students.  We lost her hearing aide together….and with some effort on both parts we found it ;0)  We saw Lyndsey for the first time in 18 months!  Which was great!!  She is seriously a light.  I just love her. 

Jami never left the kitchen while we were there and the picture of her and Lynds together is showing her dedication with the apron on…that girl can run circles around anyone!  Before I get up from the table she is almost done cleaning up, or on to the next meal, next task, no matter what she is on the move!  (no wonder she is so skinny, that’s the secret!)    
   

Lyndsey and Jami.

Starting from bottom left: 

Addison Harward, Audrie, Brinly Ford, Ella Harward, Adelle Ford, and the famous Katie Whicker.

I just booked Andy’s ticket for this weekend.  Praying that surgery goes smoothly for Lach and recovery will be bearable!  Prayers are being sent up all day long.