The ADVENTure ends: Days 23, 24

All of the ADVENTure hype has ended now since it's a few days after Christmas.  The activity has died down, and instead, sickness has taken over our lives this week.  Coughing and asthma fits, runny noses, glassy eyes, sore throats, and fevers...  It's hard to do anything else but cuddle and cope.  But as I type, Ratatouille distracts the sickies.  So here is the final posting about our ADVENTure - for 2011 anyway.

 Day 23: We get to go to Holiday in the Park at Six Flags!

 The excitement sets in.  They haven't visited the theme park in many months, 

but they remember what fun it is!

 Hayden and his map.

He loves those things even though he's not quite proficient in reading them yet!

Gracie takes a moment 

to dance on the stage.

 XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Trying to view the dolphins

in the tank.

 Oh! Those baby blues!!!!

Time for rides and fun with Grandma Kathy and Bapa Steve, 

Grandma Debbi, Auntie Sara, and Cousin Olivia!

  Carousel!

 Until this night, I didn't realize that my children had a thing for zebras.  They didn't fight over them; they just each chose a zebra independently on the same ride!

 Levi holding on for dear life =D

Airplane!

Carter takes in the sights

 One of just a few local girl cousins, Gracie loves spending time with Olivia.

 In my opinion, it just doesn't get much better!!!

 

Dolphin Show! 

 

  

 

Snow hill and Sledding!

 

Enjoying the hot cocoa before we head out

 A pretty fun bunch!

 Day 24: Levi reveals the final ADVENTure piece: Baby Jesus!

 The complete Nativity scene

 

 Again, the kids are excited for the day's activities.  We are jam packed with In 'n Out for lunch, Christmas Eve service at church, birthday cake for Jesus, and watching a Muppet's Christmas Carol right before bed.

 This is Tyler, the kids' special friend from church who took our lunch order!  When we were ordering, Tyler reminded Noah that he and Hayden had prayed for Tyler's injured knee several months ago and reported that God had healed it.  How wonderful that this awesome young man shared the full circle of prayer to my little guys: asking and receiving.  Yep.  Thumbs up, Tyler!

Cutie boy staring at me!

Carter's first french fry!

 Milkshake to share!

 Singing "Happy Birthday" to our King!

Round one of the candles.  We did it in shifts so they could blow out more.

Round two!

We hope that your family had a wonderful season of anticipating the coming of our Savior!  We plan to post our next ADVENTure in 2012.  Until then, you'll be reading thoughts and stories from our "ordinary" life.

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Our ADVENTure Continues: 20, 21, 22

Day 20:  A little fun and culture!  I didn't think even the oldest kiddos were mature enough to sit through a Nutcracker ballet performance, so instead we watched several different dances on youtube, then turned on Tchaikovsky and gave it a whirl ourselves.  

We looked horribly clumsy, but I loved giving each a turn spinning recklessly in my arms.

 

 Someday that video might get uploaded.  Don't hold your breath though.  

Technology seems to hate me...

Day 21: Part 2 of our craft day!  Deliver our craft to an elder care home (we actually went to a senior living community).  I was so incredibly proud of them!  I gave them a little pep talk before we arrived since last time we visited a place like this they were a little in shock.  But this time, they smiled, talked with the residents, and cheerfully said "Merry Christmas," and were so brave! 

My heart reached full capacity for Mama pride and joy!

 I think Levi's nickname should be "Levi the lovebug."

 Enjoying the fishies before passing out our crafts.

 

 

Some Carter love...

This man instantly put his craft up as scooter decor! :)


In the first few minutes as the kids were visiting with a lady, I was asked if she was their Grandma.  I answered, "No, actually we don't know any residents here."  These folks were so touched that we had come "just because" and loved the visit. 

 

 Day 22

 They're getting very familiar with this story now!

 Be-boppin around

 Mommy gets to be Mary.  And guess who is Jesus??

 "Get back in there, you!"

 Baby Jesus is born!!!! (haha)

 

Our little angel announces the good news to the shepherds.

The shepherd goes to find Baby Jesus in Bethlehem and worships Him.

 The wise "man" comes too!

Only a few more days before we celebrate our Savior's arrival on Earth!  The kids' anticipation is hilarious.  Every day as they open up a Nativity door: "Mooom, when are we gonna see Baby Jesus?!"