Thanksgiving and Christmas 2016

I just went through my photos thinking I would update you on Christmas and realized I hadn't done Thanksgiving yet either so bear with me!

We had a great holiday season and were able to spend time with family and friends which is the best part.

Jo Ann came for Thanksgiving and she and Scott spent a lot of time visiting while doing their favorite things...

...it was great weather for yard work which they both love.

We had some beautiful roses this year.

Puzzles were also a favorite activity that weekend...

...and taking walks which is Riley's favorite thing.

First prize for the biggest water balloon ever....

Jason helped Scott put up the Christmas lights.

Christmas tree was put up and we're all ready for Christmas season!

We did a session at Feed My Starving Children Thanksgiving weekend. Jo Ann, Ashley, Jason, Cori, and Jordan were able to join us.

We had extra spots reserved so the Robinson's joined us too.

Agnes brought a friend.

Jo Ann helped me plant a garden with lettuce, broccoli, zucchini and strawberries.  It's growing fast and we've already eaten some lettuce and strawberries.

See?

Random photo of a super cute couple.

In between Thanksgiving and Christmas we get to celebrate Scott's birthday which is my personal favorite! So very very glad he was born!! We had a fun party with Cori and Jordan and went out to dinner at Black Angus with Scott and Karina.

Happy birthday Scott!

Taking a breath....

...he did it! Yeah, we really razzed him about being an old man after that one.

Christmas was upon us so fast! We are always so busy during this time that it's all a blur, but we made it to the magical day!

Merry Christmas morning! Yummy French toast breakfast with Cori and Jordan.

Malia got a new bike!

Jordan is awesome at taking selfies!

Christmas dinner at Robinson's.

Candid after dinner photo!

Christmas day puzzle.

Josh got a scooter!

Kevin and his family have been coming down for a visit for four years in a row now!  We were so happy that Abbey and Jake were able to join them for the first time.

Ping pong is always the first activity.

I have a feeling Abbey made a point!

Happy birthday Becky!

We love celebrating with you each year!

LOTS of walks in the sunshine.

They took full advantage of our lemon and orange trees.  Jake even made fresh squeezed lemonade!

They also took full advantage of the warm sun.

Millie loved the kumquats!

Annual mini-golf tournament...

...fun day of golfing....

...and eating Chinese food....

...at our favorite Chinese restaurant, also an annual tradition!

More ping pong....

...more walking....

...and our annual Frisbee tournament at the park!

We definitely had some experts in our midst....

...nice catch!

Fun times goofing off.

Random photo of a super cute couple....

...who have super cute kids!

Car washing party.

Our last breakfast....sniff....

....packing up....sniff..

...I really hate this part...

We are so glad they make the trip down here each year, we know it's a long drive.  It's something we look forward to all year!

New Year's weekend we took down Christmas and got the house back to normal, watched the ball drop at midnight and fell into bed.  We are grateful for the experiences we had in 2016! We were so happy to see Cori married and have Jordan as a part of our family. We have had so many fun times with them this year! We are glad for all the time we were able to spend with all of our family members.  Things change so fast and life goes by so quickly and we are thankful for every moment.  We went through some difficult stuff in 2016.  We definitely don't want to do it again, but will be forever grateful for the love, support, and prayers of loved ones.  It is an experience we cherish and will be forever in our hearts.  The love of family and friends has come to mean so much more. And we were so glad to end the year healthy and filled with good times!

Happy New Year! We are looking forward to an amazing 2017!!