A Visit from the North

Grandpa Tim and Grandma Mary came for a week long visit this month. The girls were ecstatic to have them at our house for so long.

As always, there was lots of book reading (I'm pretty sure they read every book in the house, twice),

a fair bit of lounging and napping,

a carpet picnic with Pizza Hut pizza,

a lot of playing doctor with a new doctor kit Grandma brought,

and, of course, lots of snuggling and hugging.

Xandra cried halfway home after we dropped them at the airport. For nearly a week she announced at least once a day that she didn't want Grandma and Grandpa to go bye-bye. Thankfully, she's come to terms with the fact that we live in Maryland and they live in North Dakota (either that, or she's given up asking because it gets her nowhere). Now the questions about how long until we visit the grandparents (both sets) at their houses have begun. I'm glad our girls love their grandparents! We do too. And we especially love when they visit!

Christmas Celebration III - Adult Version

After all the kids were down for the night, the adults had a quiet, candlelit steak dinner. It is always the Pull custom to have steak dinner for Christmas, but in years past we've endured it with the small fries crying, howling, yelling, and laughing right beside us. This year it was determined that steak dinners were meant for adults, so the kids went to bed and we started the real Christmas party.

Andy & Lisa

Beth & Josh

Laura & Ryan

Tim & Mary

After dinner, there were the customary Christmas pictures.

And then the present opening began.

Highlights from present opening included dangly earrings, a shocking cell phone (it really does shock you when you push the buttons!), screaming, slingshot monkeys,

Bison blankets (NDSU) and videos,

and a 25 lb. bag of rice (which Crazy Man Tim is not sharing).

It was quiet, relaxing, and lots of fun.

Christmas Celebrations III - Kid Version

Evie tries to open her present with Cora coaching and Liam observing

After a long day of travelling we arrived in North Dakota just in time to say hello, feed our kids some grub, wrap presents, and partake in the Pull family Christmas - for kids. The adult version took place several hours later after the kids were all sleeping.

There was much excitement around the room as we did our best to keep kids waiting patiently while others took turns opening gifts.

One of Xandra's first gifts was this tube of Tootsie Rolls that becomes a bank when all of the candies are gone. This was a big hit, especially since she got to sample some of the candy right away.

While Xandra opened her gifts, Evie happily tried on her new skirt and shirt and found the scarves and hats, too.

In another corner of the room, Cora was tearing into her crayon wallet.

Not to be left out, Theia opened a present with little sticker foamies and a Memory game. Both of which she loves.

Liyah was very interested in all of the action. She got some great presents, too, but mostly wanted to crawl around, get in everyone else's presents and play with some beads she found on the floor.

There was also a book that makes lots and lots and lots of noise that she received. She really likes to play with it, but often can't get her hands on it because her older sisters are playing with it instead. Mommy keeps hoping the batteries will run out and never get replaced, but so far they're holding strong.

The fun continued with purses, play money, ponies, potato heads, and packaging.

Then there was playing,

more playing

and hugging galore.

Reunion Time

After a visit to Nebraska, we met Joe in North Dakota for a week of family fun with the Pulls. We started the week by attending the wedding of friend Troy Viland and ended the week with Joe's 10 year high school class reunion.

In between we enjoyed some beautiful, sunny days

with lots of swimming,

talking (albeit usually to each other and not our cell phones),

floating,

Timmy (baby #7, is floating as well)

and sprinkling.

We also enjoyed lounging,

reading,

eating (lots of this!),

and lots and lots of silliness.

With six kids (seven, if you count Grandpa Tim), 10 adults, 2 cats, and a baby on the way, there's rarely a dull moment. There's also rarely a quiet moment. It's a fun kind of chaos to experience, and one we remember fondly when we're apart. In 3 1/2 months, the chaos will resume in full. We're counting the days!

I Wuv You

It's Grandparents Day and the girls wanted to say, "I love you," to their four favorite Grandparents.

Xandra: I wuv you.

Theia: Bub u.

Liyah: Droooooool.

Thanks for showering our kids with lots of love, hugs, and kisses. We love you each and we're grateful for you! Happy Grandparent's Day!