Spent the New Year over at Jeanne Peterson's house. We even got Keara to attend which was a nice surprise. Had lasagna, a delicious creme brule and chatted the night away. Left a little early when I got a headache. Missed ringing in the new year as everyone fell asleep. 
I didn't get a picture but today we had a great lunch with Uncle John, Aunt Margaret, Uncle Alva, and Mitch and family. It was organized by Uncle John and was a nice way to spend a lunch together. After, Kailei and Zeb went ice skating at the new Parker Ice Trail. Kailei was not thrilled. She said it was like "skating on a donut" but the weather was AMAZING. Kailei even skated in shorts. Took a tour of the new library as well which was fun to see.
Caroline attempted to surprise Mark by showing up the day after Christmas when she was not expected until the 30th. We have all know for a while but apparently aren't all that great at keeping secrets. Little hints were sent his way as Mom spent time cleaning the house, I kept asking him what his work schedule was like this week but Tracie really took the cake when she asked Mark what time Caroline was getting in tomorrow. We tried to cover but he started to suspect something was up. Caroline covered pretty well by telling him she was in bed with a cold. Luckily she had wifi on the plane and could text him or the long span of time without communicating would surely have given it away. I went over after my shopping day with Judith and he expected that I would be bringing her so he was a bit disappointed when I showed up empty handed. But then, there was a knock on the door and Santa (his friend Eamon) made a special delivery. He was thrilled! 
Kicked off Christmas morning with Mom's famous breakfast. I wait all year to eat sausage and a hard roll. I know I can make it myself, but then it wouldn't be as special. We all filled up and then Zeb made a run back home because Kailei forgot her presents. When they got back we all opened gifts. 
Spent Christmas Eve going to church out in Kiowa. Tracie then had us over at her house for our dinner. Such a nice way to spend the evening.
After what seems like a difficult year I decided we all needed a special evening together. I made reservations for The Broker restaurant and we went to the Blossoms of Lights at the Botanic Gardens. The dinner was a bust. Zeb was the only one that really enjoyed it. The lights were great because it was a perfect evening for them. I've always wanted to go but the lines and the cold often get in the way. Not today however. Girls enjoyed it as well. We stopped by Mcdonald's and Arby's after for the girls to have their "special dinner." Not quite the night I was hoping for but we were together and that is all that is important.
Kailei and I kicked off our Christmas vacation by going to see the movie Trolls in 3-D. Love this kid.
Kailei has been in choir this semester and loving every minute of it. She auditioned for all state but didn't quite make it. She did make the district choir however and we will benefit hearing her in the new year. This was her holiday school choir concert and she did a great job. She so loves music and it shows. 
Escaped with Zeb and saw the show "An Act of Got". Wasn't really sure what to expect but it was really funny. The lead actor was AMAZING! Glad we got to go.
We hosted the Davison Christmas this year despite our kitchen being in disarray. Enjoyed spending time with everyone as usual. Keara made some great gifts but probably the best one was a picture frame for Grandma with pictures of her, Merle and Keara. Grandma cried. What a great gift! 
