Okay, yes, we have more current news to publish today (it's actually February 12), but I figured I'd finish this post first, just to keep things in their proper (and continually late) order! We left Utah on the Monday after Christmas, slept in Tuesday morning and repacked, then Wednesday set out to visit Ryan's family in Hayward for New Year's! 
His mom had totally decorated the house for the holidays, which was about ten times more decorating than I've done in my entire life! It was very cool. Our first full day there we went with Ryan's dad down to the wrecking yard. The kids had a blast, playing on every piece of equipment, and stepping in every greasy puddle they could find. 
We also finally took a trip to the Oakland Zoo, which we had been meaning to do ever since we were married, but never got around to it. I think it's one of my favorite zoos that I've been to - it doesn't try to have one of everything, but focuses on exhibits (and species) that do well in captivity and show well. We'll definitely go back! 
Ryan's family took the kids to Toys R Us for a late Christmas shopping spree (plus a bunch of cool toys and crafts they'd already bought them), which kept the kids pretty busy at the house. Elise especially loved this tent, and her Wonder Pets paint set. Connor liked the paint set too, actually, but we insisted that it was her present, not his (he seems to enjoy taking over her stuff.) He got a set of Lincoln Logs, a spin art kit, and this cool sock puppet project, which he did with Bomi and Aunt Helena! 
On one of our last nights there, Ryan rummaged around upstairs and got out the family train set from when he was a kid. It was cute. He and Connor spent a couple hours playing with these trains, and ended with a pretty impressive setup. 
It was an awesome trip - really nice to just hang out with everyone. I'll admit, though, that it was kind of pleasant to come home after three weeks of traveling!
Christmas Day was busy, but somehow still relaxing. We did a big Christmas dinner, the preparation of which took up quite a bit of the day. Other than that, we opened presents and hung out with family. Here is the Christmas morning scene (note the adorable little juniper Christmas tree.) 
The kids dumped out their stockings first, which included crayons, flashlights, and, of course, candy. 
Connor and Elise received so many wonderful gifts from friends and family, we have to say thank you to everyone for their generosity. Caught in these pictures, though, are Connor's toy dinosaurs and "big kid" tool set, and Elise's playsilks, new pajamas, and baby doll. (Plus, of course, the crocheted Goomba Kelli made for Kevin.)
Ryan got me an I.O.U. for a new couch (which we now have, and it's fabulous.) 
I got Ryan the new Super Mario Wii, but that didn't make it onto the camera for some reason. Connor was very excited to give Kelli this ball of rainbow yarn he found at the store. The moment he saw it on the shelf, he ran up and said "We should get this for Kelli!" It took all his self control not to tell her about it in the days before Christmas. 
After our meal, and a trip to see the new house, we went to Grandma Cloe's where she gave us all these great handmade hats! They came in very handy, given how stinkin' cold it was up there. 
Oh, and then my brothers did this. Yeah, I guess we're related. 
Wonderful Christmas, wonderful trip.
His mom had totally decorated the house for the holidays, which was about ten times more decorating than I've done in my entire life! It was very cool. Our first full day there we went with Ryan's dad down to the wrecking yard. The kids had a blast, playing on every piece of equipment, and stepping in every greasy puddle they could find. 
We also finally took a trip to the Oakland Zoo, which we had been meaning to do ever since we were married, but never got around to it. I think it's one of my favorite zoos that I've been to - it doesn't try to have one of everything, but focuses on exhibits (and species) that do well in captivity and show well. We'll definitely go back! 
Ryan's family took the kids to Toys R Us for a late Christmas shopping spree (plus a bunch of cool toys and crafts they'd already bought them), which kept the kids pretty busy at the house. Elise especially loved this tent, and her Wonder Pets paint set. Connor liked the paint set too, actually, but we insisted that it was her present, not his (he seems to enjoy taking over her stuff.) He got a set of Lincoln Logs, a spin art kit, and this cool sock puppet project, which he did with Bomi and Aunt Helena! 
On one of our last nights there, Ryan rummaged around upstairs and got out the family train set from when he was a kid. It was cute. He and Connor spent a couple hours playing with these trains, and ended with a pretty impressive setup. 
It was an awesome trip - really nice to just hang out with everyone. I'll admit, though, that it was kind of pleasant to come home after three weeks of traveling!
