California Visit

We left on the Friday before Thanksgiving to avoid the big storm that was coming.  Originally it was to go see Mike and Alison before they left for Utah, but they ended up having to leave early too to avoid weather on Donner Pass.  It was sad; we weren't able to see them at all.  It was nice though to have some time to settle in before the holiday craziness began.  We visited with Grandma Anne and Linda, ate take out, and lounged around the first couple of days.  James was gone visiting friends.  Then he came back, and John, Ayme, and Trinity joined us too.  There were nine of us sharing the house, but it ended up working out pretty smoothly.  It was nice to get to spend some time with them, and to be all together like that.  Matisyn got to have a slumber party in Grandma's room on an air mattress, since John and Ayme were in the room she normally sleeps in, which she loved.  Any excuse to be near Grandma is a good one in her eyes.  We spent the whole week there, and headed home Sunday to a gigantic snow storm in Utah.

Uncle Chunk swinging Matisyn around.  She loves to play like this.

On Monday night Mom and the girls and I went over to Jill's house to visit her family.  Matisyn had begged to play with Kate since we arrived so she was pretty excited.  We also exchanged a few presents.  Matisyn was delighted as you can see to get an Easy Bake oven from Kate.  We also got some beautiful Radco ornaments from TT (Therese), Kate's grandma, which has become a tradition now.  Emilyn is really getting into the unwrapping thing this year.  She will unwrap anything in sight.  She has big smiles when she sees her doll from Therese.

Matisyn, Emilyn, Leah, and Kate taking a play break to eat some dinner

Cousin Trinity and Emilyn eating breakfast in their side by side high chairs

As is tradition we headed up to the Sonora Craft fair on the day after Thanksgiving.  We found lots of great stuff.  Matt was nice enough to stay home with James and take care of the girls.  Afterward we always walk around Columbia.  John and Ayme met us there.

 Mom, Me, space for Amanda, and Books
I was excited to get to be the one to leave the space for Amanda.  They do these pictures sometimes and leave a space for me since I don't live close.  I wish she could have come though.

My mom is not afraid to play.  Here they are having a dance party in the living room.  They played school, tea party, barbies, dolls, dance party, and read books.  She does not like to share her Grandma at all, she wants her complete attention.  She especially doesn't want to share with Emilyn, who also adores Grandma now.  Matisyn chooses Grandma as her number one play partner over pretty much everyone else.  We can't compete!  I think my mom takes a big nap when we leave!