End of December 2015 and New Years 2016

Ron took off the week between Christmas and New Years, so on Tuesday, we decided to treat it like a vacation day and go to the city for some fun.  We did some shopping in Belton and decided to go on to Overland Park for lunch at Freddy's.  We called Amanda to see if they might want to join us for lunch, and lo and behold, they were on their way to Freddy's for lunch then!  Perfect timing.  We met her and the kids (Chad had to work) for a fun lunch at one of our favorite places and enjoyed seeing them.  After lunch, we went back to Belton to see the movie, Joy.  We hadn't been to the movie for many months and have seen 3 movies at the theatre in December!  We're getting wild and crazy.

On Thursday, New Years Eve, we picked up the kids for a visit.  We stopped at McDonald's on the way home in Belton for lunch (indoor playground).  Peyton had requested BBQ meatballs and rice for dinner for New Years Eve, so that is what we had.  Kelly joined us for dinner and we watched a movie she brought, Max (about a dog like Roxie).  It was a good movie, and the kids loved having her join us.  We baked homemade shortbread in molds for dessert - yummy.  We had a "toast" of sparkling grape juice at 8 p.m. before they went to bed.  Their parents went out with a few couples for dinner and bowling.

On New Years Day, we had a fun at-home day with the kids.  We made salt-art pictures and had fun playing games and cards.  Garrison wore his pajamas all day.  Peyton was proud of herself for getting up and getting dressed and making the bed and brushing her hair before we even knew she was awake.  She did that both mornings she was here - so proud of her.  We went out for a little drive and ice cream late in the afternoon and took a tour of Clinton, showing the kids where we lived in the past, Grandma and Grandpa's shop, etc.  They had lots of questions.  We also went to the cemetery.  Peyton really misses Grammaw and talks about her memories of her a lot.

On Saturday before we took them home. they decorated foam poster boards with drawing, coloring, stickers and stamps and had a great time.  We also made homemade pizza.

Since Peyton didn't have school until Tuesday, I went to Overland Park late Sunday afternoon to stay with the kids on Monday.  Garrison was given the option of going to "school" (his was open), but he said, "I want to stay home with you guys".  So cute.

On Monday, they slept until 8 a.m.!   Unusual.  We started out the morning slowly.  Peyton had banana bread for breakfast.  Garrison wanted pancakes, so I made him pancakes - he ate 6 small pancakes!  Peyton and I played ring the bell game (that isn't the real name but I can't think of it), then we loaded up the van and went to Scheels.  First they bowled, then we all rode the ferris wheel.  Since there wasn't a line, we had a very long ride which was fun.  Then they played on the indoor playground there then back to bowl again.  Peyton wanted to look at the shoes and found a pair of mint green tennis shoes which she loved - so we got them.  She also wanted some new flip flops for their upcoming cruise, so we found some Under Armour flip flops which fit and she liked.

We then went to lunch at IHOP.  Who would have imagined there would be a 20 minute wait at IHOP on a Monday morning at 11:20 a.m.! There was!  We had a nice lunch and then went to Hyvee for a little grocery shopping.  Garrison had his own cart which made the trip more exciting.  They rode the mechanical pony there too.

After we came back to their house, they had rest time.  While Garrison was still sleeping, Peyton and I played Trash and War (two card games) and had a great time.  She won both of course - fair and square.  Mommy came home from work, so Grammy came back to Clinton although Garrison really wanted me to have supper with them.  It was a wonderful day.

We are blessed.