New Year's Eve

The Scudders came to visit us for New Year's Eve. We got a later start going to the Cleveland Zoo, because Michael was sick in the morning. It was a fairly mild day for the end of December, so we went even though we missed the ball that they drop at noon. There were some other things to do and it gave us all some fresh air and some exercise (literally, the Cleveland zoo is so spread out and there is an upper zoo and lower zoo. I swear the walk to the upper zoo was five minutes up a steep hill!)

The ball had just dropped when we got there. Nicholas and Jack went over to see it.

Nicky and Jack

Erin attempting to control Elizabeth

Looking at the lions

After the zoo, we had a taco dinner at home and watched IU basketball (Jack kept saying, "Go Fort Wayne!") and then Family Man. I think everyone fell asleep by 11:00 pm, but most of us were up by 11:45 pm in time to see the ball drop. The girls made it to 9:30 pm which is pretty good considering they didn't have a nap either!

Uncle Mike with Kate

Jack was so excited for the party and fireworks! He just couldn't get his eyes open and was out by 10:30 pm. John tried to wake him a few minutes before midnight, but he would not wake up! We taped the ball dropping and he watched it a few times the next day.

A few minutes before midnight, John took this picture of all of us. I'd say half were awake.

Christmas Break Fun

December 27: Christmas with the Scudders

We finally came upon Christmas party #4 with the Scudders. We don't see PeePaw and GeeMaw very much, so it was great to spend the day with them. The girls and Jack opened a few gifts first and they liked their new toys and clothes.

They each got a Leap Frog toy

Jack got crayons and markers that he immediately opened to use with Amy

Jack got a puzzle of the United States

Kate liked her computer!

Amy and Jack.

Dave and Mary Kay and Mark and Chris came over as well.

Erin playing with Anna nd Elizabeth. The older girls put pony tails in the girls' hair after Aunt Cindy gave them a bath. They loved their new dresses from PeePaw and GeeMaw

Jack, Nicholas and Amy played outside in the snow (there was just a dusting of snow), and had a great time!

As we were backing out of the driveway, Jack says, "Where do we open gifts tomorrow?" I guess after five straight days of parties, he thinks this doesn't stop!