Visits

 So on Wednesday we decided to go to my SIL house out in Daybreak.
My kiwi mates live more out those ways and so when I'm out with Kristin I decide to make sure I see my kiwi mates.
My first mate I saw was Evette.
We had a great time catching up and talking.  The kids played well together which is always a plus.
Masaru was grounded that day and Emiko was down for a nap.  So my two middle kids got to play and have fun.
This is the doll house she made her daughter.
Can you believe it?
It's awesome.

 Here's a closer view.
Everything you can see...............she made..................EVERYTHING.
You might wanna say "But Milz, what about that, or that or that or this?"
The answer is EVERYTHING YOU SEE SHE MADE.
Pretty crazy right?
You have to be slightly crazy to do something like this ;)

 Of course the kids loved it and were basically in awe of it more than anything else you know.
I mean look at the details?
Blows my mind.

 Here's Ken hanging out watching Barbie on the TV.
Where is Barbie?
Looks like she's on holidays in the Bahama's with her mate.  Maybe they're skyping Ken ;)
Good times.

Then we also visited my other kiwi mate, Katie.
We had dinner together and caught up and THIS TIME the kids were VERY well behaved if I do say so myself.
Last time it was like 'Lord of the Flies' and while Katie and I were talking our children totally DESTROYED her sons train box with plastic knives.
Talk about outta control.  I've rarely seen such a mess in my lifetime as the mess that those children made in her basement with that box.
The funny thing is Katie told then they could play with ANYTHING THEY WANTED but don't touch the box.
Go figure right?
THIS TIME around was a different story.
At least they've learned from their mistakes right?
They had fun together and did great and Katie and I got to catch up.
With Dru working now we don't have the luxury of being in Utah for long amounts of time.  So I only get to see my mates maybe once or twice a year.
Pretty sad :(

 Then the rest of the time I watched Kristin crochet a project that I was suppose to do (thanks again ;)) while the kids sledded.
I'm telling you man Day Break is a kids playland.
Summer AND winter fun.  That's all year round fun for the kiddo's.
And since I'm a free range parent Day break is my kinda place.

 The kids would go and sled (including Takeshi) anywhere from an hour to 3 hours at a time.
They just had the best time together.
And there's always strength in numbers right?
The Johnson kids got new sleds for Christmas and so they shared those as well as a couple of other things.

 It sucks getting all their snow clothes on and off and then making sure they're hung up etc.
But it's totally worth it to have the kids be so happy with each other and be exerting so much energy with each other.
Makes for fun times all around.
AND WE DON'T HAVE TO DRIVE THEM ANYWHERE!!!!
Now that's my kinda sledding.

 Look how awesome Masaru is?
I didn't get to join in the fun because of Emiko which makes me a little sad.
But they don't need me there really.
Next time...........

 Takeshi and Kate.

 Uh oh, looks like Takeshi's about to run into his cuzzie...........

 Looks a little outta control?

 Happy, happy.........

 Trying to master the snow skateboard.
My nephew Luke went with them one time and looked after them and took some photo's for me.
He was really good with the kids.
Masaru adores him and he's really patient with him.
He's a great 15 year old. 

 Ella and Yuki about to take the plunge.

 Looks like Yuki's getting confident.

Takeshi and Zeke.
I didn't sleep well, but that's no one's fault.  I simply don't do well without Dru, at night times.
I love staying with Kristin and her family.  I feel comfortable and relaxed.
There's plenty to do and I enjoy everyone's company.
The kids are great friends as well.
I'm glad they're such great mates, as well as Kristin and I.
It makes for a good time.
LOVE YOU JOHNSONS.
We'll be back ;)

Christmas Day

 So Christmas morning the kids ran into our room and told us that Santa ate the cookies we left him and left a note and took the reindeer food.
They were beside themselves and couldn't believe it.
Yuki talked about it tonight before she went to bed.  "Mum I can't believe Santa ate all those cookies"
Pretty cute.
Then we got up and the kids got into their stockings.
Here's Masaru's pictures of the morning.

 Lego's

 Thanks to my brother and his family for sending this awesome book and bookmark to our family.

 Toothbrush.

 Size 10 pants for a size 8 child, thanks mum.

 Chocolate from NZ.
'Better hide that buddy while your parents are about'

 Fun books.

Ripping into the fun.
Don't you love that face?
I love Christmas with kids.

 Here's Yuki with her stocking stuffers.
Loving it.

 Books from Mum.

 Accessories.

 Love this face.

 Headphones for the long car rides back and forth to Utah.

 The very coveted dreamlight toy she kept asking Santa for.

With Dad helping.
Yuki was so excited and loved her things.

 Takeshi got up all excited and then tripped over and banged his head up really well.
So it wasn't the best start to the morning.
But with a bit of help from Dad he managed to get excited about opening gifts.

 The anticipation.

 Love these pic's.
He asked Santa for a moon light (notice a theme here?  my kids are all scared of the dark) he was just so excited.

 So happy.

 Opening more gifts.

 LOL
Love this face.

 New books for his story reader.

 Showing us the loot.

He ended up having a great morning but we gave him some medicine and let him nap for a bit.

 Emiko got some Christmas decorations from her grandma.
We LOVE them.
I mean really?  What do you get a 10 month old? 

 I even had her in Christmas PJ's.

 Taking Takeshi's presents.

 Giving mum smiles.

What's up with this flash mum?
Poor thing.  Makes for a cute pic though right?

 Dru looking a little tired.

 Picture for the office.
Dru's always loved this picture.
One day we'll get a HUGE one for our house.
But not today......

 Opening more gifts.

He said I did well.
He's hard to buy for, so I always am in a panic buying for this guy.
So I'm glad I passed the test.

Dru got me an awesome light for my cruiser bike for our summer dates and a really nice rice cooker which I'm very happy about.
I can set it to cook at any time I want, and it keeps rice nice and warm all night and day for left overs and it even sings me a nice tune when it's finished cooking.
I'm looking forward to it.

We had a great breakfast.
We relaxed all day and enjoyed each others company.
Dinner was yummy and the conversation always interesting and fun as well.
We hung out until I had to take Dru to the airport.
He's got work tomorrow for the rest of the week.
So that made me a little sad.
I miss him a ton, hence the reason I'm up at 12:30am blogging instead of sleeping like I should be.
I never do well with him gone.
So for the next couple of days I'll stay with his sister and try to catch up with some friends.
Great Christmas this year, as always.
Now Dru and I need to try and find a trampoline for the kids since we promised them one for Christmas.
Wish us luck.
I'm so upset we didn't get one at the black friday sales.................
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE.
Hope it was great for all.

Even though blogging has gone by the wayside for a lot of people I still LOVE it and am grateful for this opportunity to journal my life as well as my family's.
I know my kids will be grateful as well and I know if anything ever happens to me, they'll be able to have mum still with them through this writing.
It's a true blessing and I'm also grateful for the support of my few blogging friends who say nice things to me every now and then which makes me know they're still reading, supporting and loving me.
My Christmas card wall was redeemed by many loving friends who sent cards and pictures.  I LOVE IT.
Turns out I'm still popular and so that makes me happy ;)
Love to all
Milz xx