Today is Scott's birthday. We tried out the new "Japanese Fire" but WAIT...there was no fire. Miyabi is the newest Japanese Steakhouse in Savannah and they do not do the fire tricks! Can you believe it? Tyler was still pretty entertained and since we had 2 tables worth of family we had a shrimp tail food fight from across the tables. Then we went out to Scott's parents where we sang Happy Birthday and Scott opened presents. He got lots of good stuff including a cast iron grill weight and Staples gift card...to go towards a new laser printer....someday....some shirts and Balderdash board game.
For the 2nd time I attempted a caramel cake for Scott. He requested a 6 layer caramel cake, but I only made a 4 layer. It actually turned out pretty good, well at least they told me it was good. I even made extra frosting for Scott and his brother Rob...both have the biggest sweet tooth's I've ever seen! I have some tweaks I will do for next year...but Thanks to Paula Deen...it was a success!
Well, Happy Birthday honey...I love you! and so does Tyler!!
Hopefully I'll get some pictures up soon.
For the 2nd time I attempted a caramel cake for Scott. He requested a 6 layer caramel cake, but I only made a 4 layer. It actually turned out pretty good, well at least they told me it was good. I even made extra frosting for Scott and his brother Rob...both have the biggest sweet tooth's I've ever seen! I have some tweaks I will do for next year...but Thanks to Paula Deen...it was a success!
Well, Happy Birthday honey...I love you! and so does Tyler!!
Hopefully I'll get some pictures up soon.
On the 26th we headed to Scott's parents to exchange gifts (before dinner) and then a fantastic Turkey dinner. It was good to be with another loving family. Tyler got many new toys and outfits. It was a little overwhelming opening the gifts for Tyler and for myself...don't get me wrong, it was fun...but easy to loose track who they were all from. Our family was definitely blessed this year.
Scott's camera alows him to take 3 pictures in a row on timer. He didn't quite make the first one...and here is the result...him flying through the air. I think it's pretty funny.
HERE IS A GOOD ONE! 
We visited Greatma's new senior living apartment. She sold her house of 52 years in December after having a sign in front of her house for 5 days (FOR SALE BY OWNER). If that's not God's calling I don't know what is! Anyways, Tyler spent quite a bit of time there when Greatma and Cousin Perri babysat while I went to the Drake vs. Iowa basketball game. They all had a great time and were even successful at getting Tyler to take a nap. Very impressive. When we got back he was happy as can be playing with a ball in the living room. I am very happy with where my grandma lives now, she is safe, has a garage, neighbors all down the hall, the apartment is spacious and all one level. We are very excited for her.
It was really fun seeing my cousin Andy and his wife and talking about parenthood. Lindsay is 17 months so only 4 months or so older than Tyler. So they are just steps ahead of us...it was fun to see what we can look forward to. Lindsay speaks both English and Spanish and I think that is so cool. Tyler received his first kiss...yes, from a cousin.
Both Lindsay and Tyler went sledding for the first time. I think Lindsay liked it better than Tyler.
Daddy and son in the open country on sled in Iowa.
POOPED OUT! What a fun time at the farm!
We are all ready for Christmas Eve celebration at Great Aunt Chris and Tony's. But first we must stop at Pal's.
Christmas Eve Night: Recently we have changed from giving many gifts to everyone and opening them 1 AT A TIME to a White Elephant Gift Exchange. I miss the old way, but maybe that is because my brother and I were the only kids and the ones that always had the most presents. When John-E and I were really young the gift opening would last hours and had snack intermissions. Then as we got older and the family started drawing names and now we are down to only white elephant gifts. Anyways, it's a smart way, none of us NEED anything and the fun of family is all that really matters anyway. I will still treasure those memories forever. Especially a themed Christmas like when Uncle Chuck got a ton of boxer shorts and grandma a ton of ear muffs. I think my grandpa got a ton a one thing one year, but I can't remember what it was...any help family?
So this year Tyler and Lindsay got the illegally bought gifts...since they are just babies. They both got a monkey and lots of books. And a few others gave out small gifts as well. It was fun...and I sure hope we continue to break the rules. 
And then it was time for the annual Girls against Guys Trivial Pursuit. Guys win again. OOPS clarification...Guys won this year but Girls won last year (I wasn't there...maybe that's why we won?). It was a little tougher this year concentrating...with Tyler and it getting late for him. 
Christmas Day Dinner at my parents with my Grandma, Aunt Debbie, cousin Jimmy and his girlfriend Ginny.
And then soon after dinner...we were packed up with 1 extra suitcase and headed back to the airport for a day of uneventful travel. We had 3 quick flights with 3 quick layovers. Tyler slept the first flight and the last flight and was really good on the middle flight. Scott's parents picked us up at the airport on Christmas night. We made it! 
