The kids LOVE their army suits that Santa brought them. They’ve been planning a big war. This afternoon – it happened – the kids vs parents war.
So.Much.Fun! Love that we can be silly and do fun stuff like this!
The trampoline conveniently became the “jail.”
Crucial mistake – they didn’t take the prisoner’s weapons away from him!
So blessed to have this amazing weather and this amazing family!
Bo and I got to try a new spot in Fayetteville tonight – Vetro 1925. Even better, we got to hang out with “Fayetteville” boys that Bo has known forever and I’ve known almost 20 years 
The restaurant was lush. Our waiter was a bozo and we ordered 3 things that weren’t on the menu. But, it was still fantastic. Great vibe upstairs, but we had so many – we ate in the basement. It’s in the Cravens building and was so nice. Lobster ravioli in saffron cream sauce – must order! Amazing wine list.
We hit Theo’s for a few drinks afterwards. What a treat to get to have amazing food with even more amazing company. Love.Love.Love. all of these peeps. Carl & Courtney are moving to Minneapolis on Monday – so we’ll definitely have to make our Christmas get togethers a tradition!
This morning, the kids and I headed with Babe & Pops to Gentry and the drive-through zoo. We couldn’t have picked a better day – gorgeous!
The ostriches were the first up – and wow – what a hit. We were dying laughing!
We were all a little scared that this “cat” looked like he could jump on the hood of our car!
The kids were so excited when I told them they could unbuckle so they could get a better look! Of course, Con wanted to drive. She’s 3 going on 33
It’s been YEARS since I’ve been here. It’s AMAZING. I think it’s better than the real zoo. You get to ride vs walk and you can watch the animals run and play!
Babe kicked it in the back. She had the snack basket – so the kids wound up back there a lot!
Crawford was so excited when we got to the “gator” pond. We could not find one for the life of us. But all of a sudden, Crawford started yelling and he was so right. Hawk eye had spotted it
We finished our tour right about lunch time – so we hit the concession stand.
And then the petting zoo – which was a huge hit. We went through 2 bags of bread.
Love the pic below.
The best part of the entire thing – the kangaroos!
Thanks Bo for the awesome suggestion. We were gonna do Crystal Bridges but didn’t get tickets soon enough. Is it bad to say – that I can promise you we had as much (if not more) fun in Gentry?
So glad my folks got to experience the fun with the kids. I’ve never heard that many giggles and squeals of delight (from both the kids and adults)!
We had a great day of just running around returning/exchanging gifts. So glad we didn’t do it on Monday!!!!
The baseball pitch is STILL his favorite gift from Santa. It’s also still mine!
Love the pic below. When he hits it – he says, “I smoked it!”
Now if I could just get Scooby to return the ball after he retrieved them.
For din, Sue-Sue and J-J had Pops fry up the quail that J-J has been killing. The kids thought it was chicken and loved it.
They found a pair of antique glasses. Wow – how terrible is this! Prayers being said – but pretty sure we’ll end up with some sort of corrective eyewear (Bo & I both wear contacts)!
…in hindsight – probably should have done this BEFORE Christmas. But, it felt so good to get both of the kids rooms cleaned out. They were very helpful and for once actually decided to get rid of a ton of “baby” toys. See all of the stuff on Con’s bed – that’s all hers. Hello Rhea Lana’s
While we waited on Bo and Matt to return, we got Santa cleaned up and played with a few toys. I honestly don’t think the kids realized they were gone. Bo did a great job of not letting the kids know he was hurt!
We had poinsettias and mimosas waiting on them when they returned.
We scarfed down a VERY LARGE brunch and then moved on to more presents.
Uncle Matt hit a home room. Books for Con (Pinkalicious, Purpleicious, Amelia Bedilia).
Farm toys for Crawford!
Love the next 2 photos.
My fam on Christmas day!
Then it was turn to play Santa. Each kid took a turn.
But it was funny, when they found a package with their name on it…they quickly forgot about being Santa. So, Bo with his bum hand and all took over!
After cleanup of dishes and packages – I found Sue Sue dancing to the Wii game she got the kids.
The move below is priceless!
After a much needed nap, we headed outside to enjoy our toys and a gorgeous afternoon. If it’s not going to snow on Christmas – it might as well be sunny and warm
The trampoline is a HUGE success. I realize we are totally rolling the dice by letting them both jump together!
Con can move on her plasma car.
Even with all of the new toys – they wanted to get out play-do? So of course we did!
My new favorite toy – the baseball pitching machine. Crawford always wants me to pitch to him. I mean I will and it’s fun, but I’m not the best and at pitch number 122, I’m tired. Hence, I love this thing!
My player. Bat, batting helmet, sunglasses on hat, baseball necklace. If he turns out to be no good, at least he’ll look good doing it!
Not sure what I was thinking with the double light sabers? Oh, and don’t you love how my fashionistas had to change into their new clothes. Con’s is Hello Kitty with a sparkle tu-tu!
After a light din of ham and/or pork sandwiches, we gave the kids their bath. Con decided to be a dear and let me give her her first ever blow out. I’m in love! Total “that” mom. I’ve fought those dang curls – and I’ve won!!!! Adorable.
A blowout and a princess gown? This is why I was scared of having a girl. This little Miss could get anything she wanted out of any of us tonight!
Despite a bit of a mishap, it was still a very blessed Christmas for everyone. Hey – I guess you know you are used to being hurt when you look at it as, “Well, it could have been a lot worse.”
Merry Christmas from my family to yours!
