Happiness at Home

While all of the outings and adventures were great, the best time was doing the simple things at home...just being together.  We spent a lot of time on our terrace soaking in the weather and view.  

Cousins enjoyed playing with cousins and Aunts & Uncles with kids

I wonder if Trevor knew what he was in for when he started teaching the kids about practical jokes and the most important part is being good-natured when you get a joke played back on you.  

Playing in the yard was certainly attractive in December for little boys.

Mike set up a golf/croquet game with Isaac's new golf clubs.  

And the hammock was a hit with everyone

 

Brian and I played games with the kids too.  Many times we've played Chutes and Ladders at the Trousdale home with Elaina & Erin, but we've always told them that we grew up playing Snakes and Ladders.  I'm glad we still had our old board to finally play it at our house.  

One afternoon before Christmas day the girls and I had an enjoyable time wrapping presents, and trying to keep secrets.  

Of course there were meals to prepare and clean up.  Thank goodness I had loaded our new freezer with prepared casseroles (2 or 3 pans for each meal), but we still had to add the extras and get it all ready.  We didn't set the table (except for Christmas dinner) but called everyone with our dinner bell to gather for a blessing, fill their plate in the kitchen and sit at a table inside or on the terrace.  It seemed we were barely finished one meal before it was time to think about starting the next and I'm so grateful everyone pitched in.

However, with a crowd of 13 people, every now and then some people need a moment of quiet reflection.  

Heather displayed that she still has her youthful talents, but Grandpa Ducky couldn't even find his quiet moments in his own bed.