Old Friends, Good Times, New Memories

Aunt Jenn reading to Vincent, Alex and Peyton before rest/nap time



Vincent, Sarah Kate and Peyton being silly!

Some of our oldest and dearest friends, the Andersons, came to see us in between Christmas and New Year's. Jenn and I go WAY back to the Disney college-program days (internship at Disney World). We met through one of my Disney roomies (thanks Dana!) back in Jan. 1994 and have been the best of friends since, even living together for a few years in Atlanta. We both started dating Robert and Glenn about the same time back in late '97/early '98 - the rest is history for both of us. Four kids later (3 for them and 1 for us), we all have a great time together - even our firsts, Vincent & Peyton, were born just 4 days apart!

They were here the 28th through the 1st and we were BUSY! The kids played wildly non-stop. We were hoping to go sledding but the rains a few days prior had other plans - NO snow! Monday Peyton and I took them to Gymquest, an open gym with big foam pits, swings, ropes, giant blow-up slides and climbing apparatuses, trampolines and such. Jenn and I were also able to sneak off to Party City this day while kids napped/rested. We stocked up on party favors for the upcomign New Year's party we were having on Wed.

Tuesday Robert was off and we headed into the city. We originally planned to go to Shedd Aquarium but quickly found out that the whales, penguins, and dolphins were 'on vacation' due to renovations....what? that's the whole reason to go to an aquarium - whales, dolphins, and penguins, OH MY! So we thought fast in the COLD and walked over to the Field Museum, where I was pleasantly pleased!

Four's a Crowd - Alex, Sarah Kate, Vincent & Peyton trying to stay warm!


The Hines take a photo with Sue, the T-REX...Peyton wasn't so sure!



There we found a great hands-on interactive lab for preschoolers. We met Mr. McFeely from Mister Roger's Neighborhood, who was there to read stories (great timing for us!) and pass out (FREE) signed books and tapes! We also got to see Sue, the infamous T-Rex, giant elephants, walk the world, visit the Caribbean (SIGH....), and see beautiful expensive gemstones from all over the world (Robert was digging this, you know!). With 4 kids age 4.5 to 14 mos., we didn't even see half of the place, but we all had a great time! From there, we headed to the Rainforest Cafe for a late lunch - always entertaining with great food!


Alex, Peyton and Vincent listening to Mr. McFeely reading; Below: Peyton with Mr. McFeely - quite the character!



Peyton in the Caribbean and Glenn 'walking around the world with the kids!



Alex and Peyton visiting the elephants at Rainforest Cafe~

Sarah Kate happy that she's finally eating - her favorite hobby!



Wed. the kids played most of the day while Glenn and Robert (when he got home about 1pm from work) worked on a major project in the master bedroom (thanks, Glenn; it looks GREAT!). Jenn helped me tidy up and prepare for the party, with another couple, the Campises, and their 2 kids. We know Chris and Tammy from Atlanta and have always remained close. Nice that we now live just an hour away and get to see them monthly. They, too, have a son Peyton's age, Connor; they play really well together (other son is Carter and he is 19 mos.).

The kids played and played from 5pm til about 9pm. The kids made their own pizzas for dinner, had their own countdown New Year's party, ate personalized cookies made by Peyton, had a PJ party and all read bedtime stories together. Finally, by 9:30pm, we had all 6 kids down and out (Connor even slept in Peyton's room for a sleepover!)! Then the 6 adults got to eat their dinner (scrumptius tenderloin, Robert!) and play, too! Nothing too crazy but very fun. 3 of the fuddy-duddies only made it to 12:10 am, while 3 of us (me, Chris & Tammy) made it to 1:30pm, complete with the giggles....that was me of course!

Kids playing Vincent's game of Hullabaloo~New Year's Eve

Eating their pizzas they made:

Making pizzas!


Celebrating the New Year (about 7:30pm)!

The finale PJ Party - 2 little ones already in bed asleep!


The Andersons were out of the house and on their way back to KY by 9:30am (before heading back to NC) and the Campises gone about 10:45am - what a great way to ring in the New Year - with dear old friends making new, fond memories!

Chris, Tammy, Robert, Jennifer with Glenn and Jenn in front seated