Christmas with Mimi & Paka

Mimi & Paka met us in Charleston on New Year's Eve and I was so happy to see some other adults after having been with the kids all by myself for a long time. Ok, only about 36 hours, but still:) 

We had a nice dinner and were in bed by 10:00 PM. Just the way I like it! 

On New Year's Day, we headed back to St. Louis for some quality time with Mimi & Paka. We ate, shopped, went to Myseum, played Uno Attack and Clue. Scott & Kevin did a few of the kitchen to-dos, which was so appreciated. It was nice to have them here when we didn't have a lot going on (except the going on that we still don't have a kitchen sink - an update on that later!) 

We also celebrated Christmas and the kids were so excited! 

 Scott trying to shake a present - the kids thought this was so funny.

Lila truly has the best picture opening facial expressions.

Her Doc McStuffins Doll!

Funny story...back in May when Nate was getting ready to be out of 2nd grade, we were walking in to school on one of the last days. He was doing something funny with his backpack, like had it over his shoulder in some contorted way. I asked him what he was doing. He said I'm trying to make it an over the shoulder bag. I asked him why? He said because that's what the 3rd graders have. I chuckled. With a serious face on, he said, "I'll be needing one of those by 3rd grade."

Well, we got busy with summer and the start of school and I totally forgot about it. I guess he did too because he hadn't said anything. But I remembered to tell Mary and she and Paka totally delivered on the "3rd grade acceptable" bag! He loves it and was so excited to carry it to school!

My big boy! Where does the time go??