Road Trip- First Stop Bend, Oregon

We loaded up the car packed with 2 little boys, one large dog and plenty of holiday cheer.

We spent Sunday evening enjoying a gourmet meal prepared mostly by Marty, opening gifts, and have lots of fun.





Ben was determined to get everyone to eat quickly so we could get to presents!





Bumpy was thrilled that Mike rescued her wine that was confiscated at the airport. Very clever re-gift.


Jack's favorite gift was a truck. What a shock!



BEST present picture ever! Ben was actually really excited!





Sharing the love! Than goodness that is STILL free!

McKinsey's Holiday Party

It was fun to get dressed up and go out for a night of children-free festivities. We had a great time chatting and dancing.




Sarah & Sara, there were 3 other Sarah's at the party too!


Ahn, Sarah, Sara & Nilu- ready for fun!


Are YOU ready to dance?!

Nutcracker

On Sunday night my friend Carrie and I took our first born children to Nutcracker. Jack and Quinn had a great time. Jack is a huge ham and posed with all the Nutcracker statues in the lobby. He started to get pretty sleepy, but during intermission all the dancing he and Quinn did gave them a second wind.



Before the show we took the kids to Thai food.





Hamming it up in the lobby







King Mouse "mean face"


Funny moment:
Before intermission the fairy princesses did their big number (the part with the snow falling). Then shortly after intermission the fairy princess' were performing another routine. Jack leans over with concern and says, "Mommy we already saw this part."

Happy Birthday Jackson

For Jack's 4th birthday he wanted to go to sushi. We explained that if he went to sushi he couldn't have his whole class come and he could only pick four guests. He still wanted a sushi party, so we agreed.



Honestly, this party was tons of fun, easy to host, and clean up free (for us). We loaded the kids in the car and headed to Blue C Sushi.



The kids had a blast. They loved using the chopsticks. We ordered many different kinds of food for them: rice, sesame noodles, California rolls, avocado rolls, tempura, and edamame.











We forgot the candles so jack had to pretend to blow out the candles. He did get to indulge in licking though- the cars that were on top of his cake. Jack picked a banana cake with cherry filling. Everyone loved it!









After we ate at Blue C Sushi we took the kids across the street to the candy store and let them pick a treat for their goody bags.



It was a very special and fun night! Happy Birthday Jack!

First Christmas Party of the Season

Marty's office hosted a party for the children. Santa was there to pass out gifts. Jack was completely enthralled with Santa he could not stand still as he waitd for his turn to get a gift. Bryce did not like Santa he cried!







Nana & Poppa were in town and got to party with us.



Being in the office made Bryce all business. He and Jack had fun playing with Marty's phone. They were running meetings, calling clients and getting things done!

All About Me

"All About Me" is a special day at Jack's school. The children bring in a poster with pictures of them and family, a treat to share, and their favorite book to read with the class.






Jack and his school buddies loved when Marty read "I Stink" about the garbage truck. Marty made us all laugh with his animated reading!

OMSI

On Friday we went to the OMSI, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. The exhibits we're interesting we loved solving puzzles in the lobby, learning about fetal development, hearing, and animal life. The kids loved the Children's Room!









We loved seeing Bryce and Louisa dressed as chipmunks. Jack only wanted to play in the sand area- not interested in being a chipmunk.





The weather was beautiful, so the views from the museum were amazing.











The kids loved the helicopters Marty got them. Marty sent Jack's first one to the top of the OMSI, on it's maiden voyage. This is his 2nd one.



After the OMSI Bumpy took us all to lunch at the Spaghetti Factory. The 4 children we're really well behaved, seriously!





The BIG boys we're not as well mannered. Um, no cell phones at the dinner table please!