We just back from Topeka, KS.  (And when I say “we”, I mean my two kiddos and myself.) Unfortunately, my husband had to stay behind in LA and work.  Honestly, I don’t think he minded, 🤣 . We stayed in California until Christmas afternoon.  So, we got to celebrate with him Christmas morning.  And it was PERFECT!

We went for the typical sunset over the beach thing after sushi on Christmas Eve, and ended the night with a Hershey’s house.  (My husband and I do not like ginger…) On Christmas morning, after presents from Santa, we went to BRUNCH!

This trip from LA to KC was the first time I had flown by myself with both kids.  I am glad I waited, or didn’t have the opportunity, to fly with them until they were older.  Going through security in LAX with kids was stressful, we had A LOT of electronics, but they were AMAZING!  We are planning at bigger trips in 2019, and this was a great tester.

My family celebrated Christmas on the 26th, since we were traveling on the 25th.  It worked great.  My brother and nephews stayed at parents with us, and in the morning on the 26th all the kids, 4 boys and 1 girl, got up SO early to open gifts.  That evening my mom hosted a small family party and this year my Great Aunt Debbie and my Great Grandpa Mac came for the first time.  My Great Grandma Reva passed away not too long ago, so it was nice to have my Great Grandpa there.  Not too many kids meet their Great-Great Grandparents.  They have so many wonderful memories!

We were there for 10 days, and they flew by!  Abigail and Oliver got to spend quality time with their Nana and Papa, and their Great Grandma Janice.  Everyone played cards and board games, Uno quickly became the family favorite.  The trampoline park was visited twice to burn extra energy with Papa.  I also played the lottery.  We won, $2.  Best free Mike and Ike ever!

It wasn’t all fun and games though.  Oliver ended up falling and we thought he broke his arm.  Rushed to the ER, the nurse had to cut his shirt open, a bag full of Laffy Taffy, and an x-ray later…he had nursemaid’s elbow. It went back into place and he was good to go!

Abigail had a much less emergency trip, but just as traumatic. She is old enough for ear piercing! I know as parents, deciding when kids are old enough for things are very personal, so how we handled ear piercings might not look the same for you.  My husband and I wanted her to be old enough to care for them herself AND we wanted her to make the decision on her own for what happens to her body.  The stars aligned during our visit.  She was mature enough at age 8 and REALLY wanted them.  The photos below show ALL the emotions, and I am so glad I was able to capture this moment for her.

She couldn’t wait to show them off!:

My final meal was my birthday dinner and CAKE! And our last morning was quiet.  Abigail stayed one more night with Great Grandma Janice, and Oliver helped me pack…by falling asleep.  I woke up early and made my mom breakfast before she left for work and watched the sun rise.  Kids and I made our rounds to say “goodbye” and hopped on the plane

Now, laundry…