This month went by way faster than it had the right to. If anyone has suggestions on how to make time slow down, I would really appreciate it.
We kicked off January at Seaworld. We made it to every show and surprisingly my favorite was the walrus one...didn't see that coming. There were lots of roller coasters to ride as well.
Tanner had been bravely pretending to feel well but it hit him pretty hard that day.
These cousins had so much fun together and we didn't lose anyone this day. Success!
I got to go on a roller coaster with the oldest three and thoroughly enjoyed myself.
I ended up getting a wild hair and went on a water ride with Brigston and then Eliza, Jude, and Tycen decided they needed to as well, so they figured they were already wet and went multiple times. It really wasn't warm enough to be soaking wet, so I went back to the hotel with Tanner and the littles so I could change into dry clothes and bring some clothes back for the wet kids. Tanner was happy to rest and let the littles watch a movie. Vivi was sad about leaving until we saw the trainers doing a dolphin interaction and she was able to get right up to the tank and watch. Definite highlight of the day for her.
Here's Tanner and Asa, convalescing. I went back to Seaworld and finished the night with the oldest four kids and my siblings' families. Then we went to Tiff and Cam's hotel to swim in their fancy pool. Uncle Dan tried his hardest to drown the big boys, so everyone had a blast. It is way easier to do an amusement park and pool time without a four and two year old. I highly recommend it.
The next morning we got ready to head back up to Georgia and my phone decided to give up the good fight after it's dunk on the water ride. Which was a miracle because if it would have stopped working the day before I don't know if I would have found everyone again at the park.
We met up at Amanda's house for dinner and then went to Em and Andrew's house to sleep.
We woke up bright and early the next morning for Tyler and Shanny's wedding.
We had to get a family picture because this is as good looking as we get.
The temple sealing was so special. All of my siblings and their spouses were there together and it was something we won't ever forget.
All the brother in laws and Dan were the best men and they got some epic shots throwing Tyler in the air, can't wait to see those.
Shanny looked like a princess and because we were trying to stay out of the way of the wedding photographer, and I kept having to steal Tanner's phone to take pictures, I didn't get a single picture of Tyler and Shanny outside the temple.
I did get this picture of the littles all anxiously waiting to see the beautiful bride. And I'm sure they didn't mind seeing Tyler either.
These boys...
All the little girlies...of course Vivi had her shoes off.
Elise was showing Mariah her "cool vintage" digital camera...if that doesn't make you feel old.
The wedding venue was pretty fancy. We got to have lunch there before the reception and our kids were pretty well mannered. I think the servers were relieved to see us arrive, it's pretty hard to offend a bunch of children. Although I'm sure they had to clean more than usual.
There was lots of pool played
And card games
And of course DJ was able to squeeze a board meeting in...
The boys were so excited to decorate Tyler's truck.
Tyler and Shanny's tea ceremony was so special. I think all weddings should have something like this. We are so thrilled to have Shanny in the family, she is simply the best!
Tyler worked really hard on his Chinese so he could speak to Shanny's parents without a translator. When he finished speaking you could just see the joy it brought to all the Chinese speakers to know he put forth the effort to do that.
After the tea ceremony we had mocktails and hordeorves dinner and the reception. There was great music and we had so much fun dancing and spending time together.
More of the boys...they especially loved all the food and fancy Chinese candy.
We ended the night with sparklers and said goodbye to the happy couple.
That night Tanner and I decided that we in fact, did not want to get up at the crack of dawn to leave for home and instead enjoyed a fancy breakfast at Emily and Andrew's and surprised everyone at church. We then grudgingly got into the car to head out. We stayed the night on the way and I was able to get a new phone the next day. We had such a wonderful time with family and are already planning the next time we can be together.
We went swimming with our homeschool group and Asa clung to me until the last ten minutes. It takes a while for that boy to warm up to something.
Eliza had a blast working on her swimming.
And the boys spent their time trying to master the obstacle course
Needless to say they were pretty sore the next day.
Chet had his first basketball tournament and was pretty tuckered out that night. They played some really good teams, so there has been a lot of learning.
We always enjoy our Sunday evenings with Evan.
We took a trip to the Children's Museum with our homeschool group and Asa had a blast.
Vivi wanted me to take a picture of her with "all my chickens".
We enjoyed a Chik fil A shake thanks to Uncle DJ while we waited for ice skating.
Austin is doing archery with Chet this year and is learning a lot.
Eliza made a purse by finger knitting. She is always thinking up new projects that she can do.
These boys love/torture Josie, but she doesn't seem to hate it. Sorry Boo, they are a dog trainer's worst nightmare.
Tanner and I went to pick out shower surrounds and tile, went out to dinner and did a Trader Joes and Costco run. It was good to have some uninterrupted time together.
The next day Austin had his last basketball games for the season
He really enjoyed it and especially loved when he got to be point guard.
After totally missing Chet and Austin's shoot times, Tiffany, their coach, was an angel and squeezed them in to the next slot so they could still shoot and got to shoot together. Austin was really excited about that.
After archery we headed to the church for a going away party for Elder and Sister Hancock and Elder Trent.
We just love these two so much! I will never forget their visits to our home, often with treats for the kids. One day Eliza challenged Elder Hancock to a foot race and he did it, keeping up with her as well. We are going to miss them so!
It was such a full month full of all good things. We can't wait to see what February will bring!
