Treasure Hunt and Ersa

After Christmas with my family, Connor was bummed that I didn't make a treasure hunt for him.  I didn't think he was old enough to really enjoy a treasure hunt, but obviously I was wrong.  So, I made a special treasure hunt for him and dad the next day.  Connor loved it!

 I hid a treat with each clue.  Connor enjoying his treat, deep in thought as Jason reads the next clue.

 We had so much fun with the treasure hunt that after the boys found the treasure I had hid... we played it several more times.  Connor and I would make a treasure hunt for Jason, then Jason and Connor would make one for me, then me and Jason would make one for Connor.  We all had fun!

 We watched Alivia's Guinea pig, Ersa while they traveled over to see family for the holidays.  Connor loved watching Ersa.  She was a little bit nervous after the car ride over to our house... so, we welcomed her with a carrot stick snack.

 That evening we got the chance to pet Ersa.  She's a very friendly Guinea pig.

 Connor decided his 3 piggy banks were bursting at the seams... and he was bursting to spend some of the money he's collected (mainly by playing finders keepers with mom and dad's change).  We took all but the penny's out, which came to just over $14.  Then we went shopping for a new book.  Nana bought him the Leapfrog Tag pen for Christmas and he wanted to get another book for it.  He chose the Tinker Bell puzzle book.

 We made a quick stop by my school, EWU to buy a book for next quarter.

 Then it was home to play with Ersa and feed her some more carrots right out of Connor's hand.

 The day before New Years Eve Jason and I went on a date.  I can't even remember the last date we had.  We decided to check out Northern Quest Casino, considering it's about 10 minutes from our house and in the 5 years we've lived here... we have never even set foot in the casino.  Come to find out they have 14 restaurants in the casino!  Friday nights they have an all-you-can-eat sea food buffet.  Jason and I love sea food, so we gave it a try.  The food was incredible.  We'll definitely be going back!  Connor stayed home with Lauren and enjoyed some chocolate ice cream and a Peter Pan movie.

We stocked Lauren for New Years... 3 bottles of wine and 6 Payday candy bars.

Christmas 2011

We celebrated Christmas on Monday this year.  It was a perfect Christmas surrounded by loving family and delicious food.  The house was filled with laughter and my heart was filled with joy.  I'm so gratefully to have such amazing people in my life... and blessed to call them family!

Maddie made a chocolate coffee cake... I can't remember the exact name of the cake, but oh my goodness was it delicious!  I think we may have to make Maddie the official dessert queen of all holidays.

 Ryan and Connor sitting at their kiddie table ready to eat some Christmas dinner

 Laura made the most addictive sweet potatoes and my mom tried a new cranberry salad recipe that was incredible.  Christmas dinner is always good, but this year the food was just amazing!

 Alivia and Maddie reading the first clue on their treasure hunt.  I typed out the clues and hid everything the night before.  The girls had fun searching for their treasure.

 another clue...

 Connor and Ryan playing

 John tried Papa's wood puzzle too.  Nobody was able to put the puzzle back together, except Papa.

 Ryan and Laura working on some easier puzzles

 the boys had so much fun playing together

 Everyone had fun trying to figure out the treasure hunt clues.  A few of the clues had everyone stumped and took a while to figure out.

 our little drummer boy, Ryan

 

The girls solved the last clue and found their treasure (presents).

 Papa with the ABC fish puzzle he made for Connor.

 Papa made Connor and Ryan each 10 wood puzzles!  That's a lot of work!  Plus he painted them fun, bright colors for the boys.

 The beautiful Kortus family.  I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful brother and amazing sister-in-law... with two incredibly beautiful and sweet nieces and the most handsome, fun little nephew ever!  I love you guys!

 Papa with his grandson's

 Nana with her granddaughters

Alivia stomping on the air pump sending a rocket shooting across the house

 Jason was on the other side of the house trying to catch the rockets in mid flight... which he did several times (including this one).

 All the kiddo's taking a turn stomping on the pump sending the rockets shooting through the air.  Everyone had fun playing with this rocket launcher.

 Connor had to show Ryan his new Spider-Man ornament from Aunt Staci. 

 our family photo... with Connor's shirt riding up.  Oops

 Papa and Nana

 Connor was bummed that Papa and Nana had to go home.  He really wanted them to spend another night.

 After everyone left, Connor spent the evening putting all his new puzzles together.  Then dad downloaded his new Leap Frog Tag pen and he enjoyed reading his new Tag books.

Christmas Day

Nana and Papa came over Christmas Day.  Papa brought a wood puzzle he made.  Jason attempted to put the puzzle together...

 

he came close, but failed

 Papa also brought the fire pit cover he made for us.  We can't wait to roast some s'mores over that this summer!

 Papa had to show us how to put the puzzle together.  Nobody was able to do this puzzle except Papa.

 Staci and Tony came over for Christmas dinner pizza.  Our traditional Christmas dinner is on Monday this year.  Tony took a turn at the puzzle and failed too.

 The boys visiting

 Tony testing out the 3D goggles

 Connor opening his gifts from Aunt Staci and Uncle Tony

 Uncle Tony reading Connor one of his new books

 Aunt Staci, Uncle Tony and Connor

 Connor's cool new Christmas ornament from Aunt Staci.  Spider-Man!

 Papa and Connor putting a puzzle Papa made together

 While everyone else played.... I worked on creating a treasure hunt for Madison and Alivia.  I made 5 clues, each a different style.  Each clue also had a treat (Snickers and Kit Kat, their favorites) hidden within a foot of the clue.  And of course the last clue led them to the secret spot their presents were hid.  I had so much fun creating this hunt... I couldn't wait for the girls to start their search.

 Connor showing Papa his iphone

Merry Christmas!