Off We Go

On Tuesday we started a cross country trek that will take us from Kansas, to Illinois, to Florida (where we are meeting up with all my family from Arkansas), and then back to Kansas again as we try to squeeze in some time with all our family. We decided to do some small gift opening with our kids this past Monday night before leaving for Kansas City the next morning to start this journey. We have tried to keep gift giving with our kids simple for several reasons but mostly because we desire to penetrate their hearts more this time of year with the reason we have to celebrate. I was reading this blog last week and absolutely fell in love with this party idea and think it would be such a fun tradition to have a birthday party for Jesus every year with our kids and our friend's kids. Here are a few pics of our kids opening up some presents from mommy and daddy a little early this year.

Look at those sweet, sweet faces.

Hailey got this baby doll from the fellowship director and his wife. They were missionaries in Kenya and Rwanda for several years. They said that every little girl that visits Africa needs an "African" baby doll. Hailey adores this doll and it was the first one to get a ride in her new stroller. :)

On Tuesday afternoon we headed out to Kansas City for a night's stay at the Great Wolf Lodge. I had won a free night at my work Christmas party last year but it took us a while to find a good time to get away as a family and to feel like both of our kids would enjoy the water park. They both had a ball. Eli was even able to ride the big slides in an inner tube sitting in front of Marc (on top of his feet) which he loved.

 Hailey had so much fun. I had no idea she would love it so much.

 There were a few little kid slides that Eli was able to go down by himself.

 At bedtime every night they read stories in the lobby and have snow falling down from the ceiling on the kids below. Then Rowdy the Reindeer paid us all a visit and even stuck around for some picture time afterwards.

We really enjoyed our stay. I think one night was perfect for us considering the ages of our kids but maybe we will go to another Great Wolf Lodge again when they get a little bit older.

Then, on Wednesday we flew out of KC and headed to Bloomington-Normal, Illinois where we will remain until after Christmas. We hope you all have a blessed Christmas this year. I will try to get some more posts in after the holidays! Merry Christmas!