Back at it!

 We've been teaching Madi a lot of new games that we like to play.  Gin and Phase 10 to name a few.  It sure it nice to sit by the fire and play a game as a family.

 Friday the 6th I headed into work to welcome our new student teachers to orientation.  Of course, it started to snow! 

 We enjoyed our last weekend with some family games including introducing Madi to Monopoly!

 I think she likes it!

  After Christmas break and a quick Vegas trip, we were ready for our routine to return Monday morning.

 Tuesday

 Sure is nice to see our programs getting recognition!

 Wednesday

 Thursday

 Friday

 We finally got Matt's CPA license framed and up in his office!  He's officially official!

 Friday evening crafts . . . poster of foods for her lunch!

 I took Noodle to get an evaluation at the vet Friday afternoon and was very thankful that she received a good bill of health.  She's old but healthy!

 I didn't play Monopoly as a kid so I finally let Matt and Madi rope me into a game Saturday morning.  They both did a good job of teaching me all the rules.  

 Saturday afternoon we braved the cold rain and met Devyn and her family at the skating rink for a few hours of fun.

 Madi & Devyn

 Saturday night Madi spent the night with Devyn.  It was the first time for her to spend the night with someone other than a family member.  Matt and I enjoyed dinner out at Aspen Creek and then rented The Accountant to watch at home.

 Sunday after church, Maisen came over to play, make videos, and decorate book marks.

Madi and I both have Monday off so our weekend continues!

Vegas!

 Sunday afternoon we got lots of hugs and kisses from this girl before we headed out to catch our flight to Vegas!

 Just a tad bit excited as we head to pick up Adam and Bianca!

  In the airport waiting for our flight to arrive!

 First night dinner was at Hugo's Cellar.  It was definitely fine dining.

They give each lady a rose as they enter.

Then we headed to see a hypnotist show. 

 We both went up on stage and were hypnotized.  There's video proof too!  We're going to watch it soon over at the Foley's house.

 Picture with the hypnotist Kevin Lepine.  Then we went to a secret bar downtown.  It was definitely mysterious.  We had to text outside a secret door at the time of our reservation and then we were let in and had to travel through secret rooms to get there.  The drinks were amazing and the company even better!

 Monday morning, Bianca and I took an Uber to the outlet mall north of Vegas and had a blast shopping.  We met up with the guys and headed to a Trapped style room.  We made it out with time to spare! 

 Then we went to dinner at Ri Ra, an Irish pub that was the best food of the trip!

 The bar behind us was beautiful!

 We went out on a limb and tried something very different after dinner.  It was definitely an interesting show to say the least.

 Tuesday morning we gambled and shopped at the outlets for most of the day. 

Then we got dressed for dinner and met a cute couple renewing their vows after 30 years so we had to take a picture with the special couple!  She had her wedding dress remade.

 Then we headed to our reservation at the Barrymore. 

 We enjoyed dinner and agreed it was a great way to spend our last night in Vegas.

 We waited inside where it was warm while the guys waited outside for our driver to arrive.

 We gambled downtown until late in the night!

   Aunt Shelle sent this picture of her cute lunch date since the cousins had school this week. 

We all agreed it was the best Vegas trip and already tentatively planned the next one.  Thankfully, Madi loves staying with her Aunt Shelle, Uncle Cody and cousins while we are away. 

Welcome 2017!

 The afternoon of New Year's Eve we took the puppies on a walk while Madi roller bladed in her pajamas.

 Noodle's getting pretty old and can't make it very far so I usually carry her. 

 I asked Matt if he thought she'd fit in his pullover pocket. 

 She fit perfectly!

 After our walk, we loaded up all our games and food and headed to the Foley's house.

 The Gibb's family joined us too.  The kids had a blast playing and eating.

 We had to try out Adam's latest gadget he got for Christmas, 

 You put your phone in these goggle like things and play 3D videos.

 They were cracking up at me since I got really into it.  I wasn't expecting it to be that cool!

 The adults played Mexican Train and ate too many fajitas!

 Then at midnight the adults toasted champagne and the kids toasted sparkling apple juice in fancy glasses we bought.

 Yes, I was beyond exhausted after midnight!

 Our first picture of 2017!  So thankful to spend another year with this guy!