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!

The Week after Christmas

 The week after Christmas was spent in our pajamas cuddling on the couch.

 It was also spent cleaning out rooms and closets.

 While cleaning out Madi's room I found a few drawings that she completed of some of her pottery art work and an owl piggy bank she has. 

 I wanted to document her creative art work with pictures!

 We were also able to spend time with my high school friend Shannon and her husband Joe.  We weren't able to attend their wedding last year in Pennsylvania but thankfully they made a day trip to Lubbock while visiting her family in Midland.

 We had a great lunch and it was wonderful to catch up again.  A New York/Pennsylvania trip MAY have been planned!

 I've also spent some of the week redoing the guest bedroom. 

 I found a quilt and pillows I like then finally found lamps.  Still looking for items for the wall and a sideboard cabinet for Madi's sewing materials.

 We've also enjoyed a few family movie nights complete with popcorn and pajamas!  Madi's still wearing my pajamas every night.

 Poor Noodle sure is getting older so Madi is holding her every chance she gets. 

Madi had her friend Devyn over to play and she went to her house as well plus we've enjoyed breakfast at Cracker Barrel with Grandma and Grandpa so we have definitely packed in quite a bit of fun the week after Christmas!

The Day after Christmas!

 Being gone for over a week on our cruise right before Christmas made it difficult to get all the fun things in before the big day.  So we stretched things out a bit!

Madi loves her puppies and loves wearing my new pajamas. 

 Everyone came over Monday afternoon to make Christmas candy, fudge and suckers.

 We snacked on a cheese log and spinach dip with veggies then enjoyed a wonderful ham dinner.

 Everyone helped out making the candy and then left with a huge bag full!

 It was such a fun day!

Christmas Day!

 Day 25:  Fred ended his visit with us reading about the Christmas story from Madison's bible.

 Christmas morning, Madi had already come to our room because of the horrible wind storm outside.  

Soon she was ready to go see her presents!

 Santa brought markers, books, make-up, dream-catcher kit, and more!

  While Daddy made our coffee, Madi and I sorted the gifts out.

 She wanted to open the gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Heider first.  All were a hit!  Especially her pocket knife.  She used it to open her boxes and already got a small cut.  It's officially been broke-in!

 She loved all the gifts we got her as well. 

 Madi and Mommy with sleepy eyes and bed head!  She was so excited for me to open my gifts (pajamas, pillow, earrings, and more!).

 Daddy loved his ceramic griddle for fixing his girls breakfast each morning!

 But his Apple watch was definitely a favorite!  Although he loved his sound machine, scentsy warmer for work, and cologne too.

 Then it was time to get ready for church!

 Christmas day was spent relaxing and enjoying the day together. 

Matt made some fudge.

 Then we enjoyed a fire outside while my favorite dinner of ribs were on the grill!

 I still can't say no to a bubble bath invitation with my girl while we watched a Christmas movie.

 We ended the evening with a game of Clue which Madi won rather quickly!

 Then we watched her play with the circuits Aunt Erin and Uncle Cody got for her.

 She has these at school too so she wanted to show us what she'd done before.

It was a wonderful day celebrating Christmas with our family.