Monday, March 6, 2017

New Year's Eve 2016

We got to spend New Year's Eve in California with the Zavoral Clan!
First thing we did on New Year's Eve was get the boys some haircuts (Jeremy and a bunch of siblings went to play sports). You probably can't tell in this picture, but Tanner is looking in the mirror at Dallin, who is on the opposite side of the room also getting his haircut.
We went to the Buzy Kids Indoor Play Town for a few hours, where they had a special Noon-Years Party. It was a perfect way to celebrate the day! The kids played and played all over the place. There was a little balloon drop with a countdown for the kids when the clock struck 12:00 noon. :) We ate a picnic lunch there, too.  
Balloon drop!
In the evening, we all went out to our favorite Chinese restaurant with extended family. I wore my Chinese-looking scarf. We had a great time eating and visiting and eating!
Then we headed back to the Larson hotel for an epic family dance party! WAY FUN! This was my favorite activity during our whole trip. All the kids were into it, even the grown-ups! Tanner and Dallin did some sick break dancing moves. My face hurt from smiling so much!
Tanner worked really hard on blowing up his first balloon all by himself.
He did it!
I grabbed a big bed sheet to use as a parachute. We juggled all our balloons in it, which was pretty cool for the few minutes that it lasted.
We did a countdown outside with some poppers and noise makers. We had a big toast with sparkling cider and ate ice cream Sundays. The kids went to bed about 9/9:30, and we spent the rest of the evening playing games.  
The next morning, we went to church. Don't these two cousins look smashing?
When church was over, it was time to pack up. Tanner was really upset about it all, including not being able to take his water glitter tube that Aunt Melissa made for him. He balled and balled.
We got to have a big New Year's Day dinner at Grandma Z's house right before heading to the airport. YUM.
Saying goodbye was really hard for the boys. The tickles helped keep the tears away.
One last game of rock, paper, scissors, crayon, fan, etc. with Aunt Katie. 
Before we knew it, we were on the plane heading home! The flights and drives went really well (many blessings!). Without any chance to breathe or do laundry, we were back to work and school, and back to sub-zero temperatures. Jeremy's snot turned into an icicle while riding his bike to work. Yep, he even rides in the winter, in the snow, and is doing an awesome job at it!
 The boys were really happy to play in the snow again. 
We are excited to see what new adventures 2017 holds for our family! Happy New Year!

Fun with the Zavoral Clan

Christmas was just the beginning of our crazy week in California with the Zavoral Clan. These pictures highlight the days after Christmas with everyone. Our week included: 
  • la la land date with Dadz and all the adult girls
  • basketball night with Dad and some brothers
  • walks to the park
  • snuggling and playing with the kids
  • doing family names at the Sacramento temple from baptism to sealings
  • watching movies and the tablets
  • playing games like Just dance, Foozeball, Mexican train and the newlywed game
  • the Sacramento zoo with some Davidson folks
  • play date with just Tanner and cousin Aaron
  • family bowling night
  • walk to grandma's house
  • boy basketball outing
  • kids bounce house outing
  • visiting Grandma Davidson's grave
  • murder mystery dinner
  • escape room challenge with the grown-ups
  • eating delicious meals that we took turns preparing
  • wrestling with uncles and playing trains with uncles
  • out for ice cream
  • and more! Everything happened so fast, I went home feeling like I didn't get enough time to play with all the kids. But looking through these pictures, I realized I actually played with them more than I thought. We sure do miss them!

   
Admiring Uncle Jon's guitar skills
Melissa taught the kids this fun trick about Fred. They loved it!
Dallin telling the Fred story.
Grandma doing Nativity stories with the kids.
Tanner's face in this one, lol!
Craft time with my nieces!
Dallin loved playing with the babies!
I think these two cousins look a like!
Grandpa and Tanner
Aunt Katie and Tanner
Tanner and Dallin
Just like clockwork, Dallin was a good little napper every day of our trip, including at the zoo.
This is what bowling with 11 adults and 9 small children looks like- organized chaos!
Tanner actually had two panic attacks at the bowling alley. Luckily, the place was so loud and choatic that no one really noticed. Before his diagnosis, it was so frustrating not understanding how to help him. After about 45 minutes trying a few strategies, Tanner was able to enjoy himself. I like it when he gets back to his normal self!
Music singing games and music peekaboo games!
We were a super smart team!
Great Aunt Linda and the kids
Wild turkeys were keeping watch at the cemetery.
Uncle Zach found my phone and took a picture!
The boys loved playing with their only boy cousin.