In no particular order, the highlights of our trip to Idaho (December 28, 2009 to January 2, 2010) . . . .
10. picking up Brian & Rachel from the airport, return missionary style. Banners, balloons, leis . . . all 13 of us there to make a scene in the tiny commuter airport. Then laughing because we waved wildly at the first couple off the plane as they walked down the tarmac . . . only to realize it wasn't Brian & Rachel. Just their stunt doubles. Really, truly, it looked just like them.
9. playing a couple of new fun games: Play Nine and Scrabble Take Two
8. thursday night family home evening. There was a message & testimony shared by Dennis, a magic show by Lily & Randy, an exuberant rendition of The 12 Days of Christmas by Conner & Payton, we all played the chimes together, Randy & Kate gave a preview of their beautiful work-in-progress piano duet, Anna sang Busted from Phineas & Ferb, the kids opened christmas cards from great-grandma Wanda, and the grand finale . . . a pirate pinata.
7. checking off all the eating-out staples: 9 Beans, Papa Kelsey's, Maxie's
6. entertaining the kids: going to see The Princess and the Frog, bowling, playing in the snow, and swimming at the hotel pool, playing/singing/dancing with aunt Rachel. Conner quickly found his happy place in the basement - either building legos or secluding himself in the toy closet for what we can only imagine was an epic Kraker's battle. And Payton & I spent several hours building a Kinex roller coaster.
5. prize baskets. There was a grown-up girl basket, grown-up boy basket, and a kid basket. Prizes were awarded randomly. You just never knew what would be considered "prize-worthy." A few examples: being the first one smart enough to ask for a prize, a "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" quote used in conversation, being married to Kevin, an impressive number of push-ups, and artful cinnamon roll decorating.
4. spoon beading project. While the men were *busy* on New Years' Day, the ladies occupied themselves with a project.
3. family pictures. We all donned our purple and green sweaters and ventured into the chilly Idaho air for family pictures on January 1st. I think they should turn out great. We can't wait to see the results.
2. the number one reason for this visit . . . . the pig out. It's a time-honored male-bonding family tradition. One day, 5 college bowl games, and a plentiful spread of food.
1. actually, the real number one reason for this visit . . . having everyone together for the first time in 5 1/2 years. Not a small feat considering we are spread out across 4 states - Idaho, Oregon, Missouri, and North Carolina - coast to coast. Some of the cousins, aunts, and uncles were meeting for the very first time.
Until we meet again we'll always have the memories . . . .
- white fudge oreos
- *not* throwing Diane off the bridge
- iphone & itouch all around
- "how much is 17 plus 5?!"
