Updike Christmas in Oklahoma

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 We were so excited to be able to head to Oklahoma to spend Christmas with the Updike side of the family.  However, we weren't thrilled about the 11 hour drive.  It's always so tough on these kiddos to have to sit for so long.  (Although, I have to admit, I am the worst road warrior of them all). But they were troopers and did a great job.  We decided to break up the trip as well, so we stayed a night in Kansas at a hotel.  The kids were thrilled to get to go swimming at the hotel!





 We finally arrived at Grandma and Grandpa's and the kids were so excited!  Crew especially has grown up so much more since we last saw everyone.





 All together at last . . . Grandpa and Grandma Updike took us all to a Mexican restaurant for dinner.  The cousins were in 7th heaven eating and playing together!
This is such a precious picture of the kids watching a show before bedtime.


As always, grandma had lots of crafts and activities ready for the kids.




So we were all excited to have the kids sleep in the same room together, especially since we all have good memories of "sleepovers" with our cousins.  Problem is, it was just utter chaos.  It really only lasted about 20 minutes before everyone was in their own room and finally fell asleep.  We may need to give this a couple more years.
 
The most popular activity of the week was jumping on the mini trampoline.  The kids couldn't get enough of this.  Aunt Emily taught them a fun game to play on the tramp and it entertained them for hours.   (Jolly jolly jump up 123 . . . can you jump as high as me?)



One of Grandpa Updikes favorite things to do is use the build kits from Lowes with the grandkids.  They of course love it.  Luckily, grandpa has a big office that provides plenty of space for all the kids to get to build.











All the kids anxiously awaiting their Christmas Eve pajamas.







And Grandpa threw in a surprise of his own - Billy Bob teeth.  






Christmas caroling to some family friends.



Grandpa sharing some wonderful Christmas Eve thoughts.




 Hanging up our stockings on Christmas Eve



 The kids checking out the cookie plate for Santa Claus

One of the new things we tried this year was sprinkling reindeer food on the front lawn.  The kids loved it and grandpa did a great job.




Lining up to start the Christmas festivities.  What a fund day it was!











This was an absolute hit.  Lily couldn't stop smiling.  Good thing Santa knew which "Swimming Ariel Doll" she wanted!














What a wonderful Christmas it was.  Although the drive is long, it is so nice to truly be so close to both of our families.  What a blessing to build memories together!

Comments

Cindy Anderson said…
What a nice Christmas! Miss you!!!
January 12, 2014 at 3:10 PM
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