Christmas in February

We were missing three family members at Christmas due to inclement weather, so we planned a late February get together in Ames to make up for lost time (and unopened presents.) Eight adults and four children packed into my brother and sister-in-law's house while my parents stayed in a hotel. It was crazy-busy-fun-lots-of-laughing chaos and I loved it.
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Nikki is an esthetician so naturally, we all got Satin Hand hand massages. Our hands were so soft. Even the boys thought so. Here she is explaining to us the benefits of proper moisturizing. This photo was not posed. I would never pose a picture to try and capture a previously done activity in order to document it. We were just really intrigued by Nikki's knowledge. I still am.
Both mornings were spent relaxing, playing with trucks and legos and enjoying time with each other. Jacob was looking for a partner to play catch with, but his daddy was busy snuggling Weston, whom he hadn't seen since he was only 3 weeks old back in August.

Thankfully, Noah stepped up and everyone was happy. Playing catch in the house is the best.

Jumping on air mattresses is also a lot of fun, especially when your mom tells you not to but your aunt says you can (sorry, Sara.) Weston wasn't sure what to do with all the hubbub.
And Tom says he isn't quite ready to be a dad........................Ha, such a natural!Mmmm, fruity Cheerios.We girls stepped away for a few hours on Saturday to attend a cooking class. We learned how to make Flognarde and Dutch Babies - both recipes were super easy and yummy!My sis and her son. What a treat.Just watchin' some trains go by...So focused...Happy boy.Tom and I woke up to a very petite visitor Sunday morning. Someone had been up since 6 am and his mommy needed a little more rest so she handed him off to us, which I happily obliged to. Although, he was much more interested in getting the big plant rather than "waking up slowly" with us. Yeeeeah right, Aunt Sarah!
There were Christmas gifts to still be opened - lots of trucks, books and games.
We also got to go swimming - a favorite family activity to burn off some (little boy) energy.
And my wonderful friend Tara and her daughter Laney came to visit as well. Laney is going to be a big sister in June! I am so excited!Like I said, crazy-busy-fun-lots-of-laughing chaos. Oh, how I love these boys and being their aunt.
Thanks to Brent and Sara for hosting us and planning meals and such! I know that takes a lot of time and effort. I have been giddy all week!