Off we go, and a Happy Birthday boy

Every year one of the best parts of Christmas for us is that we get to leave cold, snowy Utah for a warmer, sunnier place to explore. This year we already had our crazy exotic trips to London and Dubai so we were happy when Taylor's dad chose the gulf coast of Alabama. Traveling across the US is so much easier than across the world with kids in tow.
We left several feet of snow in Utah and temperatures in the 20's and had a layover in Kansas City which was already much warmer and missing the snow. This picture is mostly for Kristina.
And since Taylor's mom grew up in Kansas City and our layover allowed for a little exploring, we decided to go visit her old house. She and Taylor and the kids tried to sneak up to take a picture but in true midwesterner fashion, the people were at home and insisted on inviting everyone in to reminisce about the house. Sonia's mom actually designed it herself and they moved in when Sonia was in elementary school. Apparently the only thing the new owners have changed is the kitchen so it was neat to see how she grew up.

And then we were off again. These guys look like they're really suffering through the trip don't they?

We got in late that night and hurried to unpack and set up Isaac's presents so he could be surprised on his birthday morning. I especially wanted him to open presents in the morning so that he'd have all day to enjoy them and have a true birthday, not just an early Christmas.

If you're gonna be a knight you need to start with the right equipment.

And of course a knight needs a castle to live in and defend. Each Christmas trip has been a little different in our lodging. At first we were all in different hotel rooms which was good for privacy but hard to get everyone together and much harder once we added kids and tried to mesh their early to rise schedule with college students who don't. Then for a few years we stayed in large houses together which was great for schedules but we were all on top of each other. This year Taylor's dad rented 2 condos right next to each other which was perfect because we could all be together when we wanted but alone when we needed kids to take naps, etc. We ended up with a whole condo to ourselves for most of the time since Mack and Sam didn't come til later. Which made it convenient for us to take over the dining room with the castle and all the other toys the boys got for Christmas.

Was it a hit? Yes it was!

Isaac was not as interested in the gardens on the side but once I set them up Ethan was all over them and has since converted Isaac to planting, picking, selling, and cooking his fruits and vegis.

He is completely in love with the mailbox and picking the flowers and replanting them in their boxes.

Miles is just happy to go with the big boys. He bumbles his way into the tent and then finds a new way out each time- sometimes through the door, sometimes through the doggy door and sometimes just underneath a wall. Luckily the walls aren't connected to a floor since he has no concept that they're not solid and often leans on them and falls backwards to the floor. Pretty funny to watch though.

I'm glad I made the castle big enough that lots of people can fit inside. The boys have enjoyed having lots of friends inside at one time, and even sometimes their favorite big people like Aunt Barb.

And even though everyone was still in pajamas, Grams, Grandpa and Barb came over to open Isaac's birthday presents from them- legos! He's so enthralled he won't even look up for the camera.

Then of course it was back into the tent to open and play with the legos (cause where else would you rather play with your new toy than INSIDE your new toy?)

After the previous long day of travel, the kids were happy to just explore the condos and the beach outside. For dinner we tracked down one of the best diners, drive-ins, and dives places in all of Alabama and all had amazing shrimp po-boys. This picture has no relevance but he sure is cute- although in need of a bath.

And because Isaac has an uber-fabulous grams, she made sure we stopped on the way back from dinner at the only open store on Christmas Eve (CVS) to get candles we forgot so we could have red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting. Yep, they were amazing and I'm drooling just typing this.

A good birthday I think- even if he refuses to look at the camera and even when he does turn, he closes his eyes and laughs because it's just SO FUNNY to do the opposite of what mom says. You'll be noticing that's a theme this Christmas.