Gypsies

I feel like we've been a bunch of gypsies the last week because we've been traveling so much.  Before our travels began, we enjoyed a few more nights with Grandpa and Grandma Oettel.  We ventured to Patti's to see the lights, have a delicious dinner, and then see Santa.  

 I really had to eat my words. We were standing in line and I commented, "Wow, I would think they would have a better Santa." Well, boy oh boy was I about to insert my foot in my mouth. Mrs. Claus was talking to the families while the kids went to Santa's lap. As we got closer, I realized she had a microphone in her glove, feeding Santa vital information. It was priceless as the girl in front of us was at the "I'm not sure I still believe in Santa phase." Her expressions were priceless. So when it was Gunner's turn they asked the typical (name, what he wants for Christmas, ect). Well, I mentioned that his daddy was in Afghanistan so Santa brings that up to him. It was adorable. The sweetest part was after he took pictures with Gunner, he came up to me and asked how I was and told me to thank Nate for allowing him the freedom he enjoys. It was so touching! 

A few days later, we hit the road again.  This time we headed to Indy to see Gunner's BFF from California, Memphis.  It was great to see them together again.  They spent so much time together when lived in Cali.  There was no shortage of fun there. Memphis took Gunner for a cruise in his new Harley jeep (he even took Gracey for a ride later on, it was adorable).

Then the boys enjoyed some time in the bounce house, with Grace joining in on the fun too.  I was shocked as Gunner was doing foward flips!!  What a maniac. 

I only got one picture of all four kids, but it shows you just a glimpse of how much fun they were having. 

After bath time the boys snuggled up with some popcorn to watch a movie.  How cute are they?! 

We had such a great visit with Andi, Memphis, and Maggie!  The next afternoon we finished our trip up to Wisconsin to see Nate's family.  We woke up Saturday morning to a surprise.... SNOW!!  Not too much but enough that the kids were excited.  We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast with my friend Karen and her little cutie Sienna.  Unfortunately, I didn't snap a single photo. :(  But it was great to see her!!  Later in the afternoon, all of Nate's family (minus his sister, who was missed greatly) gathered together and we had a wonderful time!  The kids got so many presents!  Check out Gunner's new batman costume.

Grace was a professional gift opener by the time it was over. :)

We had such a wonderful time (although we missed daddy very much!).  The food was delicious and the company was even better!  The next morning we loaded up the van again and headed back to Kentucky.  Needless to say, the kids and I were zonked by the time we made it back.  Here's a cute picture of the kids relaxing with Grandpa watching some Monster Trucks. 

The last couple days, we've just been trying to recoup from all the excitement.  The weather has been decent so we bundled up a little bit and headed out for a walk. 

Later that night, Santa was at the local sherriff's office, so we took Gunner to see him before we headed to see the lights in the park.  We got a semi-decent picture of the three of us, which is rare. 

Yesterday morning, Gunner spotted two wrapped presents under Grandma's tree.  I knew what they were so I grabbed my new video camera to record their reactions for Nate.  Unfortunately, after I video taped the adorableness of their reactions, I realized I wasn't recording at all.  :(  But, the kids received their daddy dolls (for those that don't know a daddy doll is a full size picture of Nate on one side and then cammie print on the other side).  Sorry, the picture doesn't do it justice.  As soon as Gunner opened it up he shouted with excitement "Daddy!" and Grace gave it kisses as soon as she opened hers.  It was priceless!!

Today, Gunner even brought daddy along with us to the store.  He was talking to him while I was getting Grace ready ("daddy in afghanistan for lots of days").  Tonight he bumped his head and had a little ice pack on it and then a little later was putting the ice pack on daddy's head.  So cute!  It's a great way for "daddy" to be with us all the time.