How Many is Too Many!

So one of my resolutions for the new year is to clean out at least one cupboard or closet each month. For January I chose my two bathroom linen closets since Mom is staying with me for a little while and I didn't want to disappear for hours. :-) As my trash bag gradually filled with outdated make-up, creams and prescriptions, I ran across a couple of boxes of band aids. Mom thought 2 were quite a few for just two people. Then I found box 3 and 4 and she was quite surprised. Of course, box 5, 6, 7 and 8 left her chuckling in disbelief. While I was sheepishly deciding on a place to store the boxes together, I found box 9 and 10 (bought just a couple of weeks ago I think) and Mom laughed right out loud. She is certain we have band aids for the next decade. She might be right! :-)

PS - In case you are wondering, all 10 boxes are now neatly together in a basket. :-)

Last But Not Least

At the end of each Christmas season, I find myself very anxious to get the holiday decorations back into storage . . . except . . . I usually have a couple of holdouts. :-) Ken asked me last night when I was going to get around to putting the Christmas wreath away; and I finally, reluctantly boxed up the darling nativity Tammy sent us for Christmas. Made from paint chip samples (she called it her Home Depot nativity), it really made me smile. :-)

Lots of love to you all!

New York Christmas

When Marian invited us to New York for Christmas, she didn't have to ask twice! With suitcases packed with surprises, we arrived in New York on December 21st ready for the big day! I know Marian has already shared some of these but here are just a few highlights!

Gingerbread houses

Marian and I were busy with last minute Christmas projects so Grandpa and Dad were assigned as chief structural engineers. The kids were actually pretty excited to have the men as their helpers. Addie is really into patterns so she kept Grandpa on his toes making sure every candy piece was in perfect order. :-)

Movie Night

With projects on hold, we planned a movie night complete with popcorn and treats. Ken and I couldn't help chuckling as we watched the Nelsons cuddle together to watch the movie.

Christmas Morning

Hooded towels Ethan and Addie made each other for Christmas.


Ornament Glass Blowing

We did make a stop at Corning Glass Museum to blow a few ornaments. Ethan, Addie, Ken and I all blew a special ornament to remember the holidays.

My snowman ornament!

Laser Tag

Santa brought 4 laser tag guns to the Nelson home and we had a great time chasing each other through the house. I'm afraid Ken and I were pretty slow so we were usually "out" pretty early each time but it was really a lot of fun. In fact, I've been pricing laser tag guns. :-)

New Year's Eve - Penn's Cave

We spent New Years Eve in Pennsylvania touring Penn's Cave. Traveling by boat through the cave, the formations were pretty incredible. This time of year the bats seek out caves so we saw a few throughout the tour. Eeeek!

As with all good things, our trip had to come to an end and we headed home January 3rd but not without some great memories!

1st Annual Christmas Craft Day! :-)

December 2011 was a wonderful and busy time for the Rimingtons. I decided to try something different and have an activity day before our family Christmas party. We really had fun and the older grandchildren declared it to be the 1st Annual Christmas Craft Day. Hmmmm

Making bead candy canes

Kimberly, Emma & Alicia

Rebekah & Teagen

Linda helping Megan

Natalie

Aaron

Later Delores helped the kids make Rice Krispie Treat ornaments. As you might expect, I don't think many actually made it to the tree! :-)

Making ornaments

Abigail

Emma

Lillian

Rebekah

Alicia

Last but not least, the kids helped me decorate my tree. This year all the decorations came from past school projects or hand made ornaments I had made in years past. The kids were able to choose from the ornaments made by their parent, which made my grown children moan (they've dubbed it the embarrassing tree) but my grandchildren were thrilled to see the things their parent had made.


When all was said and done, I decided my grandchildren had it right. I can't wait for craft day again next year!

In the Eyes of a Child

In the hustle and bustle of the season, sometimes I find myself missing the wonder of this beautiful time of year. It only takes a visit from my grandchildren, however, to remind me what I'm missing.

Little Tykes puppy and kitty visiting Baby Jesus


Mr. & Mrs. Gingerbread touring Temple Square

Pioneer Heritage Park / Summer Recap #3

With part of Marian's summer visit including the 24th of July, we decided to make a visit to Pioneer Park. We toured several pioneer homes, visited the Indian village . . .

Rode the train . . .

Marian, Addie & Ethan on the train

Panned for gold . . .


















Ethan and Addie panning for gold












And even played a few pioneer games!


Ethan rolling a hoop

We had a great day!

Seeing in Technicolor / Summer Recap #2

Joseph and his coat of many colors is one of my favorite stories of the Old Testament. His treatment at the hands of his brothers drew my attention at a very young age and perhaps might explain my fascination for the theater production Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I'm not even sure how many times I've seen this particular play over the years but I've loved it every time!

When it came to Hale Theatre in August, I couldn't imagine anything more enjoyable than introducing my oldest grandchildren to this favorite of mine. We had a wonderful time and afterwards the kids even got to meet Joseph!

On the way home they were all chattering excitedly so we asked what had been their favorite part. Answers were similar until we came to Alicia, who had loved everything except Joseph himself! Surprised, I asked why. With a horrified look on her face she explained emphatically "He had his shirt off all the time! Ewwwww!" :-)

Kimberly, Emma, Joseph, Ethan & Alicia

Ken's 60th / Summer Recap #1

Because I have practically skipped blogging this summer, I'm going to try and recap a few highlights. :-)

This last June was the big 60 for Ken. His preference was for it to pass quietly in the night but the kids and I had other ideas. :-)

Since Ken was going to be driving his carpool on his birthday, I planned to fill his car with balloons he would have to move in order to make room for his carpool. Unfortunately, Ken made the decision to take the TRUCK to work that day. Since the cab of the truck is huge, I'm afraid my 30 balloons made little impact. (sigh) He almost didn't notice!

Cab of the truck

Since turning 60 is such a milestone it seemed like a 60th celebration should take at least a week. :-) Together we went to dinner one night, the theater another, out for ice cream the next, a movie the day after, a James Bond night, shopping for a rose bush the next and last of all, he got a day of yardwork to surprise him when he got home. We had a great week!

Last, but not least, the family found their way to the mountains and spent the weekend camping and celebrating. We had pictures of Ken hanging in the camp and the kids were told they could ask their Grandpa about any one of them. Michael made a special birthday cobbler and we spent the evening around the campfire telling Ken and/or Dad and/or Grandpa stories.

Pictures of Ken hanging in Camp

We did discover a few nuggets of truth during this campout. (1) We are both too OLD to be crawling into a pup tent!

(2) Our grown sons are still little boys at heart (playing Chubby Bunny with jumbo marshmallows)

Michael & Keith

(3) Picnic tables make a great place to take a nap

Ken

(4) Our grandkids make everything special (even if they do think grandpa is so very old! :-)

Moriah & Megan

Abigail

Aaron

Kimberly & Emma

Grandpa & Alicia

Natalie

Teagen & Rebekah







And (5) My PT could really hold a lot of stuff!

Emptying the camping gear!

Here's to many more birthdays to come!