Christmas 2015 #2 (Taylor Extended)

This weekend was the Taylor Christmas... all the Taylor boys' families.  We all meet up at a hotel in West DSM, which is super... super that we don't have to travel (however, a few others do have to travel quite a ways).  

We got settled...and just started in with game playing, and rowdy boys!  (Tate, K and Duke)!, however they did play pretty darn well.  I'm glad they are all forming a good little cousin relationship.  JeanAnn had some super fun games for all of us to partake in - we had the four 'littles' be the captains of the teams - Duke, K, Tate and Cora.  So fun for them.  

Following games, we at some yummy food... and had a few gifts for the cousins to open.  Some of the kiddos wanted to swim...  which we did that for a bit, then got Cora to bed.  Again, she had a hard time relaxing - she's so darn restless!  (Ryan got the luxury of sleeping with her - and she kicked him all night long!)  This is why we don't co-sleep!  haha.  We let Kayson stay up... he was playing pretty good with Duke and Tate, then they got a little out of hand (super late, super tired), so he was in bed around 11:15.  I know - super late... and we are feeling it today.  He's complaining of his tummy hurting - but I'm praying from the bags under his eyes, that he's just exhausted...  :(  

I would say one of the main special things about yesterday and today, was Great Grandma Ann joined us.  This is so special and brings tears to my eyes.  She's amazing - 99 year old, and she was all in.  She ate great, she sat up with us through all the commotion of the kids and gifts... and played some Pitch (a Taylor favorite card game).  Literally a blessing.  All and all, it was a great afternoon/evening!!!

Like I said, we are feeling it today...  we had breakfast at the hotel, then eventually got all gathered up and headed home.  Ryan and the kids needed to get out to church to practice for our Xmas Even Service skit... I stayed home and got the house a little in order, and started laundry.  The gang (Blair's and parents) stopped by, had a quick lunch... then they were out the door.  Kayson is asleep, Cora is asleep, and so is Ryan...  Why can't I just sit down and close my eyes???  Aaaa!!!

Here are some pics from the fun. Lots of fun and memories.  Merry Christmas Taylor's!!!

Cora and Uncle Bill have a special connection.  She had to teach him how to play Candy Land!

Headbandz!!

Oh these boys!  Duke & K

More fun with Headbandz!  Duke, Kylie, K & Grandma Janis (& Tate's head)

Cora and Landry taking a 2 second break - reading books.

an attempt at a family pic - Cora is totally 3 (and naughty)

Love these Taylor's!

Grandma Janis and her grand kiddos.  (They are all getting so big!!!)

and one with Great Grandma Ann!!

Team Captains!

Since writing this... K has woke up... still complaining of his tummy hurting, and has bad poops.  Gosh this makes me so sad, and nervous.  So many darn germs...  :(  Praying we get through this fast.