Crayola

As a vacationing family in Orlando, FL, naturally we had to go visit the classic, magical destination...

The Crayola Experience! Oh maybe it's not so classic. I think it's only been around a couple years. But it was definitely fun! Our boys were the perfect age for this place.


There were all sorts of activity stations around the whole building. On this one, they were able to draw a picture on a tablet and then it was projected on the wall. These pictures show the kids' favorite subjects: Star Wars (which is enjoying a renewed excitement due to everyone else talking about it), and...


Wren! Everyone loves Wren.


My favorite spot was where they could draw with melted crayon wax. It just had a very satisfying texture and look.


Here's some melted crayon wax made into spin-art. Photographed mid-drip ::pat on the back::


Wren was so calm while her brothers molded their own crayons, earned marker and model magic prizes, monkeyed around the play equipment, and decorated the dry erase house.


Before we left for a fast dinner, we tried a little black light art (or something. It was dark and there were lights)


The Crayola Experience, we all give it a thumbs up!

Poolin'

Now, it was warm in Florida, of course, but it wasn't necessarily hot. It was perfect playing-outside weather. Not perfect swimming weather. That didn't stop the kids! Though they didn't last too long in the water. A little dip, then relax poolside.







What a nice way to spend Christmas!

the circle

My parents live in one of two houses in a caldesac, which means lots of space to play.


Add in a few bikes...


...a few toys...


...and a little Star Wars, and you've got a grandkid's dream!

The Fam in FL

We spent Christmas in Florida!


Here's all the visiting grandkids (we desperately missed Brian, Chris, Matty, and Naomi!).


It consisted of my brudda Darren's family...


And my own family! My sistah Jenny's family lives nearby but wasn't over when we were taking the family shots. Whoopsiedoo.

Mom asked me to take a photo of each grandkid, I may as well share them here!

(She was napping when I did everyone else and I forgot to take it until right before we left for the airport when the lighting was pttttt)
(I also forgot to pack her hair bows for the trip so she was sadly without adornment the whole time!)


(My boys were in love with this kid. He slept over many times, much to Liam, Dash, and Grey's delight)


(I think he might have enjoyed himself)


(Oh the fun that was had with him!)


(A day younger than Grey and they had a very complicated relationship, as you might imagine)


(Sometimes she loved hanging with the big kids and adults, sometimes she loved hanging with the littler crowd. She's just all around awesome.)


(Bonus photo! I don't know where that pose came from but *high five* Grey!)


(speaking of my little imp...)


(trying to play it cool when he's really a goofball. Every since he was little, he and I would play this blow-each-other's-hair game. When we were reunited and he got a good shot at my ponytail, I was so pleased he hadn't forgotten)


(she made me an aunt! She's a blossoming artist and unsuspecting crack-up)


(this guy, dude, he was the best with Wren. Always ready to hold her, talk to her, smile with her. It was the sweetest)


(half the time we were there she was out working or going to parties! So grown up! She is the funniest, she just says it like it is. Full of happiness and laughter!)


(Another bonus photo!)


(full of sweetness)