Gaga's Christmas Visit

Despite not going home for Christmas this year, we definitely didn't have to miss out on seeing most of our family. I am waaaay behind on posting pictures and stories, but I'll start with Gaga and work my way back. Gaga came from December 28-January 3, but got to stay one extra night due to snow delays. We mostly relaxed and hung out at home playing with all the kids new stuff, but still managed to get in our fair share of fun! We went to the Rainforest Cafe which is a rare treat. We often go up to the mall to see the crocodile there with Lennon, but never eat there, so the kids were super excited as you can tell from their glowing faces in all the pictures. We decorated a gingerbread village and went to Zoo Lights on New Years Eve before playing games with Mia and popping LOTS of poppers with both kids. Gaga cooked us a months worth of food in a matter of days and we will be going into hibernation when she leaves to let all the delicious food digest. Lennon really warmed up to her while she was here and decided he actually wanted to just go home with her today.

Both kids were crying as we left her at the airport. When we got home we set up their new Star Wars tent, turned on an American Girl movie for them after snuggling them into their sleeping bags with drinks and snacks and I was going to clean house. Gaga called because her flight was cancelled and she was going to get to stay an extra day, so without telling the kids, I left them here with Shelby and picked her up from the store. When I got home, I just called them to the door and said, "Look what I found!" They were so shocked and surprised. I think they almost didn't believe she was here. We're looking forward to enjoying our "bonus" day with her tomorrow.

Is that her mother or grandmother?

Lennon impersonating the apes

Watching in amazement at the flashing lights during the "thunder storm"

Happy family leaving The Rainforest Cafe, after which Lennon announced to us at 8 o'clock at night that it could not be his bedtime because the sun was still up. He said we couldn't see it because it was hiding behind the clouds.

Making Dippin' Dots with the new Dippin' Dots Maker Gaga got Mia for Christmas. Lennon had orange juice for his because "I not ike sugar, and I not ike cocoate."

Posing with her playdoh caterpillar

Helping Lennon with his first gingerbread house.

Mia always gets the most amazing shots of him. This was taken in the bathroom. Nice.

They were so excited to have all the fun stuff Gaga got them to celebrate New Year's Eve.

Lennon thought they were better as glasses.

Enjoying their Dippin' Dots. Not to worry, the paint is No VOC, so there are no fumes and it's very environmentally friendly :)

Shelby and the kids on the carousel at Zoo Lights, New Year's Eve. I can't ride those round and round rides or I throw up.

Notice Lennon's Harley Davidson beanie

There aren't too many 7 year olds that could hang out on New Year's Eve with the adults and have a good time. Mia hung with us and Jessica and Nathan until about 9 30 playing a game and laughing and talking. I'm not sure why this text is blue and I'm too tired to even try to fix it.

Me and Shelbs just after midnight. One of the best New Year's Eve's ever.

Thanks for all the fun Gaga! Can't wait to see you again. Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year.

I promise, I will get Papa and Nana's visit, Hillary and Jackson's visit and whatever else I've forgotten in the next little bit. We've had somewhat of a revolving door for the past 6 weeks so I'm behind on everything I could possibly be behind on I think. More pics and info to come.