The Campbell Visit, part 2

We had a kid's table set up so all the adults could fit at the regular table. The kids enjoyed eating there with just the kids until Cari showed up. Then she had to sit with them. And next to Rachel AND Lena. What's going to happen in a few years when Annie and Sophie are as jealous of Cari's time as Rachel and Lena are? There's only so much of Aunt Cari to go around...

Sunday afternoon as it should be:

(Notice baby Miriam asleep with the rest of them.)

Both sets of grandparents gave us a bingo game for Christmas. One was an LDS Bingo, the other regular Bingo. Both were very well loved and oft played while everyone was here.

Lisa with a content Miriam:

Some of the cleaning crew:

The nice thing about having the Campbells stay at our house for a week was that even with 14 extra people the house stayed cleaner than it does with just 5 of us. That's because after every meal and at the end of every day the little worker bees would get all the dishes done, the floor cleaned, etc. It was so nice. And it helps to have the kids outnumbered, 12 to 7 instead of being outnumbered 3 to 2 or often 3 to 1. :)

Notice the kids on the floor playing the other Bingo game with Grandma, while the 1-year-olds walk around pushing things.

After the kids were in bed we had a game of modified Twister. Swedish Twister, was it called? You have to have your feet touching your neighbor's feet at all times, moving a foot when theirs moves out of reach. It resulted in a good tangle and balancing and laughs.

The next few are from the morning that Jake let me sleep in, so I don't know any details, but the pictures are self explanatory, it seems: doing some coloring/art, dancing around, etc.

Monday we headed out to hike in the Saguaro National Park.

We took a trail that's nice and flat and about 3/4 mile and we all survived with minimal cactus encounters.

We brought a picnic to enjoy before we turned around and hiked back along the same trail.

The children bummed a ride for most of the time.

That night we had a nice BBQ outside, enjoying the December weather in Tucson, then came in for a short FHE lesson Sharon shared about faith.

Tuesday was the last full day with everyone there. We went to Lakeside park to feed the ducks (just like 100 other people decided to do) and to play on the playground. After the park we came home and everyone was introduced to Eegees, a delicious slushy only available in Tucson.

After dinner we celebrated the New Year with Greenland at 6pm. The kids shot off poppers and we all had Martinelli's and cookies.

And Sophie cleaned up after us all. :)

Everyone except for Cari headed out the next morning. It was great having everyone come visit. And REALLY great that we didn't have to drive! We should make this a yearly tradition: Christmas in Tucson. Of course, come on back sooner if you want, Campbells! Love ya!