Visit from the parentals

We were so blessed to have a wonderful addition to the family for Christmas.  We also were blessed to see my parents the day after.  They were in the area for 10 days and spent the first 5 with Dathan's family then came up on Monday to our house.  I was so excited!  There's just something fun about family coming to visit and having sleep overs in our home.  Craig had the day off for Christmas so we went to Wal-Mart to grab a few things for New Years Eve and to pick up my parents present.  We cleaned up the house and then they got here about 8.  I was impressed that they didn't even need directions on how to get here.  It was such a good feeling to hug them both because it had been a year since I'd seen them.  We opened presents with them and caught up with each other.  My mom made Haddi the cutest rag quilt!  I need to take a pic.  It quickly became my favorite.  They also gave her some clothes that I'm excited when she'll wear them.  Jaycee got makeup, nail polish, bag of candy and doll clothes.  She had so much fun putting her nail polish on.  I ended up staying up til 2:30 that morning talking and feeding.  I was so tired the next day!  For the next few days we would watch tv and relax at home.  I felt really bad with just hangin out in the house, but it was so cold outside and with Hadley being only 2 weeks old I didn't want her out and about.  One of the days Craig took a half day and we took my mom to Portland to the lighthouses and the coast.  We got there right in time.  It was so, so cold though!  I stayed in the car feeding Hadley while they all walked around.

After there we took them to the mall to walk around and see the area of Portland.  It was too cold to walk outside where the old shops of Portland were.  I had to feed again right after browsing the mall and went over to Applebees for dinner.  It was fun to eat and talk and enjoy getting out for the night.  We had a quick drive home and Hadley was so patient to wait 30 minutes to finish driving home to eat.  I hope they enjoyed getting out and about.

Jaycee was so in love with her pa-pa.  She was so curious where he would be at all times.  She wanted to sit next to him and be by his side non-stop.  I thought it was tender, and I'm sure he liked it too!  We were watching a movie one night and she got her blankie to cuddle next to pa-pa.

Mom had made a lot of comments about Dathan and Kel coming up for New Years so I took that as she wanted them to come.  So I text Kel and they came up.  It was a full house!  Our house is probably 1400 square feet consisting of our bedroom which is pretty big, Jaycee's good size room, Hadley's tiny room-all those are upstairs; then downstairs just one bathroom, a small family room big enough for our massive couch and TV, a dining room, kitchen, and a front room that stores all our desk and piano stuff.  We had 6 adults and 5 kids all crammed in and actually it wasn't too bad.  Dathan and Kel brought their bed and slept in the front room.  Kami slept in Haddi's crib.  Mom in Jaycee's room with Haylie.  Dad slept down on the couch with Brayden and our family in our room.  I was impressed!  We had such a fun time!  They came up on Friday and we made chili potatoes for dinner and talked and visited.  We watched a comedian movie and then most of us headed to bed.  For New Years Eve we talked, played games and more games all day long!  Dad was such a good sport and even learned a strategic game of Peurto Rico and played with us.  Mom had fun watching movies with the girls.  Bray mostly played video games.  We had yummy bean dip, little smokies, veggies & dip, pineapple, and the kids had chicken.  We snacked and played and talked the whole day away.  I can't believe how quick the day went.  Jaycee didn't last until midnight.  She was having a rough day and was super tired so we actually put her to bed.  After the ball dropped most of us went to bed.  I couldn't stay up that late especially with having to do 2 feedings in the night.  I would be so tired and onory.

Craig being a good daddy to his little girl

Playing the Just Dance game that I got.  So. Much. Fun!  And a good workout too!

Jaycee loves to dance!  She had so much fun dancing with mom & Bray

Gathered around the table playing games.  Smile :D

Haddi May in her cute dress from Grandma Parker

Happy New Years smooch!  Love ya!

The next morning mom & dad had to get up and leave around 10 to get to the airport on time and fly back home.  We all woke up and sat around the table and then dad offered a prayer before they left.  I feel bad for asking him to do it because I knew he was going to be emotional.  We gave our hugs and off they left.  I held it in really good.  Right after they left I had to feed Haddi and I went on the couch with just Craig and I sobbed.  I didn't think it would effect me that bad with them leaving.  Dad was such a sweet guy!  He never once complained and we just had such a good time with him.  It was like he was different somehow.  I've never had the best relationship with him because we tend to butt heads, but this trip was so different.  We got along and he was so so sweet to me and especially to Jaycee.  It made me so sad because I've been short with him a lot.  I really am happy he came out and made me feel comfortable and loved.  Thank you Dad!
Mom was super fun as usual.  All the kids loved being with her and she always knows how to make a party happen.  I feel bad I couldn't get her out of the house enough, but I promise to do better next time when I don't have a newborn.  We love you Mom!
Dathan & Kel stayed until about 7 and we got to spend New Years Day with them.  We just love hanging out and playing games.  They make it easy to have a good time. 

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Years like we did!  Here's 2012!