Surprise Christmas in KS

 A few years ago, I made a string of stockings for the 12 days of Christmas.  I would print out pages from the song for Maci to color.  This year I found something much, much cooler.  This blog sodapopave.com had a free printout for each day, letters from 9 reindeer, the head elf, Mrs. Claus and from the big man himself: Santa. On the night of the 12th, we had Maci write a letter to Santa and put it in the mailbox. The next morning she got a letter from Santa's Head Elf.  She was so excited each morning.  Whoever visited, also left their favorite treat. Toward the end of it, we had to get creative due to the fact we were moving Christmas to Kansas.

David has gotton a strong impression that we needed to be in Wichita for Christmas.  We were there just 8 weeks ago and were questioning why. But, knowing that it was a prompting, we decided to pack up the Pilot with Christmas and make the 17 hr trip again.  It was a bit tricky fitting everything into the back of the Pilot.  Thank goodness a large blanket covered the big items. We left Friday afternoon and got into Derby Saturday evening and stayed at a Hotel.  We then snuck into church, hoping they wouldn't see us.  Grandma and Grandpa were already sitting in their seats, so we sent Maci up to say hello.  She did and both folks did a double take when they realized who it really was.  Hugs and tears and a very grateful grandma, we all enjoyed church together.  Later, we were able to surprise Steph as she walked into the house.  And then the fun began...

 

 

Grandpa reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" befo.re bedtime on Christmas Eve

Christmas Morning!

David and I helped my mother put up her little christmas tree (3 days before Christmas). This little tree was filled with vintage ornaments, compliment of my grandma.  It was the cutest little tree! It was fun going through all the old ornaments but it made me miss my grandmother though.

Maci with her new presents, her new shirt, drawing board and the very exciting BIKE!

She was smiles the whole way. Even though it was cold and windy, she couldn't get enough.

So we surprised mom and dad and my little brother surprised us all by coming home from his deployment early, three days before Chrstmas.  It was so good to see my brother and that he was safe and hugging me! Christmas in Kansas was awesome! We were so glad we followed the prompting to go.  I believe my mother needed a little pick me up and we were lucky enough to help.

Thanksgiving

 This kid loves to help in the kitchen...

 Loves to help make them disappear!

 Aleck had to help Dad make the cranberry sauce.

 Paula and I decorated our Turkey Cupcakes...

 ...for all to enjoy.

Our Thanksgiving was small but full of much gratitude.  Earlier in the week, Paula went to the Dr. office and they thought she was having a heart attack and immediately flew her and Eric to Billings.  It turned out she wasn't and whatever was going on wasn't heart related.  So, Wednesday morning we drove up to get them and had a nice Turkey dinner with them the next day before Paula had to work that evening.  We are so blessed with family that is near.  Love them ALL to pieces.

Tanganyika Wildlife Park

A few miles out of Wichita there is a locally owned zoo that gives a whole new and fun experience.  You get to feed the animals.  If you buy a wrist tag, you get two feedings per animal so I wore it and had Aleck and Maci feed them.  This was such a fun day. 

 Aleck feeding the giraffe

 Paula feeding the giraffe.

 They were so fun to watch. Especially seeing how long their tongues could reach.

 We were too late for the rhino feeding but he was out and about.

 Yes, the little guy needs to get a closer look.

 Wort Hogs

 We got to feed the Lorikeets honey and nectar in a dish. The bird talked to me before it ate.  Aleck loved to watch it.

 The Lorikeets liked the earrings my mother was wearing.  So she had to cover them with her hands.

 Maci did not like them.  She got scared and didn't want much to do with them.

 

 Then we got to be in with the Kangaroos.  Many of them had babies in their pouches.  Our guide said we could touch them on their back and never to put your hand to their mouth.  (Bad Eric, not following instructions)xz

 

 Both kids loved it.

 Then we fed bunnies and tortoises.

 Maci loved the bunnies but stayed clear of the tortoises.

 As I knelt down to feed one, 3 more came near.  I about tripped over them, plus one was nibbling at my flip flop. 

 I think these were Guiney pigs.

 This very friendly Llama was in with the goats.  There was a machine of pellets for $.25 so we all got to feed them.  Aleck absolutely loved this part.  Maci fed a goat and wasn't interested in the Llama.

 

 This was my favorite part.  Ring-tailed Lemurs.  Our guide told us to sit on the rocks and always have our palms up, open and on our laps.  They want to teach them not to jump up on you when you are standing.  But the moment you sit down, they swarm to you. 

Maci and I fed them one craisen  each.  They were sure a lot of fun, and soft too.

 

 We missed getting a camel ride but also saw monkeys, penguins, white tigers, hippos, leopards and zebras.  This, by far, was the best zoo experience we have ever experienced.  We went later in the day, thinking it would take us only a couple of hours to get through, but I know I could have spent 2 more hours there.  So, next time we are in Kansas when this is open, we are going again.