Florida Flamm Reunion: Days 9-10

Day 9

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park & Ponce De Leon Springs State Park

We drove to Stephen Foster State Park on Thursday night and stayed in a cabin.  It was very nice!  The next morning we visited the craft village.  We learned about dulcimers, weaving, blacksmiths, and pottery.  Zachary helped pound a hook at the blacksmiths, everyone danced to the songs of the dulcimer, and the kids helped make a fish at the pottery house.    

We left around 1 o'clock and started for our next state park cabin at Topsail Hill Preserve.  On the way we stopped at another state park for a break and fun.  Ponce De Leon Springs was beautiful clear water.  We went on a nature hike and dipped our toes in the cold water.

Day 10

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

 As can be seen, Saturday was a wonderfully fun filled beach day.  The cabin we stayed at was .7 miles from the beach down a nice paved trail.  We absolutely loved playing on the uncrowded beach, and all the kids got in the water at some point, as well as played in the wonderful sand.  The state park is just down the beach from Destin, Florida but seems so secluded because of the dunes that are what the preserve is there to protect.  We spent a few hours there and then hopped in the car for a long drive home. 

 Our Florida vacation was amazing.  It has been hard getting back into real life after spending so much time with each other and enjoying it.  Hope to do another similar vacation again someday!  

The month of February in pictures

If Hyrum is asked to smile for the camera this is what we get, CHEESE!  We have been riding bikes a lot in February.  Here Wendy is on the car and Hyrum doesn't want to share :(  Finally Zachary getting into the fridge with his glasses that needed to be adjusted the entire month, what a good mother I am.

 Hyrum and Wendy playing.  Hyrum definitely has an older sister.


Valentine's Day surprises from Grandma Flamm and the Valentine Phantom.


Zachary at his soccer practice.  Both Zachary and Eric began soccer again so Saturdays are full of games.

 The first two pictures are of Eric and Wendy waiting in the car during Zachary's soccer practice.  Wendy is particularly good at finding things to do as she waits after school to pick the boys up, waits during practices, and waits during piano.  The final picture is of Eric's black eye.  He got hit by the doorknob going into his room, as Zachary kicked it shut.  At least this time it truly was an accident.

 Zachary showing his "Ninjago Golden Dragon"  He saved his money and bought it himself.

Hyrum hiding.  In the background is what woke me up one morning.  He got all the cereal out, and was mixing it together in the bowl, breakfast anyone?

Eric and Zachary coloring Eric's shrinky dinks from Christmas.  Eric loves crafty things.

Here is a video showing off Hyrum's skills.  He still doesn't say much and what he does say is understood by only a select few, but he is learning more each day.  He is the most kissing child I have ever had.  He asks for kisses often and returns them.  Thank-goodness he doesn't give the open mouth slobber kisses he actually puckers his lips and makes a smacking noise.  That is one of the reasons I found the end of the video so funny.  Enjoy!

Christmas Vacation: Part 2

After a wonderful time with the Flamms we journeyed up to Idaho to be with the Schwieders.  We again participated in game night on New Year's Eve; sadly I did not retain the title of Game Champion of the World.  However, I am sure Shanalee will wear the crown with dignity throughout 2013.  We were able to play a lot with cousins, open more Christmas presents, and attend the temple.  On the way up we saw Grandma Tolman and while we were there we saw Grandpa Haroldsen and Grandma & Grandpa Schwieder.  What wisdom they have.  Thanks to Kyle Schwieder family we were able to go sledding (even if Zachary had to wear pink snow pants).  I failed to take many pictures, but here is sledding.

Christmas Vacation: Part 1

Our Christmas vacation was absolutely wonderful.  We started by staying at Judd and Melanie's home.  They have worked hard to finish the basement and it was wonderful.  The kids loved playing with their cousins and Kyle and I enjoyed spending time with family.  We went to the Tree House Children's Museum in Ogden, visited Temple Square, visited Grandma Peggy, saw many of the Barnes family, and played games, and ate good food.

  Opening presents from Grandma and Grandpa Flamm.

 Visit to the Tree House Children's Museum.  Wendy sitting on her throne and Hyrum trying to pull the sword from the stone.

The family at Temple Square

Christmas Day. . . finally

Well since January is almost finished, I thought I should post about Christmas.  Our Christmas was busy and fun.  We got up Christmas morning (Hyrum was the first up) and discovered what Santa brought.  We then ate a light breakfast, opened presents and were out of the house by 11:00am on our way to the New Orleans airport.  We traveled a long time and got to Salt Lake City at midnight.  Although it was busy, it was a great way to spend Christmas, we played together at the airport (Denver has upstairs seating that has no one there, so we took over and had fun).

Christmas Eve Pajamas

Looking out the window at the gift Santa brought - new climbing  dome.

Races at the airport.

1st Grade Christmas Program

 

Waiting for the program to begin

Each class sang all of the songs, but were on stage and had actions for one song.  Zachary's class did "O Christmas Tree".  How I love this little boy.  He is growing up so fast!