Hawken and Matix had their second to last game. They really loved soccer this year. It was especially fun with Paul as the coach. Afterward, everyone had a big party, and the kids got a trophy, their FIRST trophy. Very exciting.
On the boys ACTUAL last game, I sent them with these shark cookies. I stayed with Lullaby at her game.
Lullaby finally figured it out at the end of the season and had lots of fun. She especially loves her friends. They had a party a few days after the last game so everyone could come. She got a trophy too and was SO excited about it.
For the party, I made some cookies. The team was called the orange mermaids, so of course I had to make these cookies. They turned out pretty cute, and the girls loved them.
2017 is a big year for my dad and my Gramma Evie (mom's mom). He was turing 80! and she was turning 90! So exciting! We wanted to go for a visit, but the cost was too much for the whole family. So, the stars aligned and I was able to go my myself. A trip. By MYSELF. It was lovely. I was very excited!
On the last layover, headed toward Milwaukee, I know I was going to the right place. Do you see what I see? A sea of jeans... Only on this flight.
And of course, Packers stuff everywhere, and lots of Harleys, and gloomy skies.
First stop was to see the birthday boy himself. He was SO surprised. He couldn't believe it was me. So funny. We chatted for a while and he opened his early birthday gifts from us. Happy birthday dad!
Then we set off to surprise everyone else. Heather was taking a nap (sorry Heather!) and we woke her up.
Mackenzie was harder to track down, but we finally did, just before dinner time, so we stole her away to Chick-fil-A, YES PLEASE! It was SO good!
Plus Kenz let me braid her thick waist length hair. So pretty.
Then we stopped to see Becky, Tom, and Ryelle. It was fun chatting with them too and catching up a bit before heading to surprise another one!
Next was Robin and John. Their kids were gone, so I didn't get to see them, but it was fun catching up with them for a while.
Early in the morning, Heather took me to surprise Holly at her work. It was so much fun surprising everyone. I may never announce my arrival again.
Then I surprised Hunter (still in his jammies). So funny.
Then off to see the birthday girl! 90 never looked so good! I brought the gifts and cards the kids had made. She and my mom were both surprised to see me, and we had a great time chatting.
Then off to surprise Louie. He was working and my mom was my accomplice.
I got to see some of their lovely pumpkins, and then we went out to eat with Gramma.
After lunch we headed back to my mom's house to take a look at the FINISHED quilt. My Gramma had been working on this quilt for Paul and I for more than a year. It's called the path of life, and we love it! She took so much time hand stitching each square, and embellishment. There are also designs in the black squares. Thank you Gramma, we love it! (Also, notice she is wearing the necklace Hawken made for her. She wore it all day long.)
Tour of my mom's kitchen garden. (All the herbs you could need)
It was crazy cold, and I wore everything I owned (plus several borrowed things from Heather).
And a quick game so my mom could gloat. She NEVER loses.
Then I headed up to go bowling and surprise a couple more people. I hadn't seen Rory, Russell, Alex or Chloe, and it was fun to surprise them too! :)
Rory is such a dolly baby and looks a lot like Mackenzie did as a baby.
More braids.
Tour of my dad's thriving winter garden.
Then we went to eat at my pick for a restaurant, CHIPOTLE! Yum!! Not everyone was as enthusiastic about it, but they still came with. Holly and Kevin were nice to take a picture in the line with me. I was SO excited!
Then we headed to Cherry Berry for some frozen yogurt, and to our surprise it was only $4 for as much as you can fit in the bowl! Yay!
I stayed up late Saturday night with my dad, looking at old pictures. This was one of my favorites of HIS dad, my Grandpa Charlie, with my four big sisters. I love it.
I went to church with my mom and Grandma and saw lots of my favorite people there. Tony, my minster growing up, is retiring this year, and it was great to see him. He is always a bright light in a room.
I also saw my Aunt Mary Beth. She gave me a gift, so I could buy something for the kids. It was very generous and the kids were THRILLED when I came home with new stuffed animals (and some old ones from Hank, thanks!).
Packers game on Sunday, they didn't win, but I did wear the hat for a while. I had a great time with you dad. I love you and I miss you already. You know, Hawaii is a great place to visit...
I got to be part of the sister planning meeting for Dad's actual birthday, in December, even though I wouldn't be there. We forgot to get a picture until after Becky left. Sorry Beck!
My not-so-funny stepdad pranked me several times. Once as a clown INSIDE the trash can, and once with a dying animal sound from under my bed when I went to go to sleep... Thanks. There will be payback.
It was awesome spending time, even though it was very short, with my Gramma. She is such a sweet grandma. I love her so much.
I rented my own car, so I drove myself back to the airport. I felt like such a grownup. Good bye Wisconsin!
I had a layover in LA, just long enough to have lunch with my niece Liesl. It was so much fun, AND, she's coming for a visit here in Kauai soon. I can't wait! Hopefully she'll give us good reviews to my other nieces and nephews and we can get some more visitors soon!
Video compilation of the surprises. Thankfully Jolie knew I was coming. She's in Colorado, but was very helpful finding out where people were and how I should surprise them.
