Winter Break Fun

After all the Christmas fan fare was over, we had two days of free time.  One morning the kids swam in the hotel pool.  Though the pool was on the small side, the temperature was perfect for a wintery day.

A late lunch (or early dinner) landed us at a teppanyaki grill which is always a crowd pleaser.

One of Opa's gifts was a kazoo game given to him by the grandkids.  We, of course, had to break this out and play before they returned home.

We originally broke up into two teams of three.  Eventually we made our own rules and had it be youth verses age.  The kids could hum a tune in 4 seconds and get it correct.  The adults on the other hand were laughing too hard to get the correct answer out in time.  This might have to be played with the cousins over the summer with a larger song selection pack.

 

Van Gogh Immersive Experience

The day after Christmas, we took in the Van Gogh Immersive Experience.  None of us knew exactly what we were walking into but thoroughly enjoy the experience when all was said and done.  The first part was learning about Van Gogh and his painting.  His five top selling painting went for $86,000,000 - $61,000,000!

Being part of the painting Bedroom in Arles.

But the best part was the immersive portion.  We experiences Van Gogh's life and work surrounded 360 degrees by his painting, music, and animation.  While the rest of the group sat in lounge chairs, Victoria and I enjoyed reclining on beanbags.

A few of us ended the experience in the virtual reality room where we saw the places that influence Van Gogh's work as we moved from his bedroom, to fields, to forest, and finally towns.

 Lunch was at Time Out Market where we all could pick from different venders.  Oma and Opa had the best choice.... lobster roll with butter.

Santa Came!

After opening family presents, the kids set out cookies and milk for Santa before heading to bed.

It was so hard for the kids to wait till all the adults were here to watch them open the presents (Oma and Opa stayed in a hotel this year).  But I was impressed that they didn't even dig in their stockings.

The kids headed to their father's for a bit on Christmas Day.  This meant Oma, Opa, and myself were on our own.  We walked up to Lamei - a Chinese hot pot restaurant.  We picked out one mild and one spicy broth and were glad our waitress guided us to something that we enjoyed rather than burned our mouths.  We had beef, lamb, shrimp, mushrooms, broccoli, and noodles.  The sweet buns were delightful as a treat.

After the kids returned, we pulled out Pictionary... an oldie yet goodie.

 

Family Present Time

After returning home from church services, the kids were begging to open presents.  We started off with a handful of lottery cards that Opa and Oma brought with them.  There might have been a bit of confusion on what constituted winning as some of us didn't read the directs as well as others.  In the end, only one of us won... Liz with $10.

We then sat down to open gifts from the family.  This is the first year in which Micah was pleased with everything he received.  I haven't seen him this content in a long time.  I guess the family knows him pretty well.

The kids got me a hitch cover for my car.  The big question now is will the pinwheel spin when we are driving???

Izzy still loves her guinea pigs!

This was Victoria's favorite present... a new kitty alarm clock.

A unique gift.... home kit to make your own boba tea... just want Izzy didn't know she needed but loved once she figured out what it was.

This was one happy boy to get an Astro's jersey... the last gift but the best one for him.

Opa and the kids made a bet on the World Series.  The stake was 1lb of chocolate.  Neither won the bet because the Astros lost.  However Opa payed up regardless with this 3lb chocolate bar.