Crayola Factory

One of the kids favorite stops while we're in PA is the Crayola Factory...

Anderson and Julia are the artists in the family and they love all the project stations...

I think we could just about give the tour now we've heard it so many times. It is still so fascinating to watch, though...

The labeling machine takes over a task that used to be done by hand by local farmers who were paid 19cents an hour. The labels are glued with a cornstarch and water mix.

Some inspiration for your crayons and Model Magic...

 

 

Designing their own penguins. They made lots of fun crafts- sea creature sketches, penguins, snowflake prints, and photo coloring sheets.

The World's Largest Crayon!

 The top two floors are The National Canal Museum. This area has a rich history with the canal industry. The museum starts with the Waterworks where the kids are given a canal boat and cargo to get to the final destination. 

 

They have to be the lock keepers and cargo loaders... 

 

After a full day, I think we finally wore them out...

Christmas Family Fun

We were still celebrating two days later. This time fun with the cousins at Mimi and Grandpa's, dinner with my Mom's side of the family (chicken divan, rice casserole, caprese salad, pierogi casserole, bread, and desserts- mmmm!), and game night.

The kiddos were having a blast at my parents. It is the best kind of slumber party. They are all so close in age, it is like "the Quads and Carter". They get along great and the only thing better would be if we all lived closer.

...wrestling with Grandpa. The kids are getting quite strong Grandpa gets quite a workout. Doesn't help that he's so outnumbered!

 

We taught Liz how to blow out the battery-powered candles and she was quite happy with herself.

 

Dawn and Kenny had a rousing game of laser tag. I'll let you guess who the winner was :)

 some board game baseball...

 Pappy and Anderson...

Mimi and Grandpa's five kiddos...

Carter, Brooke, Anderson, Julia, and Zack

We were so sad to see Brooke and Zack leave. Can't wait to see them again soon!

Late that night we had a blast playing a late-night game of Scattergories. My mom was in rare form and the laughs were contagious!

 

Christmas Continues

The day after Christmas, my sister Beth and Anderson flew in, so it was Christmas morning again :) The best kind of groundhog day- family holidays that never end.

Anderson was his usual charming self and full of commentary that kept us all laughing.

My sister's boyfriend, Erik, was able to join us, too with Brooke and Zack. The kiddos were so excited to all be together at Mimi and Grandpa's house.

The weather has been unseasonably mild and the backyard was luring everyone outside. Anderson is rocking his new Kermit hat...

In the swing, he looked like a little frog on his lily pad.

Grandpa and Carter had a fun game of touch football...

...and laser tag!

That afternoon we headed up to Alice and Jack's for the K family Christmas and feast.

We started off so healthy with our veggies and fruit...

Then it was on to the main event. Uncle Mike- our professional chef and Alex-the culinary student had an original concoction for this year...  tur-pork-age (their spin on turducken). It was divine!

And once again, we feasted like kings!

It was a great evening hanging out together...

..and with young boys, there is always some wrestling...

Little Liz gets in on the action, too.

Liam was a captive audience to the wrestling fun. No doubt he will be in on it soon!

Liz making a few calls on Dawn's phone...

And here is "bow boy" (this is what happens when the kiddos are left to their own devices in the basement)...

The K Family Five with their mom and dad:

Alice, Joanne

Dan, Mike, Scott(my dad)

Gramma and Grampa

And the grandchildren (the K 5's kiddos):

Amber, Bethany, Lauren, Erin

Kyle, Nicole, Dawn

Justin, Alex (not shown: Brent)

With the K Family Great-Grands (all our kiddos, randomly placed):

Carter, Brooke, Zack, Anderson, Liz, Liam, Julia

Logan, James

And our significant others (the grafted-in branches on our tree):

Kenny, Echo, Michael

Billy, Erik (not shown: Kristin)

The K Great Grands...

Our family gift exchange starts with the youngest person present and moves up to the oldest. The little kiddos went first. They were all so patient, sweet, and gracious. So excited for them that they have each other. We were all so blessed by the times we spent with our cousins and the friendships and history that we all share.

It was a fun night for everyone. Lots of delicious food, great reminiscing, lots of laughs and playful fun, and new memories together.