We weren't planning on seeing Kurtis' family for Christmas, but waiting until they came in January to see them. However, his sister called earlier in the week saying they decided to make a trip to Nebraska on Saturday. Unfortunately, Kurtis had no vacation days so we had to make a really short trip. We decided to meet and stay in North Platte for the evening. So after the Phillips family Christmas we packed up and headed to North Platte. It was the night of the Husker Bowl game so we went out to Applebee's for supper then went back to the hotel to swim and watch the rest of the game.
I mentioned going swimming and Landon said he just wanted to watch. Once he saw his cousins in their suits he said he changed his mind. I am not sure what happened to change his attitude towards water and swimming; however, he did great. Guess we'll start small! He was even able to touch on his own in the shallow end all by himself. He was pretty excited!
I didn't end up grabbing my suit or Avery's so we just watched. We tried to watch in the room but she kept wanting to get down so her and I hung out in the exercise room while the others swam. It was nice because she could crawl around, we could still watch the others swim and there was a TV in there to watch the game. ;)
Erica's kids faded pretty fast as they were in the car for 11 hours that day but they got a little playing in before everyone hit the bed.
The next morning we ate breakfast as a family and the kids hit the pool one last time. Kurtis didn't want to get in with Landon so he just watched this time, even though he really wanted to go again.
We then checked out and met in the lobby to open a few presents.
Roan was so excited for Landon's gift; he even wrapped it himself.
Ninja Turtle Walkie Talkies!
Avery tore off piece by piece which was taking forever. Finally Amberlee started helping her. She ended up getting a little pony that walks and makes noises. She isn't a big fan of it yet but it will grow on her.
Landon sharing his turtle expertise with Uncle Zach.
We got Amberlee a Thirty-One basket filled with art supplies (paints, fun foam, construction paper, pom poms, etc). She loves doing art!
Landon and Kurtis picked out Roan's gift. A sword and Nerf gun!
Landon's cousins on the Dudo's side.
Landon (3 1/2), Amberlee (7), Avery (14 months), Roan (5)
Then of course we didn't want our visit to end, yet it is the middle of winter and we were in North Platte. Our options of what to do were very limited, but we still headed out to Cody Park. I absolutely loved going here when I was a little girl so it was fun to take my kids. There were lots of animals out and about which was fun to see. Kurtis and I plan on bringing the kids back here to ride on the rides that are still exactly the same ones I rode.
The elk was playing with some blue barrels.
So cute and I didn't even tell them to do this!
Of course we had to see the train too!
We then walked around the mall for awhile, had lunch together and called it a trip. The kids got tired! Now that they are 13 hours away we definitely will take advantage of seeing them when we can. Even if it is only for a day.
On the way home Kurtis and I wanted to stop and see my parents' new house. I had yet to be there in the process of building so we thought it would be fun to see it before and after it was done. It was really cold out but we still got a tour of the entire thing. I can't wait to spend time there when it is done. We arrived back in Grand Island around 6 p.m. which was exactly 24 hours after we arrived in North Platte. I'd consider that a very successful 24 hour trip!
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