Longwood Gardens

I was so excited to get back home in time to see Longwood Gardens before all the Christmas decorations were gone!  We ended up spending the evening with a new cousin and his family.  That's right a new cousin.  It's a funny story...

Ed is serving as the Bishop of our ward right now and occasionally he gets phone calls to go and visit people who are ill or otherwise need help that he doesn't know.  Often these people just haven't been active in church for a while and kind of get lost to the records of the church.  But they know that there will always be someone willing to step in if they just make a phone call, so Ed happily helps in whatever way he can.  He got one such phone call after a terrible accident left our new cousin in need of a blessing before surgery.  He sent a message that Bishop Seguine would be arriving soon and as he entered the door he was greeted with a hug and the news that they were related!  This man knew his family history and recognized the name Seguine.  With a quick text to our family history expert (Tricia) they were able to confirm that they were indeed 3rd cousins.  They actually live just about 15 minutes from us, so we have had dinner and are enjoying getting to know each other! We all had a great time wandering around the gardens and enjoying the spectacular views.

I can't believe I didn't have someone take a group shot of us.  I did get a new favorite picture of me and Ed, so that one is now my lock-screen on my phone :)

Happy Birthday Justin!

We were so glad to be there to celebrate his 18th birthday!  We love you Justin!

Ice Skating

We took all the cousins ice skating in Columbus.  It was a great time and there were no serious injuries... but maybe a few bumps and bruises :)

Dogs

My parents have two dogs that are beloved by all the grandchildren.  My kids always seem to have one sitting on or next to them.  They are such sweet dogs.

Talking to Ben and a Few More Gifts

We were so sad that we didn't get to talk to Dallin.  So. Sad.  But that's another post.  We were, however, very happy that cousin Ben got to Skype from Uruguay!  It was great to see his face and hear his voice.  He was probably a little overwhelmed with the huge crowd in Grammy's living room, but everyone just wanted to see him.  He even got to meet his new cousins for the first time! He is such a great missionary!

We also had a few gifts for my parents.  Ed and the girls found some funny prank boxes to put their real presents in.  My mom's had something to do with a device to make your pets clean your house and my dad's was a super dangerous kerosene face warmer for working outside.  For just a few seconds he actually thought it was real, but was relieved when he realized it was actually a Flyers t-shirt instead.  It was so funny to see their reaction.

The little girls decided to decorate Papa after the opening was over!