Tennessee in March

We didn't make it to a tropical beach for spring break this year, but warmer temperatures and a little more sun was to be found in Tennessee.

Grandma and Elliot playing the Wii, view the video below to appreciate the full affect of this bonding time.

 We visited Reelfoot nature center

They brought some snakes out for the kids to hold.
Jane with a milk snake

Aaron was letting us know how he felt about his daily routine being interrupted with this trip.

Baldcypress trees fill the lake, which is reported to have formed as a result of earthquakes in the 1800's.

They have rescued owls and bald eagles. 

The parents were given a one day notice of our arrival, and wanted to celebrate Elliot's 8th birthday.

Grandma whipped up  this hot fudge cake infused with sweetened condensed milk.
Jane helped decorate.

I picked up these mustaches while us girls were out shopping. 

The kids were sent out to find some hidden surprises.

 a two-dollar bill.

Thankful for a family that allows us to drop in whenever we want. 

mid March from outypants on Vimeo.

A Tennessee Thanksgiving/Christmas

We travel to Tennessee every Thanksgiving to visit Nathan's parents and brother.  We take this opportunity to exchange gifts and celebrate Christmas.

This year was extra special because not only were we able to make it, but all the Sweeney kids.

  Originally this photo was on the steps, but Aaron (the one in the hat between Jane and Elliot) refused to stand up, so we came over to him.

We  participated in the American tradition of breaking the wishbone.
Elliot pulled too soon, so grandpa got some of it on the top. he determined it was a tie. 

Jane told the history of the cornucopia
Elliot -not pictured, but I think he is on video, gave a speech about how Native Americans made tents.

We picked up the British tradition of the Christmas Cracker while we were in Hong Kong.
I rounded up my Marks-n-Spencer clearance kid crackers from last year and found some at World Market for the adults. 
Everyone seemed to think it was fun.

The wonderful food.
My mother-n-law makes the best yam yam sweet potatoes ever! no marshmallows, just a pecan topping that is delicious.

Jane helped grandma bake three pecan pies and two pumpkin. I'm convinced that I alone at a whole pecan pie over the course of a week.

Played some kickball, even grandma joined in on a game.

We played a game of 500 

Actually we played several games.

The rules: one person throws and yells out a number and if you catch it you get those points. When a person gets to 500 they win and they take a turn throwing.

The Grandparents hid the kids gifts, requiring a little effort on their part before opening. I like this idea as it makes the gift giving time go a little longer and keeps the anticipation up for the kids.

Benjamin loved his spider webs.

Decorating for Christmas

Many many blessings, and a lot to be thankful for. 

intn from outypants on Vimeo.

Jane turns Nine

Being back in the States allowed Jane to have not only a party with friends, but a party with family. 

Jane missing Hong Kong wanted a Mid-Autumn Festival themed party.

We did our best and added some Asian touches.

 Would You Eat this?
Seaweed, red bean jelly and the Koala cookies filled with strawberry creme, that we often got at 7-11 in HK.
Everyone spit out the red bean. Elliot finished off the rest of uneaten seaweed. 

Hang baos I had brought back from HK we made into tiny lanterns.

Jane taught some Chinese, when the girls decided to play school. 

The food
I did offer some sandwiches(not pictured)

 Ice cream Sundaes were for dessert instead of cake. 

Jane wanted to play pass the parcel. Although not Chinese, a game she learned from friends in Hong Kong.

She made up a scavenger hunt game.

Dress up! 

Family Party

My friend made these delicious "Tangled theme" lemon cupcakes.

My parents  and sister.

Nathan's parents were up from Tennessee.
It was a rare treat to have everyone there.

Benjamin is very interested in cousin Jane's gifts

Aunt Chas

Jane with "Caroline" her American Girl Doll
a gift from her grandparents. 

Playing in the leaves

Aaron loved throwing the leaves at everyone.
He kept signing more whenever I walked away from him.
Once we went back inside the hotel room,
 he must have found some leaves on his clothes because
 I turned around to find a small amount thrown in my face.

Jane and Ben making sure to get back at Uncle Aaron.

Trying to get an active almost three-year old to pose for a picture can be challenging. 

leaf fight! from outypants on Vimeo.