New Years with the Turners

I know I'm over a month late, but I still want to post about how exciting our start to 2014 was. First off, we had my brother staying with us during his winter break from BYU. What a TREAT. Small anecdote really quick: when my mom was married, her little brother was only 4 years old. My uncle Jess always visited our family during Christmas break from BYU and it was the best. All six of us Warner kids never got enough of him and still have such a strong relationship with him. I couldn't help but compare my brother to our beloved Uncle and the fun times we had together. Mickey did not disappoint and we really, really enjoyed having him here with us. It was a sad day when he left. 

New Years Eve was a blast! We went over to the Turners and ate such de-lish food and played some games.

This is how Ellie played twister. She saw the older kids doing this and so she just went over and bent over like so. She didn't respond to "left foot on yellow" or "right hand on blue" She just stayed like this for a few minutes. I'm laughing just thinking about it.

Nathan and my boy! He never fails to get Caleb chuckling.

Also, just so everyone knows, Nathan does actually have a really nice smile. Select few have the privilege of seeing it.

The predator and his prey: snapped Mick in his natural habitat. Always first up in line for food. Unashamed. One of the many great qualities about this guy and one of the many that we share. (Yes, he went straight for the olives. What a bizarre creature he is).

And onto a grueling game of apples to apples. It was actually super fun. I failed miserably at it--I didn't get one single green card. Guess who won?? I'll give you a hint: they win every single competitive game I've ever played against them. Yep, Mick was the champ. Nathan with a close second (who also almost always beats me when playing a competitive game also, come to think of it).

Sheldon and Caleb fell asleep around 10. Pretty decent for both of them.

Tristan and I left the kids for a little bit and went to meet up with some friends. We played some games and enjoyed each others company, but headed back a quarter to midnight so we could be there with Ellie on her first news years party!

Ellie and Allye had a blast. They easily stayed up the ring in the new years. I don't think they appreciated me snapping a pic while they were trying to watch a movie.

Our last shots of 2013! (Caleb was sleeping).

Right before midnight; "alert and oriented" is what we would call this in nursing terms. 

Some sparkling cider to celebrate staying up so late. Also, the new year.

We got to spend New Year's Eve and day with Marisha, Alexena, and Randy who are related to the Turners. Randy is Tristan's mom's uncle. 

I made this picture extra-large because it is so extra-cute. We love our Uncle Trent.

New Years day was spent in downtown Folsom, walking around and looking at all the cute boutiques. Mick and I made up games by trying to guess what item we think each other would buy. It stemmed from my claiming that Mickey was so predictable. Needless to say, my hypothesis was obliterated. 

Ellie, checking out the Elf's house. And Mick, making his not-so-predictable face as we walk along Sutter Street.

Later that evening (after our bellies were filled with heaven's manna (that's pizza in-case you were wondering)) Tristan, Mickey, Trent, Marisha, and I went ice skating! Folsom has this cute little outdoor rink in downtown Folsom. I hadn't been since Tristan and I were dating 5 years previous. I was pretty excited.

Can't you tell from this picture?Why am I the only one that looks genuinely excited to take a picture?? I've provided some captions that I think describe what was going on in everyone's noggins.

Me: You guys better look happy 'cause this picture is going on my blog!

Mickey: Is this really necessary? 

Tristan: I knew she was crazy before I married her.

Me: Okay group, show me the wristbands.

Tristan: Markie, I love you. But stop. Please.

Marisha: I hope I don't fall in front of these cool peeps!

Trent: I'm going to make some obscure face so no one knows what I'm thinking.

Mickey and Tristan were by far the best between the group of us. I wasn't bad. I didn't fall and didn't look like a total idiot (I guess that's a matter of opinion).

Don't worry I was off the ice when these pictures were taken.

Definitely enjoyed our New Years! 

And really quick, I just have to add all these cute pictures of Mickey with Caleb. He stayed with us for a few more days before leaving for Provo.

This is Mickey probably educating Caleb about some hard analytical concept or statistical theory that no one understands but him.

Mickey carrying Caleb as we were leaving church. Melts my heart.

Mickey we love you and as so grateful to have had you with us! You're the best. 

Also, I'm sure if Ellie could sit still for two seconds there would be more and him and her. Ellie loved having him with us. The day he left, Ellie woke up asking where he was. Sad day.

We're excited for you 2014!