Then, the boys started acting. Connor pretended to be a baby and Garrett pretended to be the father. Connor started to pretend cry and I hear Garrett say "What can I get you son?" I burst out laughing. This went on for ten minutes in which I was just enjoying them being so silly.
Emily thought shoveling was so much fun but she preferred to use her rake. No snow drift was too big for her to climb...nothing stopped Emily.
Connor is a true worker and wouldn't quit until the entire driveway was shoveled. He worked with this big smile on his face the entire time.
Then, it was time for some fun. The sled came out and it was time for Emily to go sleigh riding for the first time. Garrett was a super big brother and held on tight to keep his sister safe.
Connor was throwing himself down the hill.
Daddy decided to get some exercise and ran around the house a couple times pulling a sled full of children. The kids thought this was the best.
Sunday, when it had finally stopped snowing, we took advantage and went to the big hill by the high school.
We all had so much fun sledding and Daddy would pull the kids up in the sled. Emily would lean back and be dragged up the hill lying down in the sled - it didn't matter if she got snow in her face or was freezing. She had a permanent smile on her face.
Connor is so big now that he can manage to walk back up all by himself carrying a sled.
Garrett's main concern was going the farthest down the hill. I think after an hour and a half outside, we had so much fun that we had to get to some warmth to finally heat up. We all agree that we definitely took advantage of the snow this year.
You are as tough as nails - able to tackle your brothers to the ground and even take a fall and keep on going. You know what you want - a little point or little girl screech always gets our attention. Your coordination is remarkable - running, almost jumping and turning on a dime. We especially love when you go into the boys room and turn on their radio, you immediately demand a dance party in which you spin around with your hands in the air. Your nighttime routine is amazing - after a few books, we lay you down and it is off to sleep. You are also as sharp as a tack - understanding every thing we say and even listen when we tell you it is time to put things away.
Emily loved to see all the kids and had a great time trying to run onto the court, especially when daddy was coaching.
Garrett goes for the shot. He shoots and scores...
Immediately following Garrett's game, Connor was always ready to get on the court. Here he is doing drills with his teammates. Connor is number 30.
Game time - Connor sets up for a three and is waiting for a pass.
Water break and time to pose for a picture with Daddy.
Emily and Garrett climbed to the top of the mats for some fun and relaxation.
Connor waiting to be called back onto the court. These two were a dynamic duo on the court.
To celebrate a great day, we went out for dinner.
Of course, the pictures of Garrett and I are not included because he was making silly faces.
Connor was in the middle of the gang having so much fun.
Once we got home, the men were outside taking down the 15,00o lights in our front yard. Yes, Clark Griswald has now moved to Massachusetts. This year the new addition to our front entrance was three deer placed within the woods. Of course, two boys and a girl - the kids loved having their own deer. Especially after a bad storm when a deer would fall over, we would pull onto our street and they would get so excited that one of them fell over - of course each deer was labeled one of the kids names so they would be screaming "Garrett fell over, oh no!"
Posing on the rock in the woods.
Here they are with one of our prized deer.
Of course, they love to cuddle up to Grandpa too.
It was definitely a jam packed weekend and fun for all. 
The kids get so excited to celebrate and really made the birthday boy feel special. They made him some projects and they loved watching him scratch off some lotto tickets.
It was time for ice cream cake and the kids love to sing and blow out the candles. Even Emily has figured out how to blow out the candles. Everyone was definitely in a party mood.
Daddy - we hope you had a very happy birthday and that you know how much you are loved by all of us. 
So, the things we accomplished during this visit. First, no one got hurt. (Score 1 for the parents) Second, we managed to have the second annual football game and the improvement from the prior year was remarkable. Third, we did manage to get out of the house. We went to our usual bowling spot where the kids showed off their bowling skills. They actually all played amazing.
And here is their huddle in their new Scottish soccer jerseys. What a crew! We look forward to February when a new little girl is introduced into the crew. Yeah!!!
