Early Christmas Surprise

Unknowing to our kids, we had an awesome surprise for them. The Papa family was coming for a visit! 

The Papa kids knew they were coming to North Carolina to see us, but we wanted to keep it a surprise for our kids. It was a very hard secret to keep, especially when we were picking out and wrapping presents for Kolton, Lilly and Ryker, but the kids believed us when we told them we were mailing them out so they could open them up at home. 

When we knew that the Papa's were getting close, I unlocked the door and we put on a movie so the kids would all stay in one place for their surprise. Minutes later, the Papa clan came walking through the door and surprised the kids! 

I tried taking pictures of the surprise, but there was so much going on all at once, that i only got a couple good ones. 

The kids were so excited to see each other and our hearts were so full to see them all together again. Unfortunately, I didn't take as many pictures of our time together, like I hoped, but were were all enjoying each others company that it totally escaped my mind to take pictures. 

The kids went back to where they left off and went right to playing with each other. Starting off with some Lego playing and then onto some karaoke. 

McKaila and Lilly cuddling before bedtime

Off to Pinky's for some lunch

Mommy night out!!! Much needed for both of us

To say that we were happy to have the Papa's here visiting us, would be an understatement. There are really no words to describe how happy we were that they were able to drive here for a couple days before heading to Ohio for Christmas. 

I really didn't realize how badly we all needed a visit from friends. It's always nice to have visits from family, but to have friends here is a totally different thing. They know our life, our military life. Our life with 3 kids. It's just great to have those friends that truly knows the ups and downs to life and totally understand them, because they are going through them too. 

We love you, Korey, Natalie, Kolton, Lilly and Ryker!