Visit photos, part 1

I've been delaying this string of posts for a few days because I have no idea how I will choose a handful of pictures to share online and enter into the blog book for the kids.  Visiting family or being visited by family when living in the States was special.  But there is something extra special about the sacrifice that has to be made to visit across the world -- change of time, cost of travel, physical wear of international travel and cultural confusion, and of course the increase in vulnerability to new and strange illnesses.  But never-the-less, we consistently have our family making those sacrifices and visiting us.  This Christmas was no exception.  My parents, sister, and brother-in-law enjoyed a second Christmas in Vienna, and it was such a huge encouragement to us.  I tried to fill the week with special outings and activities, and the kids did the rest to keep us all entertained.  With six smartphone cameras and three hand-held cameras, we have a ton of pictures.  Here goes my attempt to capture a tidbit of our time together.  (Prior posts have already addressed a few themes during their visit.)

First, here are some of my favorite photos from just hanging out together at home.  There are a lot...

Puzzles and cuddles with Grandma

Joining in on the fun with puzzles

 I'm pretty sure this was the first morning after they arrived; Nathanael could hardly wait to play with Legos with Grandpa.  (Notice the coffee cup in Grandpa's hand and the hard-hat, of course.)

 This little girl loved being with her Grandpa!

The kids loved sitting with Grandpa and watching video clips on his phone. 

And they were often seen either standing at the door to Grandpa and Grandma's room, asking to come in and play, or sprawled out on their bed playing.

It was no surprise that these two were often together.
(Isn't his "smile" pitifully adorable?!)

But these two often stole the show! 

 We were sooo excited to have Uncle Drew and Auntie Carrie join us!

And they quickly joined in on the fun and silliness!

Anytime Eva saw Drew's water bottle around, she would pick it up and proudly take it to him.  It was adorable.  I think this picture was after one of those instances.

 Nathanael received two great Lego sets for Christmas from both sets of Grandparents, and these three spent hours entertaining themselves with them!