holiday season

The girls are at the age where they ask a lot of questions. I don't mind it, but sometimes it's hard to find the right words. Morgan was so confused at us putting up the tree, yet it's not Christmas. Try explaining the holiday season to a three and a half year old. She basically thinks that every day is Christmas. Close enough for now. 

We did go to the mall on Black Friday and didn't buy a thing. But since there was no wait we stopped to see Santa. Both the girls are totally into it. Morgan cracked me up when she asked for a big girl bed for Christmas. Santa won't be bringing that, but Michael and I will be hooking her up before Christmas. I told her Santa asked us to.

Guess who's back??? Zarkle the Elf. He arrived Thanksgiving night. Morgan didn't remember him, but Addison sure did. She was so happy to see him.

The thing with Zarkle is you can't touch him or he will lose his magic. Then he won't be able to fly and report to Santa each night. On Monday he was found on the lamp shade. Addison decided she wanted to knock Zarkle down by playing with the shade. After realizing what she did she lost it. She was so upset and afraid that Zarkle was going to be mad at her and not come back. That night she left him a note. She wraps everything in wrapping paper now so I didn't read it until she went to bed. She's such a sweet girl. Michael and I left a note from Zarkle telling her that she was forgiven and all was well.

So the next night she leaves another note and her Christmas list with Zarkle. Again, it's all wrapped up.  She would like a new doll set and a sewing machine. I'm keeping every on of these. I left her a note from Santa saying that he got the list and that he and the elves were working on a few things.

All of this is really sweet, but I can't leave notes for the next 27 days. This morning there was no note and she didn't seem to mind. I think they were excited to see that Zarkle had gotten into the Oreos.

An elf after my own heart. Of course they wanted to finish the cookie. Since the girls are more into it I hope to be a lot more creative this year with the elf. It really is a lot of fun.

thanksgiving

The day started off great. My two turkeys crawled into bed with me that morning to snuggle. It doesn't get much better than this.

My mom and Jim came up for the day and we had a great time hanging out, cooking, and looking at the Black Friday ads. This year I set the table with real plates and glasses and the girls were old enough to have their own little table. They thought it was special. I opted for a big ham and a small turkey breast this year and it was the best decision ever. We all prefer the ham over the turkey. The kids really only cared about the stuffing and the bread.

Morgan did pick out her own outfit for turkey day. I guess she thought that polka dots and heart pants matched. Close enough I guess. All I ask for is one serious smile. I guess these are close enough too.

Right when we finished eating I heard the front door open. I knew it wasn't the kids trying to escape. I was so happy to see my sister standing there with her baby girl Aleyece. This was the first time that Addison was really able to hold her since Addison was sick at their first meeting. She must be the baby whisperer. As soon as she picked her up Aleyece fell asleep. They are both so sweet when they hold her. 

My favorite picture of the day. Probably my favorite in a long time. I love this sweet girl.

Then I went all camera happy on Aleyece. It's nice at this age because they can't fight you. The first one I snapped when she was mid sneeze. I like to think the next one is the gimme some turkey face.

Her face melts me.

Later that night the girls and I watched Elf. The funniest Christmas movie ever. Morgan gave up 20 minutes in, but Addison watched til the end. She loved it.

It was a great Thanksgiving. Everyone was happy and our bellies were full. We all have a lot to be thankful for. This day and every day.

thankful

Today I am so thankful for so many things. 

This sweet girl. She is so loving and caring. Sometimes at night she just wants me to lay and snuggle with her. It warms my heart.

This sassy girl. She is so fun and full of life. Sometimes she steals my phone and I find all these pictures on there. She always makes me smile.

Life is fun with them.

This guy. He keeps us all sane and holds us all together.

I love my family. Life is good.

pow wow

Last week was the big Pow Wow at school. It was recommended to me by another mom that I stay for most of the day, so I took the first half of the day and went to school with Addison. Her class was the Iroquois tribe. I helped her and some of the other kids get into their costumes. They couldn't wait for it to start.

All of the classes came out and did a dance to the fox song. That song is still stuck in my head and Michael and I are caught singing it all the time. Addison went through all the motions, but still got a little shy when she spotted me with my camera.

Chief Chets Creek, also known as the PE teacher, came out and did his own dance. I think he looked pretty cool.

It was dark and dreary on Friday and rain threatened the whole thing, but they were still able to do it outside. But it was windy and cold. By the time it was all over everyone just wanted to go inside. They had to get a class picture first.

Back in the classroom we had a few minutes to take pictures before we headed off to the different stations. Addison was upset because she really wanted to take her costume off, but her teacher convinced her to keep it on.

This is the Indian we made at home. She was supposed to give herself a name so we thought hard and she chose Brave Composer. Mostly because she loves to write, draw and make up stories, therefore, a composer. I thought it was cute.

We went to the media center to hear about how the Native Americans might have hunted, where they lived and see some artifacts. Then we ate lunch before heading out to the tepee for story time. This thing was pretty sweet. The middle was run up the school flagpole and then it was fanned out from there. Whoever did this put some serious though and time into this thing.

It was big enough to fit all 38 kids in her class, teachers, many parents and volunteers. I loved it! I also like the panoramic camera on my iPhone. Totally forgot about it.

After the tepee it was time for a scavenger hunt. This is me trying to keep Addison warm. I think it was colder than it was just a couple of hours before.

My little scavenger hunter. It was interesting to see her take the leadership role in her group. She grabbed the picture map and lead the way. I was proud of her.

I wish I could have stayed the whole day and done more of the stations with her, but believe it or not I do work a little. This was a fun kick off to the holiday season.

gator homecoming

Lucky for me, my birthday was right before Gator Homecoming weekend. I got the best birthday  present when Shannon flew into town late Thursday night. Not only was she here for the weekend, but she brought Magnolia Bakery cupcakes straight from NYC. I knew they were coming so I didn't have any sweets all day. Totally worth the wait.

I kept the kids out of school on Friday and we headed to Gainesville for the parade. The weather was perfect and the company was even better. I love Allison and Shannon so much. It was good to celebrate my 35th with them and a bunch of fellow gator fans.

Michael was not amused. I think all of the Gator festivities were starting to make him sick. So he found a spot in the shade and played on his phone.

My mom can not take a picture to save her life, but this one didn't turn out too bad.

The girls had a great time. It's going to take a lot more, but I'm working on converting Addison.

Shannon, Michael and I went to the game on Saturday, But first we enjoyed a little pregame entertainment. I'm not sure I've even seen a better pair of jorts in my life. I mean, overjorts. It doesn't get much better than that. Michael was having a field day.

Again, Michael was not thrilled with all the Gator activities. He decided to leave at halftime.

Shannon and I had a blast.

It probably would have been more fun if didn't leave with 5 minutes left in the game. We were standing outside searching for our Gator Walk brick when we realized we missed the best part of the game. Oh well. We did find the brick.

I topped off the birthday celebrations with wings and cake.

A great weekend with great friends and family. It sure made turning 35 a lot easier to be with the ones I love.