"Waiting" for Christmas

So we really only have 2 children who still like to decorate for Christmas :( 

How are they getting so old?

I remember as a child the anticipation of Christmas morning. I must say it's totally different as a parent. Ha! For one, my kids are crazy hyper (the week leading up to Christmas) and two, it's SO much work for me ;) However, this year, I had a lot more fun with my kids the week leading up to Christmas. For the first time in a long time, our family did not host a big meal for all our family. I didn't realize how much extra this added to my plate. I might not be so quick to volunteer next year ;)

EJ's mom arrived on Dec 17th and the kids' Christmas break began Dec 18th. Within 5 minutes of her arrival she was welcomed with a trombone (Owen) and harmonica (Mason) duet. The noise level didn't change much the 9 days she visited. She might have been a tad relieved to get back home ;) Her knee is healing so well and it was great to see her up and around with so much less pain.

  We did our annual tacky lights tour.

 In much milder weather than normal.

Lots of cookie baking. These 3 super heroes made a batch of sugar cookies. I made several cookie recipes all alone trying to keep germs at bay. Lots of runny noses and coughing over Christmas. I enjoy baking a whole lot more in a quiet kitchen ;)

  Avery gift wrapped herself

 We went bowling one morning. Owen beat me. yikes!

On Christmas Eve morning we went to the Bass Pro Shop as a rainy day outing and because I like their Christmas displays, I figured it Ryan and Avery could see Santa that would be a plus. Well, there was more than a 3 hr wait to sit on Santa's lap so we waved from afar and played some games instead. Nothing like shooting games on Christmas Eve. Thankfully no one was too sad not to see Santa, however Ryan later confessed he wished he could have asked Santa for a puppy. lol

They can be very loud and obnoxious and fight a lot with each other, but I truly do love having them home from school. God gave me what I needed to keep the pace and I am glad we had the opportunity to do fun things together. 

15th Anniversary

Looking back on these photos makes my heart so happy. EJ and I had the awesome privilege of escaping for a long weekend in early Dec for our anniversary. My parents held down the fort and we are forever grateful. We took a 6 am train and arrived around lunch time at Grand Central Station on Dec 11th. The weather was unseasonably warm just the way I had prayed it would be ;) We enjoyed a steady mid 50s even as the low, the difference from day high and night low eerily the same. Crazy! It certainly allowed for much pleasanter walking lots and lots of miles each day. 

It certainly felt strange to traveling without kids. We thoroughly enjoyed the freedom that allowed. Our meals were whenever and wherever we pleased and it was nice not be awakened by children in the middle of the night (which doesn't always happen but with 4, the odds are much higher) or the early morning for that matter.

The city was very crowded, partly because of the holidays and I think the warm weather increased those numbers. One of our favorite parts was just being able to hold hands. A rarity in this stage of life with a 4 and 5 year usually clamoring between us.

It's been an anniversary tradition to get a photo of us together with a tree. 

This is the lobby of our hotel, The Roosevelt. 

This is the tree at Rockefeller Center

There were Christmas decorations around every corner, so beautiful.

We saw the Broadway Musical "Matilda." It was awesome, we both enjoyed it and we got to spy on a college acquaintance who played one of the leading roles. SO funny!

We walked most of the weekend, however did take the subway to the 9-11 Memorial and then to Chelsea Market. The memorial is beautiful and amazing and sad all at the same time. It was an honor to be there in person and to pay our respects to those who lost their lives and their loved ones. The fountains are breathtaking.

Sharing a crape in Chelsea Market for a mid-afternoon snack. I am so sure ;)

EJ really wanted to go up to the top of the Empire State Bldg. We didn't, maybe next time.

We had a wonderful weekend away. It was awesome to reconnect with each other and also reminisce on all the past blessings of our 15 years. While we were there, I came to the conclusion that BIG city life isn't exactly my ideal vacation. I was happy to be by EJ's side, but the hustle and bustle drained me. I am definitely getting more introverted the older I get.

Winter Concert

I am so behind in blogging and most everything else ;)

Owen's first school performance was last week. Not the easiest thing to photograph.

I have the highest regards for a director who can take 50 students, most of whom have never played their assigned instrument and turn them into musicians. Owen really likes his director and is always asking for additional songs to learn. He has managed to combine his love for music and sports and learn some "jock-rock" songs. Marching band music is more his style, wonder if he can dance and play at the same time ;)

Thanksgiving Part 2

After staying with Mim 3 days we headed to the beach to be with EJ's dad and grandma.
Stopping for soft pretzels has become a yummy tradition.

Since we don't get to celebrate Christmas together, Pop Pop and Nana give the kids their presents early so they can enjoy watching the kid's reactions. And there was certainly a lot of excitement.

An early morning game with Pop Pop.

 The day after Thanksgiving is the town's Christmas festival and tree lighting. 

We found a few friends.

 We couldn't believe our eyes when she willingly approached Minnie Mouse. 

She later announced "I was so brave" which she quotes daily. 

We had a delicious dinner prepared completely by EJ's dad. I feel guilty every year but arriving on Thanksgiving doesn't allow me to help much. He is a pro. Nana joined us at the table which is a gift. Last year she was not feeling up to it.

 EJ and Nana spent time looking through boxes of old photos.

 The weather was the warmest it's been in all my 15 Thanksgivings at the shore. 61 degrees!!

 I didn't really plan for so much beach time but we scrounged around in the garage.

Talking on his shell phone :)

 "I love the beach, you know" said Avery

What a treat!

I really truly would be okay if it never got cold :)

Thanksgiving Part 1

We spent the first part of Thanksgiving week with EJ's mom. She is doing SO well after having knee replacement surgery only 4 weeks ago. We are so thankful she is on the road to recovery and will be able to come visit us for Christmas.

She treated the middle two for painting pottery. They had a blast and can't wait to see the final product when she comes for Christmas.

 EJ's old toys are still a hit.

 The older two had fun playing football the day before Thanksgiving.

Looking at toy catalogs for Christmas gift ideas.

Our visit was short but sweet and the kid's loved spending time with Mim.