*** Side note: before I start this post, if you receive this blog via email, I encourage you to once a month click on the blog title and visit the actual blog page to see the blog in it's original format. I change the header out each month and this month's is really sweet. Just thought I'd let you know that in case you never actually visit the "real" blog. Thanks! ***
Okay, on to the actual blog post...
This week has been...well...unusual to say the least. We:
- Had a cat for 3 days (living IN our home)... Payton even named her "Kitty-kins"
- Had 2 out of 4 of us experience an awful 24-hour stomach bug (let's just say I lost about 7 lbs in about 7 hours)
- Visited BOTH sets of Grandparents (Yay! Love that!)
- Got some AWESOME school news for Payton
- Went to 3 Christmas parties in less than 24 hours
If you need an explanation on any of the above-mentioned items, just leave me a comment and I'll give you further info. Otherwise, let's get on to the pictures...
After Parker & I recovered from our lovely stomach viruses, we headed to Orlando to visit my parents and celebrate my Mom's birthday a few days early. I knew we wouldn't be able to make it home on her actual birthday because we had so much going on this weekend, so we snuck over a few days before (I may, or may not have let Payton play hookey from school that day) to spread some birthday cheer!
The boys enjoyed lots of Paca corn as usual. This time, they sat outside and watched him make it on the grill top burner. They were both very interested in watching it pop until the lid starts to rise and it almost pops over!
My Dad even bought special popcorn containers for people to enjoy his popular popcorn (say that 3 times fast)!
Of course they got their Nana time in too!
Playing bubbles, making Nana cookies, and building LEGOs:
We went for a long walk, the boys played in the jaccuzi, we decorated their Christmas tree, and just had a really great visit.
The next day, Brian and I had two Christmas parties for his work. They were both beautiful, and fun and well planned out. And fortunately for me, his loan partner, Chrissy & her hubby came, so I had someone really fun to hang out with all night since Brian had to "meet & greet" everyone.
On Saturday, Payton pulled this out of his Advent calendar:
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Lucky me!!!
Payton decided he wanted to take me to Burger 21, and although it cost a tad more than $5 for us both to eat there, I wouldn't trade it for the world!
Just sitting on the stools at the counter waiting for our food to come out and talking about random 7-year old stuff... totally priceless.
He must have kissed me and hugged me 10 times and he told me what a great mom I was because I took him out to lunch. He's such an awesome kid.
Let me encourage you - if you have children - take them out one-on-one occasionally. It's amazing what it does for their self-esteem. They really love that concentrated time with their parent where they feel like the most important person in the world. It's so worth whatever time you have to carve out, or babysitter you have to pay for your other kids. I promise you - totally worth it.
On Saturday night, our neighbors, Dave & Kristen, hosted an amazing block party for the Westchase Santa parade.
Every year, Santa comes through the neighborhoods in Westchase on top of a fire truck. This year, they added a toy drive to the mix and our neighbors hosted a pool party to get everyone together before the parade.
She went ALL. OUT.
There were twinkly Christmas lights everywhere! Tons of food, and fun treats for the kids...
Who doesn't LOVE a chocolate fountain?!?!?
And the "big kids"
The kids swam and played and had a wonderful time.
And then we all headed outside to greet Santa!
The kids loved seeing Santa and all the parade cars. The adults enjoyed watching the kids' faces and everyone had such a fun time.
Then on Sunday, we all drove over to see Brian's family.
His Aunt Bernadette (Aunt B) and Uncle Mike were also in town from Illinois.
Payton was thrilled that he got to go to his favorite little diner and see "Miss Holly" (we think he has a crush on her). She lets him help out and even let him tour the kitchen once!
Brian's parents have this amazing little "town" set up when you first walk into their house with all sorts of animated, musical stuffed animals. The kids go NUTS for it every year.
Aunt B sat on the floor and let Parker play with all the animals. He loved every second of it!
Brian's Aunt Mary Ann and Uncle Paul were also there and brought their adorable granddaughter, whom Payton loves to play with! They built a tiny little Santa out of microblocks.
Parker was of course right in the mix wanting to help!
Parker was loving Uncle Mike too!
And now we're home. Kids are in bed (exhausted). The house is quiet. And my heart is full.
I love this time of year. I love all of the parties and dressing up and decorations and excuses to eat all sorts of desserts. But really... it all comes down to family. And I am so, so blessed with an incredible family. They spread from CA and CO to IL, KS & MN to NC and FL and all sorts of places in between. We love them all and treasure every second we get to spend with them.
We have our church Christmas party this week. Plus a special girl's night in (as opposed to a girl's night out, because we're just meeting at a house and having dessert and wine), a Cub Scout meeting, a work function for Brian and a DATE NIGHT! Man, we need a date night. Nothing like reconnecting with your man!
Needless to say, the month is not slowing down by any means and if I'm lucky I'll have at least 2 gifts wrapped before Christmas Eve.
Until next time... go enjoy a Peppermint Mocha latte or light a cinnamon scented candle and sing a little Christmas tune. Because before you know it (it just a couple weeks) it will all be over.
Merry Christmas everyone!
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