Saturday, November 27, 2010

Week in Review ~ 11/27

What a week! It was very busy, which led to very tiring, but also very fun. You know you're awfully thankful when you celebrate Thanksgiving three times!

Sunday morning I got up and fixed a pumpkin roll. I hadn't fixed one since Avery was born and am always nervous as to how they will turn out. I think this was the first one that had no cracks, so I guess it turned out pretty good. We celebrated Thanksgiving at my parents' with my mom's family that night. Of course we had to go a little early so that Lolli and Poppa could get in some play time.



Avery looked super-cute in her turkey ensamble. Ned and Poppa, practical male shoppers, were pleased to hear that it reverses to plaid to be worn more than once.





A little storytime with Poppa...


...and some singing with Lolli.



The rest of the week moved right along with not much going on. Our realtor showed up at 6 pm sharp Monday night for the appointment that we thought was the following week. We were enjoying leftovers, Avery was covered in applesauce, and I was in my sweats. Ned did a quick sweep while I chatted with her, picking up things like the tampons Avery had dumped out all over the bathroom floor for the 2nd time that night. She stayed for about an hour and probably left thinking that she'll have her work cut out for her. I like predictability, calendars, schedules, and routines, so Ned and I were both very proud that I didn't break out in hives when the doorbell rang.

I got a great deal on a Little Touch Leappad with 4 books on the Facebook group Whatcha Got and met that mom Tuesday to pick it up. Another mom saw that I was purchasing this and had 3 more books and a carrying case. I'd say $20 for all of this is wonderful, especially since it isn't sold anymore. I'm still trying to decide if it's appropriate for Santa to leave used gifts, but these are in excellent condition. Santa is all about a deal!

On Wednesday we had early release from school, so I ran errands and went home to cook. Ned picked up Avery at the sitter's and then we headed to his parents' for Thanksgiving. I thought I would solve Avery's eating issues by feeding her before dinner and then giving her a little as we ate, but we didn't sit down at the table until after 7, and Avery's light meal had worn off. She gave Uncle Rob some smiles and had fun with his dog Toby. Lolli and Poppa came too which is always a good time. Avery is used to a 7:30 bedtime and we didn't make it. She did fairly well but was ready for bed after a day at Jen-Jen's. It was almost 8:30 before she got to bed. I didn't get any pictures as I stayed busy keeping Avery away from all of Mimi's treasures.

Even after her late night, she was up by 6:45 Thanksgiving morning. We enjoyed the parade, and Avery enjoyed it so much that she didn't need much morning nap. We did lots of playing with books and markers and battled a runny nose for much of the morning.



Always something fun under the couch. Sometimes it's that Doodie cat!



Can you spot Giraffi? She's using her camouflage.



Thanksgiving night we went to my dad's sister's house. It's always a fun gathering since my uncle's side of the family comes also. Neither Ned or I come from big families so this meal with about 17 people is as large as it gets. With all the people, it took Avery awhile to warm up, but she enjoyed the two sets of steps, the Christmas tree, and playing with Lawson who's a few months older. Dinner was again after 7 so Avery had many small meals. A snack trap of Cheerios provided distraction while I could eat, and Avery provided entertainment for those at our table. At some point she got her 2nd wind and was doing well when we changed in jammies and headed home a little before nine. While late bedtimes make me nervous, we are so lucky that our immediate family can be reached in about 30 minutes. We can do all the visiting we'd like and then go home to our own beds, and so many don't have that luxury.

Friday morning we had Christmas pictures scheduled. I was more than nervous about how they would go after 2 late nights. Avery saw no need in sleeping on the way there but did seem to get a good rest. We simplified and only did her Christmas dress, and the pictures Carol got are wonderful as usual. I can't wait to share once my Christmas cards have arrived at their destinations. Lolli took Avery home so that I could do some decorating and so that Ned and I could shop.

This is what the men in my house did while I put up the Santas.



And this is the Avery version of the Santas this year. The bookcase isn't big enough to hold them if I put all of them out, but since the bottom three shelves are within Avery's reach, I simplified. I absolutely made the right decision as these jolly figurines caught Avery's eye quickly. She knows exactly where to look if you ask her where the Ho Hos are. Now, whether or not we'll only decorate the top of the tree is another question.



Ned and I headed out to fill Santa's sleigh Friday night. Toys R Us was still busy but nothing we were wanted was on sale. Luckily we didn't need much because we both lost our patience. We found the last item we were looking for at Target where the atmosphere was a little more appealing. Avery is now done with the exception of a shirt from Etsy and another Giraffi for her stocking. I haven't started ANYONE else though! We enjoyed a delicous meal at Olive Garden before returning home. Lolli and Poppa brought Avery home and put her to bed.

I had a horrible headache today and stayed on the couch from mid-morning until early afternoon. Luckily Ned was home in between hunts and was able to take care of Avery. I was so upset that part of my vacation was spent on the couch feeling bad. After Avery's afternoon nap we pulled out some more things for Christmas and tried to do some toy rearranging so that we'll have a space for the tree. She and I had pizza for dinner, and Ned got home in time to kiss her goodnight. I have some more decorating to get to, but a warm Ghirardelli brownie is calling my name.

We're putting up the tree tomorrow and holding our breath that Felix doesn't reenact the fried cat scene in Christmas Vacation. Then, unfortunately it will be back to school and work. Thanksgiving break has gone by too fast, but we've got lots to look forward to and keep us busy.

1 comment:

Jennifer said...

I love the turkey outfit. So cute. The giraffe outfit is so cute too. Evie's is still way too big! Hopefully it will fit in January or February. Enjoy being close to your family. We miss it so much and makes the holidays even more crazy with a 7 or 8 hour drive.