Week in Review ~ 12/22

We had a good, fairly busy week as we prepared for Christmas.  Mimi took Avery to church Sunday since Sam had to nap. I left before Avery went to church to visit with my mom. She was in good spirits and we were able to talk a lot.  I made the mistake of thinking I could run into the mall to get the kids' ornaments and something for Ned.  The mall was a madhouse, reminding me why I ordered Santa online awhile ago.  I was trying to just get out of the parking garage when I finally found a space.  I was not able to find Ned's present but did get the ornaments.  I thought I'd treat myself to an Auntie Ann's pretzel but the line was too long.  I was home in time for dinner, play time, and bed for the kids.

Monday was a regular school day with lots of excitement in the air.  Avery did not have Bible Zone, so it was nice to be home at night.

Tuesday was an easy day at school with movies and early release.  I went to my parents' once I left school and wrapped their gifts for the kids.  Luckily, my mom had that done because I knew she would be worried about that otherwise.  I picked the kids up, and we went to do Sam's 9-month portraits.  Avery just could not understand why Yaya was not there to meet us since she is usually our picture helper.  We are planning on her being back soon, though.  Pictures went well and they are super-cute as always.

Avery had a follow-up with the ENT Wednesday afternoon.  We took Sam to Jennifer's then headed to Babies R Us to fill Sam's stocking.  Avery picked out a present for Sam and picked out what she hoped Sam would get her.  That involved me hiding in the store until they had checked out so that I could purchase it.  I'm sure it will be one of the favorite gifts, along with several others that aren't really the highlights of what Santa will be bringing.  We left there and went to the mall, which was much calmer than it had been Sunday.  I tried to get the kids a few things on sale at Gymboree but didn't have much luck.  Avery got in a wave to Santa and then we had an early lunch at California Pizza Kitchen.  I was sad that their fried mac and cheese was gone, but the avocado chicken club appetizer is just as delicious.  We left the mall to have a visit with Yaya.  We have been explaining to Avery that she's in the hospital because she had a boo boo on her head.  I had been telling her that Yaya would be wearing a pirate scarf on her head, but she was actually just wearing a surgical hat.  She had been moved out of ICU Tuesday so we found her in her new room.  We had a good but quick visit.  Avery was very observant but didn't seem bothered by anything.  She noticed Mom's foot boo boo also.  The day before her stroke, she turned her foot over and ended up fracturing a bone.  After that, it was a fast stop in the ENT.  Her ears checked out perfectly so it was time to pick up Sam.

After all of that, we had Avery's dance Christmas performance.  Mimi kept Sam so we could focus just on Avery.  They showed off some of the steps they had learned and then did a little dance to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.  Avery has come a long way since September.

The kids and I stayed home Thursday.  I thought about running a few errands but decided staying in comfortable clothes sounded much better.  We had a really good day at home, then we were all home for dinner and some play time.

I had planned for the kids to go to Jennifer's Friday so that I could go see my mom, but we found out Thursday that she would be transferred to a rehab hospital Friday.  I had to be back home by 3 p.m., and because no one could tell us when she would be transferred, my dad told me to stay home.  Several people encouraged me to take a day "off," so Ned took the kids to Jennifer's.  I did a few things around the house and also got in some relaxing.  Ned and I had lunch at The Palm Tree, then I did a few more things at home before going to Jennifer's for the kids' Christmas party.  Avery was full of excitement when I got there, as was everyone else.  They exchanged gifts, and Avery could not have been more thrilled with her My Little Pony, even though she didn't really know what it was.   Avery and Sam had made us an apron with their hand prints, and Avery was excited about that too.  She was all excited about Santa and gave him a little wave when he came in, but she wouldn't talk to him.  I reached my party fun limit and realized I needed several more hands to get coats and shoes on and bags, kids, and gifts out the door.  Santa needed to leave about the same time, and the hallway we were in was too small for Avery and Santa.  Jennifer's half bath provided the perfect hiding spot until Santa got out the door.  We came home for Sam's dinner then met Ned at Applebee's.

Ned got up Saturday and went hunting, so I got up with the kids.  I let Avery watch the beginning of Home Alone 2 because she loves to see "Ork City" on the evening news.  We've told her that's where the Bitty store is.  Avery was interested in a lot more than just the city and would not let me turn off "Kevin."  I'm sure it's not quite appropriate at 3-years-old, but I haven't seen where she picked up anything terrible...yet.  Once Ned got home, Avery and I did some shopping at The Whimzy Tree and picked up lunch.  Sam took a good nap...Avery did not.  I made a massive Food Lion, Walmart, Cracker Barrel run and got home just in time to cook dinner.  We rode and looked at Christmas lights again after dinner then came home to get everyone into bed.