All I Want for Christmas

D was told the story about everyone's invisible bucket, and the things that you can do to either fill it or spill it. He has been going up to everyone and smiling ~
D: The invisible bucket story needs to go around the world!  And everything will just be love!

I told D his smile was so cute with his missing teeth ~
D: And my smile is cuter than yours because, you know, my teeth!

He also says now that he knows about invisible buckets, that he doesn't need to be on medication anymore. 💔

Dad: I'm gonna take Mom out!
D: Where?
Dad: On a date!
D: Why would you do that?!
J: Bye! Hope there's nothing scary!

Me: Why do I smell pee?
J: I didn't!!
Me: Well, why do I smell it?
J: It's probably just my sweat.
Me: No, if it's wet, it's pee.
J: It's probably just my exhaust.  Yeah, that's what it is, Mom.
Well, duh. 

Me: Do you guys want to go play at the little park?
D: It's supposed to be about winter right now!


(12/18) We had our in-house holiday fiesta at work today, and the boys had school. After I got home, we went and got our annual Santa picture ~ I love it! 

(12/19) Day off for me, and school for the boys.  I worked in both boys' classes today.  D kept telling me I could leave because he was having a good day.  Ha!


(12/20) Work day for me, and school for the kiddos. I did a bunch of Christmas shopping tonight, and think I'm finally done. Shew!  Now to wrap it all.


(12/21) Work day for me, and school for the boys today.  We made it to break, huzzah!  I wrapped for hours tonight, while Dad went out and finished his shopping. It's never-ending!


(12/22) J was super annoyed that although school is out, hockey wasn't. I get it, bud!  I got him a donut and some hot chocolate after practice, and then brought him home to play video games the proper way: in his underwear. We convinced him to get dressed again so we could go to dinner to celebrate the end of Dad being on graves! Halle-freakin-lujah!


(12/23) My goal was to get the boys and myself out the door by 11a to head to the grands' house.  It looked like we were going to get to drive right onto the ferry, but we ended up being six cars too late.  We waited for the next boat, and then got caught in bridge traffic on the other side, because it was closed for a marine opening. We finally made it to the grandparents' house, and had a late lunch. I brought along some extra sugar cookie mix, and we whipped those up.  Grandma had made fudge, which ended up being more frosting-like in consistency, so we used it as such.  With googly eyes, the cookies looked like poo emojis!  Hilarious!


(12/24) Grandma and I went to yoga this morning.  It was so beautiful to look out onto the bay as the sun came up. The ambiance was on point this morning with the Christmas tree lights and display setting the mood. I went for a walk with my audiobook later.  Such a pretty area! Dad and Uncle Jake's family all arrived this afternoon, earlier than expected, which was great!


(12/25) Merry Christmas! Grandma ran out and picked up Craig & Roxxy this morning before everyone was awake. Once we had all congregated downstairs, the kiddos opened presents from Santa and from each other, and then we sat down to breakfast. After some grub, a few of us went for a short hike out to the marina, then out to the falls, and back home.  Shannon and Mike arrived while we were out.  With the gang all there, we did a beer and chocolate pairing (amazingly tasty!), adult presents and stockings, and had a wonderful dinner together.  The aunts and uncles got "the kids" a new Nintendo, which was quickly absconded by the same uncles to play Mario Kart. I even got to play some Mario World once the tournaments were over.  Man, that takes me back!


(12/26) We headed home this morning after having a wonderful time with the fam!  S called this afternoon, and Dad went to pick her up to come and stay for a few days.


(12/27) I took down Christmas today. I will miss the lights, but it was time, and it's always nice to get the house back in order. I will probably keep my light rope up around my cubicle at work, and just change the color with the holiday.  Blue for January, red or pink for Feb, etc. It makes me happy, especially when it's so dark out.


(12/28) The twins, Nanan, and I went to a production of The Velveteen Rabbit at the Seattle Children's Theatre. Traffic and parking were a hassle today, and I missed the first bit, trying to find a spot. The play was well done ~ unfortunately the twins are not enjoying attending, so we'll be stopping at the end of this season. We got to check out the trains in the Center House afterward, and they enjoyed that, as well as the ice cream they chose as a treat for good behavior.


(12/29) We packed the kids and the sleds in the car today, and set out to find snow. It rained almost all the way to the snow park, but stopped long enough for us to get out and play.  We had a great time!  For lunch, we went to the Old Mill Cafe, and drove home through Leavenworth, one of my very favorite places.


(12/30) Early-squirrelly back to work for Dad today.  He starts at 5am now. Gah! I went for coffee with Sarah (at a much more reasonable hour), and then ran the teenager back home when I got back.  It was so good to see her! C got to go to Enchant (a really impressive light display at Safeco Field) this evening with Sarah's fam for Jordan's birthday.  It looked so cool!

(12/31) Sarah and I went for a walk this morning.  I never could warm up after that, and it got downright cold in our house.  I mucked with the furnace, but never got the house above 62°. We finally ended up calling out, and getting it serviced. Once that was done, it was nice & cozy shortly thereafter. C went to spend New Year's Eve with a friend, and the rest of us celebrated with New York, and rang in the new year at 9pm. I stayed up and kept the dogs company until the fireworks were over.  Poor pups; they hate the booms.


(1/1) Happy New Year! Sarah and I went to a Zumba party this morning. As expected, it was packed!  I'm not one for resolutions, but it's still fun to get caught up in the new year energy. Nanan came over to do a belated Christmas this evening.  She spoiled us greatly.


(1/2) Grandma & Granddad hopped on a ferry this morning, and picked C & me up for a fun day on the slopes.  C is still learning to board, so we mostly skied Daisy, but did squeeze in a few runs at the end on our own. We were a bit worried about the weather when we set out today, but it ended up being perfect!


(1/3) Back to adulting and routine for me today. I was glad for a quiet day at work while I remembered what it is that I do.

(1/4) Work day for me, and Dad had the kiddos.  C has a curling lesson this evening, and went up to spend the night with a friend.

(1/5) Sarah and I went to Zumba this morning, and Dad took J to hockey.  Dad took me out for sushi and then to a brewery to watch the game. Lovely evening!