Festivus!

(12/11) I got to sleep in a little this Monday since my walking buddy was unavailable. I worked from home and the men had school and work. D is stressing big-time about tests he has this week. He doesn't think it's fair that he should have them in almost every subject. I get it, buddy!

(12/12) Today was a work and school day for all of us. I worked in the building and my coworker and I ran out first thing to use up all the donated money from work's toy drive. We piled up two carts' worth and then headed back to work for a few hours. I had a webinar until noon, but after I was done we drove our donations over to the YWCA to drop them off.

(12/13) I had the day off today and spent it doing not a whole lot. I read and finished a couple books and fixed Chinese food for the kids before they got home. We did our regular Wednesday trip to WinCo and spent a quiet evening at home.

(12/14) I worked from home today, the boys had school, and Dad had the day off. J came home with a huge haul of candy from an auction in class. He apparently drove the prices up and then bought everything for a dollar at the end. Clever! D survived his last test that he's been stressing about. Just one more quick day before break!

(12/15) The boys had an early release from school, Dad had the day off, and I worked from home. I had an HOA meeting to attend this evening. Since I'm half the board, it makes things quick and easy to decide!

(12/16) I planned to do all the things today and did approximately none of the things. I took a walk, read my book, and gardened instead. I finally put the last of the rose bushes to bed since it's been blooming this whole time, evidently not getting the memo that it's winter.

(12/17) I got a slow start to my day and enjoyed my book and coffee. I headed out to do some shopping this afternoon and think I have most of it done. Maybe? Hope so.

(12/18) I worked from home, Dad worked at work, and the lucky boys were home on break. Sarah and I tried to meet up to walk to the Bux this afternoon but it started pouring as soon as we left our houses so we walked around the block and called it good instead.

(12/19) I worked in the building today. The twins have been sleeping in and J thought that no one had taken care of the dogs when he finally got up and they scored a second breakfast. We're all off our routine! Work threw a lil happy hour this afternoon and chatting with everyone was a nice way to wrap up the day/year at the office.

(12/20) Ha! The twins have been sleeping in and then hanging out in their jammies for their entire vacation. D appeared fully dressed and ready to Wednesday at 9:30a. C decided to join D and I for our WinCo run and we cooked up a Chinese food feast as per usual.

(12/21) I worked from home today and Dad and the boys were off. Sarah and I went out for a walk during my lunch break instead of meeting at our regular early birdie time.

(12/22) I worked for a few hours this morning and then signed off to go to lunch with Nanan and the fam. We went to the Kyoto Steakhouse and had teppanyaki, which is a favorite for this crew! I had put off wrapping and had to do it tonight since we're getting down to the wire. Blahhhh. Packing and wrapping are two of my least favorite chores!

(12/23) Sarah and I went for a Starbucks walk this morning and then I came home to pack. After much drama, we got allll of our stuff loaded and ready to go. (How does it take so much stuff to live somewhere else for a few days?!) We convoyed over to Leavenworth with Jake's family this afternoon. C negotiated the pass really well and we all arrived in one piece. Our condo is beautiful! We got in and settled, made dinner, and then went to the grand's for dessert.

(12/24) Merry Christmas Eve! We had breakfast at the resort restaurant and then J and Dad hit the game room.  J blew through all his quarters and had a great time. We did lunch on our own and ended up at the diner across the street. C's goal was to have a very German experience while we're here and started it off with a German sausage with lots of sauerkraut. J went swimming with his cousins and I shivered along the side. Granddad joined me and it was fun to visit and watch the kiddos. Granddad, Jake, Dad and I went for a wine tasting at the tasting room attached to the resort after we got dried off. The music was really loud so we couldn't really visit and didn't stay too long. We had dinner at the resort restaurant tonight as a huge group. J was so exhausted that he was falling asleep at the table. I walked him back to the condo, got him all settled, and went back to join the fam. Dinner was amazing. D stood up and said "Oh my God!" at his steak, lol.

(12/25) Merry Christmas! We went for a horse-drawn carriage ride in the snow this morning. It was so beautiful! Uncle Craig took C out to make some donuts (safely) in the snow and then we gathered for lunch and prezzies at the grand's. J went swimming this afternoon and convinced me to go in too. Shan's family, Jake's fam, and Roxxy joined us and we had great family time! We gathered this evening for dinner and Dad brought over his wines to do a tasting for us. Delicious! Dinner was delivered to the condo and it was amazing ~ there was even enough left over to do it all again tomorrow!

(12/26) Dad and C headed out after breakfast this morning because C had to work and Dad didn't want him navigating the passes alone. They opted to go home through Snoqualmie Pass and it was a smooth drive home. J, Grandma and I went swimming this morning and then Grandma and I switched to the spa and had a lovely visit. D and I walked with the big group into town and hit Das Sweet Shoppe for some treats. D was stuck on getting pizza for lunch so we headed back to the condo and grabbed the car. We got the requisite pizza for lunch (it was Tuesday!) and hung out for a bit before going over to Shannon's to join the big group for dinner, more wine, and games. So fun!

(12/27) The twins and I made our way home this morning after having breakfast at the resort. What an epic vacation! We got unloaded and Dad did the WinCo run so they could have their traditional Wednesday fare.

(12/28) We planned a stay-home day today. I went for a Starbucks walk with Sarah and then came home to catch up my blog. It's been a while... whoops! C has to work this evening but the rest of us are enjoying a day of sloth.