Gettin' Festive

(11/15) The twins have half days all this week for conferences. I ran errands this morning and was home in time to meet them for our WinCo trip and to cook up the Chinese food. Our 2023 Christmas bell arrived this afternoon and D was ready to decorate. He was too impatient for me to get out the bins so he hung up the bell on the arch all by its lonesome.

(11/16) I worked in the building today. We're back to the time of year when I drive both to and from work in the dark. Blah. At least the sunset was pretty from my window!

(11/17) I worked from home today, the boys had school, and Dad had the day off. The twins came home in foul moods and ohmygoodness are we ready for the weekend!

(11/18) J and I made monkey bread this morning. While it was cooking, I got out the Christmas bins and D helped me hang the bells. My folks have gifted us one for every year we've been married. Once we put them up, he disappeared for a bit and came back fully dressed because we had to put up the outside decorations too. We got out the candy canes, the lasers, and put up the lights around the garage. 

(11/19) I took our foster doggo to meet a potential adopter today. The rescue sure found a perfect fit for him and he is going to be one spoiled pup! We spent about an hour together and when I left they were still shopping for treats and were planning to pick up some turkey to put some meat on his bones. I met with my book club briefly this afternoon. We read sort of a Hallmarky book and were pretty underwhelmed, but it was festive and fine overall. We still talked new books and I added a couple more reads to my list.

(11/20) I have a long work week this week: just today and tomorrow! I worked from home today and the sunrise was something else this morning.

(11/21) I worked in the building today. One of my coworkers also needed to go to Costco so we braved the crowds together. We were in and out in under an hour! Not too shabby! The one item I went for (cranberry dip and chips) turned out not to work for Thanksgiving, but the boys were certainly thrilled to help me finish it at home!

(11/22) The boys were off from school and I had the day off from work today. I really wanted to avoid grocery shopping fearing that it would be crazy, but D pestered me until I relented and took him to WinCo. Shockingly, we were able to grab our normal parking spot and there was no line at the self check-out. We then came home and prepared a Chinese food feast and the boys video-gamed the rest of the day away.

(11/23) Happy Thanksgiving! We got on the road as soon as we could this morning. We drove down to Seattle and caught the boat to Bremerton and then drove the rest of the way to grands'. Today was a blast! We played Charty Party, which is a graph-based card game similar to Cards Against Humanity. We laughed a whole lot. Dinner was delicious and it was fun to hang with Jake's fam as well as the grands! I neglected to take many pictures in favor of just enjoying the day.

(11/24) We breakfasted together and then got packed up to head home. The Edmonds/Kingston line was only running one boat and they weren't sure there was space on the one we had just rolled in for so rather than waiting an hour, we motored on over to Bainbridge. The ferry ride was beautiful! We unloaded back at home and then took the crew out for linner. We had a hockey game this evening with some friends we haven't seen in ages. The Tips even pulled out a win!

(11/25) Dad bought a family-sized blanket for us for Christmas (we are terrible about actually waiting for the day and tend to gift as soon as it arrives). Anyway, the blanket is 10' x 10' and D used it to make a pretty epic fort. I put up the little artificial tree since space is at a premium between two computer desks. D hates it and lobbied hard for a "proper" tree with room for the kitty to sleep beneath. J helped me decorate and we think it's good enough.  We watched Air Bud tonight and River was super into it. Here she is offering her toy to the TV: 

(11/26) The boys and I had one last lazy day before we're back at it for another few weeks. It was a beautiful, chilly day. I spent a lot of quality time with my books since I'm cramming to meet my end of the year goal in books read. It's silly, I know, but I'm not so far off that I think I can't catch up!

(11/27) I worked from home today and the men had work and school. I was in charge of finding something for dinner tonight and made the responsible adult decision and picked up taquitos.

(11/28) I worked in the building today. It was a busy Tuesday, but I remembered to look up in time to catch the sunset! I do not love that it gets dark so early but sure can't complain about the view.

(11/29) I had the day off today. I slept in a little and went in to donate blood while the kids were at school. We did up the Chinese food and made the trek to WinCo. The kiddos must have their treats!

(11/30) I worked from home today, the boys had school, and Dad had the day off. I caught a walk in the daytime during my lunchbreak and enjoyed my audiobook. 

(12/1) How is it December already? I worked from home today. I have a lot on my work calendar this month which should keep me out of trouble.

(12/2) C managed to find leather seats for his car at the junkyard and he and Dad went up to Rob's to do the switch. It's looking nice! Noodle had a rough morning hanging out with me while I read.

(12/3) I slept in this morning and made breakfast for the crew once I got up. Lazy mornings are the best!

(12/4) I worked from home today, Dad worked at work, and the boys had school. I got a call from the school that J needed to be picked up. Poor bubs must've been exhausted because he slept a bunch this afternoon and still looked like he needed more when he went to bed.

(12/5) I worked from home today and we let J sleep in and have a quiet day at home. He had a doctor's appointment this afternoon, which Dad was able to go to as well. He was checked out and cleared to go back when he's ready.

(12/6) J and I were home today. I made up the Chinese food early since C had to work and J was hungry. We went to WinCo as per usual and D said he had an "umbrella from Wish". LOL!

(12/7) I worked from home today and Dad had the day off. J returned to school today. He still looked pretty sleepy but he's been getting lots of sleep these past few days.

(12/8) I worked from home today. My office closed early for our holiday party at 13 Coins. Dad and I had a lovely time socializing with my coworkers. C went to the teddy bear toss at the Silvertips tonight with Rob & Mel. The bears got launched in the first three minutes, but the ice got damaged during the bear clean-up so the game was on hold for a long time. He was glad he stayed though because it was a great game!

(12/9) I ran errands this morning including stopping at The Snohomish Pie Co. They had a NW berry cream pie and we just had to have it! Dad whipped up a Thanksgiving feast to have with Nanan this evening. We got together to do our Santa pics. I know pictures are not the kids' favorite thing, but they humor me (more or less). I love the place we go to--we're in and out in about ten minutes with all the pictures on a USB and it's really low-pressure with regard to where we stand / whether the kids smile, etc.

(12/10) Nanan left this afternoon. Dad and I met the kids for round two of Santa pictures. W was a champ - just blinked at those bright lights! They came over for dinner afterward. J played so nicely with W. He really wanted to read to him, but W was full of beans and was running around. Once W discovered the dog crates, I told him "quick, you have a captive audience!" Ha! J was so sweet and even gave W one of his favorite bear books.