Our Five Ring Circus: 'Tis The Season

Monday, November 29, 2010

'Tis The Season

We had a jam-packed weekend, enjoying the start of the Christmas season!

Thanksgiving was not at all what we expected, but I realize it could have been much worse. Thankfully, my dad did not have a stroke and they discovered his clogged arteries in time.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Eve, and I think we started a new tradition. I had the kids bathed and in their pajamas by the time Grant got home from work. We changed into our pajamas, and enjoyed a dinner of appetizers and leftover birthday cake, while watching Thanksgiving shows. It was a great start to the holiday season.

Thanksgiving started off well, but Grant ended up spending hours in the ER with my dad, while the kids and I sat at home, worrying. We missed dinner with Grant's family, and dinner with my entire family was canceled. My sister was hosting dinner for her in-laws, and didn't want us to miss dinner, so they waited to eat until we could join them.

I didn't have much of an appetite after the scare we'd had, and our stress level was high. The mood was light when we started dinner, as my sister threw rolls to each person at the table, but Grant and my brother-in-law got into a very heated discussion about football. That light mood quickly ended. New rule: No football talk is allowed at family dinners, especially when one person is a Patriots fan and the other a Steelers fan!

Dylan devoured his Thanksgiving dinner, while Lexie enjoyed a buttered roll. That's my girl!

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After dinner, my nephew and my sister started a food fight. Their fancy bar was quickly covered in broccoli, celery, and carrots. Never a dull moment!

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We had to stop at Grant's Nannie's house for dessert, so we could see his family. On the way over, Lexie threw up all over herself. Thank goodness for the blanket covering her lap, that caught the mess! Eating doritos and ice cream, chugging an apple juice, and then racing around the house=an upset stomach and a big mess. That's the first time I've had to deal with that. We finished the drive with our heads hanging out the windows. Doritos are now completely ruined for me...I will never forget that smell!

The kids had fun visiting with out of town relatives, posing for pictures, and playing superheroes.

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We headed home, feeling completely drained. We didn't have much of a Thanksgiving, but my dad was okay, and that's what mattered the most!

We spent the day with my parents on Friday, since we didn't get to spend time with them on Thanksgiving. My dad has to take it easy until he has surgery to clear his arteries, and isn't able to do much. After my mom and I braved a shopping trip to Walmart, we had a quiet after-Thanksgiving dinner, eating all the food my mom had cooked for Thanksgiving.

On Saturday, we spent the afternoon decorating the house for Christmas. We finished decorating indoors, but still have to decorate outside.

That night, we went to a Christmas parade, and it was FREEZING. We met some friends there, and Dylan and Lexie were happy to have company during the parade.

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They were so excited to see Santa arrive on a fire truck!

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They climbed the spaceship in the park, while waiting for Santa to light up the town.

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Lexie and Jack were so excited to see Santa climb off the truck!

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It was a cold, but fun night!

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Yesterday afternoon, we visited Grant's family, and watched the football game. The kids played happily for a bit, before things got tense.

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Luckily, the Steelers pulled off a win in overtime! Phew!

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We came home, and set up the tree. Tonight, we're going to decorate it! The holiday season is in full swing!

16 comments:

  1. well happy holidays to you guys.

    so scary about your dad. i will pray he feels better soon.

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  2. adorable, memorable pics :) Glad your dad is ok and they caught it in time...such a blessing!

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  3. Oh I'm so glad to hear your dad is okay. What a stressful day. Looks like you guys ended up having at least some fun!

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  4. Sorry to hear this, but at least everyone is okay. I was a little bummed this weekend as well because my husband was sick! ;(

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  5. SO glad to hear your dad is stable after your scare! Praying that his upcoming surgery is a success!

    Brrrr ... Lexie is making me cold looking at her in the dress at the parade!

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  6. I'm beyond happy that your dad is okay. Seems like you have a LOT to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!!!

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  7. 1. Same here girl. I cannot discuss football with my Patriot loving in laws. No bueno.

    2. In third grade a kid at my lunch table threw up his Doritos. I have NEVER been able to eat them since.

    3. I love the pics of the Santa on a firetruck. IT reminds me of my favorite holiday movie, The Christmas Story!

    4. THANK GOD we didn't lose to the Bills. I was in Target and so stressed!

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  8. What a crazy Thanksgiving! I'm so glad everything ended on a happier note though!

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  9. Busy folks! Now, I am glad, that despite the scare with your dad, you were able to enjoy the long weekend. I think the idea of having the relaxing night with the kids in PJ's early is a great one!

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  10. busy busy as always . . you guys are always so busy! Love all the pictures and so glad your dad is doing well!

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  11. I'm glad that your dad is ok and that you weren't alone on Thanksgiving. The kids looked adorable. I love the pic of Lexi with the polka-dot sweater on. Her face looks so angelic. God Bless!

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  12. Oh my goodness! Too much craziness for Thanksgiving!! So glad your Dad is ok!!
    Happy Holidays!

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  13. Hope your Dad is feeling better and the surgery helps him. UGH! :( Love your pictures!

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  14. so glad your dad is going to be ok!

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  15. Well, there were definitely some ups and downs - but you made it through - can't believe you've escaped throw up until now!!! You got lucky. I remember my son throwing up as an infant. Totally freaked me out. It was like the exorcist.

    Hope your dad's health continues to improve

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  16. I can't get over Lexie's gold dress - did someone make that for her? It is adorable!

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