Nov/Dec and NYC!

 12 days until Christmas!! We are very excited over here, lots of Santa talk :) the kids are really starting to pick up on things so it’s been fun to see the lights, trees, decorations and all through their eyes. I still remember the excitement surrounding the holidays as a kid and I love that I am getting a chance to be part of their holiday magic! 

School is still going well, still enjoying them being in separate classes. We had conferences in early Nov and they went so well! I wasn’t sure what to expect, this is a whole new level of parenting having conferences, but the teachers spoke so highly of the kids and we left feeling really proud (and to be honest a little relieved ;)) to recap: Samuel is the life of the party, has a bit of trouble settling down but does well with some individual attention and some redirection, knows ALL the kids in Mollys class and his own haha and is very friendly. That all tracks! Elliott is doing GREAT on his own and the teachers have noticed huge improvements in his listening social and speech. We actually think that he has had those strengths for a while but without the other two he’s able to shine in his own way they are working on his being more approachable and reaching out to friends to play. Molly is doing great and has a best friend named Henry (who is a twin coincidentally!)  and is really engaged and excited to learn. The teachers are amazing! I love each one and am so glad we are at this school and in this district. 

The only downside of school is the germs. The illness rate is so frustrating. They had a week off for thanksgiving and we spent the entire time with fever, coughs and the stomach flu. Awesome. Molly picked up a little bug and it passed through us all. It was hell. Two adults plus three littles throwing up… woof. If we can survive that we are prepped for almost anything! My birthday was spent sick which was a bummer, but life goes on! We missed out on thanksgiving but we had a quiet day at home and everyone was feeling good after that. Knock on wood we stay healthy through Christmas! 

I was so relieved I was healthy and not sick for my big trip to NYC! I went with my aunts, mom and friend Courtney. It was a blast! We did SO much and I ended up walking about 37 miles total. It was my first time and I got to do pretty much everything I had set out to do, minus seeing a show. I wish now I would have, but I am still really satisfied with all I got to see. Super cool to see the big tree and all the beautiful decorations for Christmas! Tom held down the fort and did an awesome job! Mollys hair was … questionable on several of the day but he did his best ;) they all adore him and I am so thankful he allowed me to do this trip. He is doing a guys weekend in Jan around his birthday and I am excited for him to have his break. He was ready for me to come home, ha! 

Not much else to report here, just life as usual with Christmas events sprinkled in! We are going to try the new eagle brook church that opened up in our area this weekend and for Christmas, possibly will start attending regularly. we will see how it goes. Christmas cookies will be made this weekend with the Glenns, that is always a highlight for all. Toms mom loves to bake and makes the best cookies! Santa is coming and we asked for monster trucks (Sam) Mickey Mouse stuff (E) and a dollhouse and makeup for Molly. (I may or may not have coached her on the dollhouse since Santa is definitely bringing her one..) it should be fun to see them on Christmas morning! We host the Glenns Christmas Eve and will do my parents house with the McPhillips crew on Christmas Day. Love our special traditions :) 

Merry Christmas to all! 💕