I am going to claim Rip Van Winkle syndrome. If there is no such thing, then I am making one up. Apparently, I fell asleep at the blogging wheel and just recently awakened. Things have happened. Moments to remember. Call me the ginormous slacker that I am. So, an update...
Turning the pages back to Halloween. It was a nice little holiday. The Empress went as Super Girl. Sorta fitting, don't cha think? Dude, well, dude was an astronaut. The most adorable little astronaut, EVER!! Dude and his buddies visited us at work. Always sweet. Grayson had dress-up at school. Then, we jumped in the car and headed to Halloween mecca, Buffalo Stage. As it was early, there weren't many folks home from work yet. Perfect. So, we hit a couple of blocks before dark and then loaded back in the car and headed for the Hazletts. Then, home for mummy dogs and passing out treats. Short and sweet.
Picking up speed.....Thanksgiving. We dashed to Dillon for Thanksgiving. It was several days of overeating and visiting. Nice. Dad made his delish oyster stew. A delight I dream about. It is always soooo yummy! Grayson had a play date with her cousin Claire. We don't get to see Claire much and it is a real treat when we do because she is Grayson's closest in age cousin. She is 8. Grayson and I were able to help Papa and Nana decorate for Christmas. Their house looked lovely and festive when we were finished and we couldn't wait to haul out all of our Christmas decorations when we got home. We are all so thankful for family. Like always, the trip was way too short and before we knew it we were saying goodbye.
December seemed to fly by. I was set to go to trial out of town the second week of December. There were many, many hours of preparation. At the eleventh hour, literally a day before trial, the Judge's assistant called to say that there was a current trial that was not going to be concluded in time for us to start, so the trial was vacated. Feelings of relief and disappointment at the same time. So, we plunged into Christmas prep. Lots of shopping. Wrapping and wrapping. Decorating. Parties. Our Elf on the Shelf "Gus" arrived and the kids enjoyed daily discussions with him as well as the morning elf recon. Who would find him first and what crazy place would our little guy be perched? Of course the daily reports of behavior to Santa didn't even slow down our resident menace Greer. Grayson went caroling with the local violinists. They hit a couple of the assisted living places in the area. G was fabulous. Before we knew it Christmas Eve had arrived. We rushed around making cookies, candy and preparing reindeer food. We opened our PJ's, read Twas' the Night Before Christmas, wrote Santa a little note and left egg nog and gingerbread cookies for the big man in red. Amazingly, I awoke at 7:30 to find both children still asleep. Panic. We had friends coming for breakfast at 9. Eeek!! So, we roused the kiddos and dashed to the tree. We all got wonderful gifts....even Greer, who I was quite sure would be left with nothing but a pot of coal! Our friends arrived and we spent the morning talking and eating. It was lovely!! After everything died down and everyone had a nap, we began to pack up the truck for an early morning escape to Dillon. On the 26th we made our way down to Dillon. It was a long drive and none of us were talking when we arrived. Wondering if we call a moratorium on long trips until little dude is in high school? But, we made it and were greeted by family. We spent the 26th with Todd's family, opening presents and eating. Do you see a theme yet...eating?? Grayson, Aunt Jodi and Cousin Kait went over to the cabin and made cookies. I think I was in bed by eight. On the 27th it was over to Nana and Papa's for third Christmas and more presents. Sue and I made an AWESOME Prime Rib, that actually got Dad's seal of approval. I believe he said it was the best he has ever had!! So nice to hear and I think I would agree with his assessment. It was melt in your mouth yum!! The kids enjoyed Sue-Sue and their cotton candy machine, alot!! Greer got to go on a snowy adventure with Aunt Jodi. Again, such a nice time. I even got another oyster stew from Dad. Yum. Again with the eating!! Before we knew it we were home and the decorations were being put away. Until next time....
Happy New Year 2013!!!
