And cheers to getting back into a routine! I totally didn’t mean to go so long without blogging, but the past few weeks have been crazy. All good stuff, but non-stop. The kids went back to school yesterday and I’m catching up on life. Namely organizing the house and cooking. We left town the week before Christmas (more on that next week for Travel Tuesday) and came home late December 23rd. I have been struggling to get back on track ever since! I don’t know that I’ll ever plan a weeklong trip just before Christmas ever again. We had a fabulous vacation, but getting back to reality has been extra difficult.
I’ll be recapping our Christmas, New Years and vacation in the next few posts. First up: Santa paid us a visit and brought lots of fun gifts!
The kids each asked for a laptop, so Santa scooped up these colorful little HP’s at Wal-Mart back in November. So far, I’m very impressed with them! They’re super light and user friendly. Some of the reviews online mentioned the lack of memory is a drawback, but I think they’ll be perfect for my youngins. After all, they only use them to watch YouTube channels and for school work. Emery has a school issued Chromebook, which she uses for almost all of her studying and work, but the Chromebook is a few years old and kind of slow. Not to mention the fact that I live in fear of her losing it. So, rather than take her school computer with us, she brings her little purple laptop. As long as she can log into Google Classroom, she’s all set! I realize Bodie may be a bit young for a laptop, but sometimes it’s just easier to get the kids the same gift and not deal with the fighting over it. Besides, he already uses First In Math and Spelling City at school. Those programs are not available on Ipads, so he actually does use my laptop from time to time. Well, guess whose laptop has a busted screen? Mine. From Bodie knocking it off my desk a few months ago. Needless to say, I’m not super keen on the idea of him using my computer. Besides the computer, Bodie asked for RC cars, a drone, Michael Jordan stuff, Panthers merchandise and Falcons gear. I know that’s contradictory, but I grew up in Atlanta and have always cheered for my hometown team. However, after living in the Carolinas for the past eleven years, the Panthers have crept their way into my heart. So, Bodie cheers for both teams just like his mama.
Emery asked for a pink desk chair, Fingerlings, a drone and clothes from Justice. My in-laws surprised the kids with stilts, which have been lots of fun for everyone. And no broken bones yet! Santa also left Giant Jenga for the family, which is already getting lots of use despite the weather being HORRIBLE. So insanely cold. I can’t handle much more of this.
Bodie helped Gipper empty his stocking.
The favorite gift under the tree is hands down “The Chip.” Technically, it’s called The Wonder Wave, but we call it The Chip. For obvious reasons. This thing was a b*tch to assemble and required five adults, but it has provided hours of entertainment. The kids are outside on that thing even when it’s twenty five degrees. Gipper and his friends like it, too.
A few days after Christmas the kids and I loaded up the car and headed down to Atlanta for a few days. I love just chilling with my sister, niece and nephew. My children always have so much fun with their cousins (on both sides). Kelsey received a pogo stick from Santa Claus, so Em had to show her the ropes. Bodie and Hayes were more interested in playing basketball.
Yet another Christmas surprise for all four of these kiddos was hiking poles. We had to try them out at the Chattahoochee while in town. They loved them! The weather was, of course, freezing, but we made the most of it. I miss running here! I used to go all the time when I lived in Atlanta.
Not pictured: A delicious Christmas Eve dinner with wonderful friends who are like family now, candlelight service at our church, Christmas dinner with my family and countless other moments with friends and family. We are so blessed!
