It's 6 am on Saturday. The kids and Nate are still in bed so I thought this might be the perfect time to finally update the blog that I have been neglecting. It's not that I haven't thought about it, it's just that there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day...and the couch and a warm blanket have sounded really good most nights after the kids are in bed.

When I went to download pictures for this post I realized that I have definitely been slacking in this area.  Part of it is that I worked a lot over Thanksgiving weekend so I didn't get to see them.  The other part of that is that we haven't been doing anything too exciting.  The weather is now cold and we're spending as little time as possible outside.  I think that the zoo and Children's museum are going to be our best friends this winter since we have memberships to both. 

We hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and we able to spend some time with family or friends.  I spent the day working at the hospital in the ER.  We had some very sick people (and young people) come through our doors that day.  It was a good reminder to be thankful for our health, which I know that I many times take for granted.  Also a great reminder to be thankful for our loved ones, as we never know when that moment will be that our lives may change forever.  While I was at work Nate packed up the kids and headed over to cousin Beth's house to meet up with the rest of the Veldmans for Thanksgiving.  Ava had a great time playing, and seeing all of Beth's animals.  Grant had a great time snuggling with Nana during a nap, and showing off his walking skills and how far he can throw a ball when playing catch.  I was able to meet up with them after I got off work. 

It was back to work for me on Friday (through Sunday), and Nate was home with the kids on black Friday.  Ava got the opportunity to have a "double sleepover" at Mema & Boppa's.  She was so excited.  I talked to her Saturday night, and the excitement in her voice over all the things that she had done had me smiling ear to ear.  She is at such a fun age.  She loves to help do things, is such a little mom (Grant gets away with nothing if she's around), and I love our conversations.  She returned home on Sunday and told me that she was ready for a "triple sleepover".  I'm not so sure that Mema and Boppa are ready for that.  :)

As for Grant.  He's trying to perfect his gait.  The past couple of days he's really been walking.  He can walk all the way across the living room and into the kitchen.  He absolutely loves when we cheer for him, as that cute little dimple appears next to his big smile.  He's starting to say a few words, which makes me very happy.  I feel like Ava has always talked.  We never went through the pointing and whining stage with her.  I don't think that Grant will be quite as verbal quite as quickly, but we're working on it.  He's also walking a few months before she did.  His two favorite places to go are still the toilet and the trash can.  Grosses me out!!!

I had Tuesday off work and the kids were at daycare so I was able to get the tree decorated and the presents wrapped.  The tree and mantle are currently lit as I sit here typing this.  There's just something cozy and peaceful about looking at the lit tree while sitting in the warm house with the cold wind and snow outside.  For some reason, it makes me stop and think about how truly blessed I am to be here, with a husband who loves me, two happy and healthy kids, a good job, a warm house, and wonderful family and friends.  I know that the holidays are a difficult time for some people.  But in all honesty I love the holidays.  It's a great time for me to take a step back from some of the chaos of life and be reminded of how blessed we are...giving to others who aren't quite so fortunate. 

Wow, not sure how that got so deep, it was supposed to be about decorating the tree.  Anyway, that afternoon I had an eye appointment to see if I am a candidate for Lasik.  I was very excited to hear that I am.  Due to the holidays and our vacation in February, I am planning on getting it done in early March hopefully.  I am so excited about not having to worry about contacts or glasses.  Opening my eyes and seeing the alarm clock will be amazing! 

This weekend is going to be pretty low key.  The windchill is  supposed to be about -30 today so I'm not sure how much we'll go out.  Perhaps a run for some groceries and that's about it.  I forgot how much work it is to bundle up two kids to go out, get to the store and undress them, then redress them again.  All while freezing to death while strapping both of them into their car seats.  At least Nate will be with today so we can tag team. 

We hope that you're enjoying the holiday season and staying warm!

 

Ava at the zoo.  The MN zoo has an indoor portion which is so nice!

Postal carrier Grant at the Children's Museum

The tree.  I decorated it myself which was actually very nice.  I got to listen to some Christmas music, and loved looking at all the ornaments and remembering the memories behind each of them.