Gobble, Gobble Week

We made it!  The most challenging part of the school year is over!  The longest stretch from September 2nd until November 26th without a single day off and we are on to Turkey break, Christmas break, mid-winter break, and the list goes on!  Scott and I breathed a sigh of relief as our "gobble, gobble week" began.  More like waddle, waddle week after all I consumed over the past few days.  But, I'm still trying to be aware of the points adding up with each meal or slice of pumpkin pie.  1 lb. gain over this past week.  I'll consider that a success!

We decided to send the boys to school on Wednesday since we had plenty to do around the house.  Off they went and we turned our house into a Christmas wonderland!  The tree is up, the outdoor lights are on, the stockings are hanging on the mantle, and any trace of fall has been stored away for next year.  It was quite a surprise for the boys when they walked in from school...

I threw together a quick, simple dinner so that we could all lounge around and watch The Grinch (Jim Carey version, of course) and get in the holiday spirit!  And after the boys went to bed, it was time for me and Scott to watch the Karl family tradition of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles on the night before Thanksgiving.

Thursday morning we made some crescent roll egg sandwiches and watched the parade on TV.  One of these years we'll head down there to see it in person, but watching it in pajamas in the comfort of your living room definitely outweighs standing in the cold with two little ones.  Sean made sure to tear apart the newspapers, circling all the toys he wants for Christmas.  Oh boy...the list keeps growing and growing.

Before it was lunch and nap time, we decided to head over to my parents to hang out there until the rest of the family arrived.  It was so nice seeing my aunt and uncle in town from Kalamazoo, my other two uncles, and my grandma who will be 90 on Tuesday!  I think it's been a year since we've all been under one roof together.  

Evan managed to eat some turkey, but loved my mom's homemade stuffing!  Sean, on the other hand, only preferred to eat turkey (with ketchup...) and some carrots.  Evan was quick to stuff down a piece of pumpkin cake my mom made, while Sean ate some gingerbread cookies with hot cocoa.  It's so funny how different their dinner preferences are!

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving flew by so fast!  We looked at the clock at 7pm and knew we needed to get the boys in their pajamas to head back home.  As usual, I ran out to Kmart down the street after the boys were in bed to see if they had any good Black Friday deals.  It's my only shopping chance on Black Friday (well, technically, Thanksgiving).

The rest of the week we spent time going to the Henry Ford Museum, bowling, going to see the lights on Hines Drive, and just lounging around the house.  I was able to finally get out to see my friend's new baby she had back at the beginning of October!  As the break comes to a close, I don't feel as bummed as I thought I'd feel.  With only 3 full week of work until another break and the holidays, I know that there's so much to look forward to, even if I do have to be back at work.  I feel blessed we were able to see as many friends and family members that we were able to this week and I know that we made a ton of memories with the boys!

And now, it's time to focus on a visit from our Elf, Cookie Monster, visiting with Santa, Christmas crafts and baking, showing Sean Home Alone for the first time, and even a ride on the Huckleberry Railroad.  I love this time of year!  

Happy Thanksgiving!