The Elf on the Shelf (or in other words, the night Anna finally lost it)

So, I had just crawled into bed, gloated about not having to set my alarm (hands down, the best thing about vacation), turned out my lamp, snuggled down under my down comforter (yes, I know I live in Houston and its like 60 degrees outside and only a crazy person would sleep with a down comforter. I am officially a crazy person. It is now official.), and shut my eyes, when I remembered that our dear little elf friend was still sitting on the mantel, where he got placed after the kids found him this morning.....so I got up, found my list of "elfish" (elvish? elfin?) activities, suitably arranged the elf, took pictures (which  someday, maybe by the time Kate goes to college, I will blog) and am now headed back to bed. This elf might kill me off before Christmas gets here. And, when I try to make myself feel better by reminding myself that it (Megan says its a girl, Jared insists its a boy, thus, it is an it) will only be with us for 6 more nights, the next thought is that it will come back next year. And the next year and the next year and.....

(Does anyone else find it ironic that I got out of my nice, warm, soft bed to tuck the elf into bed in Megan's barbie doll house?)

Thanksgiving 2011

Goodness, November went by fast! One second it was just beginning, and the next, it was December!

Thanksgiving was wonderful. Here are some highlights:

We went to my sister, Eleanor's house in San Antonio. Two of my cousins and their families joined us. It was so great to be surrounded by family.

All of the kids played great together. For the most part, they all got along the whole time. It was so relaxing! Before dinner, Eleanor had a fun craft for the kids to make. She provided toothpicks and gumdrops and marshmallows, and the kids provided the creativity. In theory, they were supposed to make turkeys, but we had some amazing robots and aliens along with our birds. I think the best part was getting to pull the creations apart and eating the pieces.

The food was delicious and decedent and abundant, just like Thanksgiving should be. Travis cooked the turkey - he had a butcher cut it up for him, and he used several different methods and recipes so there was something for everyone. Everyone seemed to love the BBQ rubbed turkey breast the best.

My favorite part was the pies. The PIES! Oh, the pies.....Have I mentioned how much I love Thanksgiving? I am grateful for pie. And for homemade ice cream and homemade caramel sauce (Thanks Jonathan!!!) to go with them. (I TOLD you it was decedent. Y'all are invited next year.) Sorry I didn't get many pictures of dessert - I was too busy eating.

After dinner we all went to the park. That's one of the best parts of living in the south. The weather was GORGEOUS! The kids had a great time playing football, climbing on rocks, chasing each other around.

What a wonderful day!

Sitting with Santa

This was the first year that there were no tears while sitting on Santa's lap. I thought Kate might cry, but she was very blasé about the whole thing.

Merry Christmas, everyone!