Backing It Up

Yes, this is a Christmas post.  Fitting, as we are a mere 4 months until Christmas 2015.  Now that I can once again download pictures, I may as well update for posterity.  

The kids and I spent Christmas in Nevada (M had to work out of town).  Although I am a homebody, and there is nothing quite like Christmas in your own home, Nevada is a close second.  And I think we were all in need of a getaway.  

Before we left, we were able to have a family Christmas at home (just a few days early), with gingerbread houses and presents.  

Before leaving, J starred as Tiny Tim in his school's performance of A Christmas Carol.  

He did a great job, and it was a wonderfully festive night. 

Early morning flight.  Troopers!

Christmas Crafts

Christmas morning

My gorgeous girl

Hiking

State Line

Christmas wouldn't be complete without a train.  

We even enjoyed a little snow!  Too bad it was mostly melted by noon.  All too soon we had to return to Ohio (and who knew that more snow days would be waiting for us?!).  

 

Trip to Nevada

It was jacket weather, with highs in the 50's, and lows in the teens.

We did a little hiking.

Bringing the backpack & not the stroller was the smartest decision I made on this trip.

New favorite activity: throwing the ball for the dog.

Even if it only went 3 inches, she was a great sport about it.

Quality time with Grandpa.

Working on our Bon Appetit Thanksgiving dinner.

Sage Butter-Roasted Turkey with Cider Gravy

Sourdough Stuffing with Sausage, Apples, and Golden Raisins

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Green Beans with Walnuts and Lemon Vinaigrette

Pioneer Woman Rolls

Cranberry Sauce

Deviled Eggs

Harvest Pear Crisp with Candied Ginger

YUM

The leftovers were just as good as the dinner.

They may act like animals sometimes, but I really do try not to cage them up.

This was the dog's place inside the house. Once he discovered how much he liked her, this become his favorite hang out.

One of about 54 Christmas pictures.

Think it's tough to get the "perfect" shot of one kid? Try two.....

(There's a reason I will never be a professional photographer.....)

We miss you, Grandma & Grandpa!!

What?

Who am I?

Where am I?

Old age must be rattling my cage because here I am, about to leave for a 2.5 week trip, and I am feeling calm & collected. Yes, there is still laundry to be done. Yes, my kitchen floor is a disaster. Yes, the yard looks like the local birch, oak, and beech trees all had a giant collective sneeze directly onto our lawn. Yes, I still have to pack for all 3 of us. But I don't feel frantic at all.

I feel happy. And excited. And a little laissez-faire.

So we no longer have a portable DVD player, and I am little worried about how to keep the kids from screaming for 4+ hours on the plane. I suppose that's why crayons & coloring books are the eternal entertainment standby.

So I won't be home to start my Christmas crafts. Here's a little secret.... other towns have fabric stores too.

So Big Sis will miss 2 weeks of school. It's KINDERGARTEN for Pete's sake. If there is one grade level where I think I can keep up with the work, this is it. I may not have this luxury when she moves into first grade and starts learning quantum mechanics.

So our little family won't be all together for Thanksgiving. Big Daddy doesn't even like turkey!

I think my new attitude is one part unemployment (with a renewed appreciation for time with my family & what REALLY matters), one part desperate need for a vacation, and one part desire for a change of scenery before the bitter cold of winter.

Bon Voyage - we'll be back December 2.