It was unseasonably warm this year. And Bella made us listen to Christmas music constantly. Even after New Years Day. She loves putting up the tree and decorations and was a huge help. The boys, not so much. Our tradition begins on Christmas Eve with dinner with family. It's turkey, ham, stuffing, collards, sweet potatoes...all the good stuff. Jack looks too big for the kids' table. Since Bella was obsessed with our Elf this year, Mimi's gift wrapping including an Elf and a note for Bella. "Love you to the moon and back" is something they say to each other all the time. One of my favorite gifts was from Aunt Kelly this year.... After dinner, we came home and prepared for Santa. Bella wrote him a letter (with a little help from Jack). We put out our cupcakes we had made earlier that morning and some carrots in the yard for the reindeer. The boys each got a new pillow and hoodies (Jack Champion and Cam North Face) from Santa. Bella got an "American Girl" doll and accessories. Jackson wanted all clothes & shoes this year. We took him shopping and let him pick out most of his stuff. He has found his style and has become quite the shoe horse. He currently owns 5 pairs of Vans and 2 pairs of Nikes. Cam, too, wanted a lot of clothes. Like his brother, he likes American Eagle. He got new cleats and new basketball shoes. One of his favorite gifts was his electronic dart board. All the Drillers got new matching bat bags for Cooperstown. He's still such a little guy at heart and enjoyed passing out the presents with Bella. "Look at your nose, bro!" Don't ask. She named her new doll Chloe. My mom, Mike & Sandy came over for dinner on Christmas Day. I made another crockpot ham. It was quiet this year without my sister & the kids. I missed them, a lot. My mom gave Cam 100 $1 bills that she taped in the shape of a pizza inside a pizza box that she wrapped. Bella freaked out (literally) over her LOL Surprise kit. Girls these days. He was super goofy and annoying on Christmas. But that's 14. We ended the holidays with a game of Monopoly (Cam's favorite). I'm sad that it's over and back to work/school we go. I sure do love having this time off with them. Even though it feels like it flies and there is always so much going on. It's loud and hectic. And my house is a perpetual mess. We missed John-Michael this Christmas. But on his birthday, his nephew, Noah John-Michael was born giving all of us a sense of peace and something to be thankful for despite the sadness.
This was a big birthday. The big 4-0.
His idea was a day date, just the two of us. We drove to Williamsburg Winery. Had brunch. Walked around the winery taking photos of us. And me. Finally, I got to be on the other side of the camera. It was just a sweet and thoughtful idea. Although I felt way out of my comfort zone, I kept thinking how much my kids will appreciate these photos when I'm no longer here. My very first "homemade" costume. I've always been a buy the classic Party City costume at the last minute kinda mom. But she insisted on being DJ Suki (from Trolls) and of course this costume just didn't exist. I found the tutu on Etsy and tried to recreate her outfit. The headpiece though....it wasn't as easy as I had hoped. I found a bunch of tutorials on Pinterest, and they seemed easy enough. Just a headband, some tulle, and a ribbon. But, the first one just kept flopping over and wouldn't stand up straight. She was obviously upset and worried about what would happen if we just couldn't get it to work. .We had everything else, including the headphones we had around the house that we had covered with felt to match DJ Suki's. We eventually got it to work weaving some orange pipe cleaners throughout and coating it heavily with hair spray. She was one happy little girl. Mom for the win. And then this guy was some "game master" or something. He asked for this mask specifically. I was just happy he even dressed up. It's his first time trick or treating in about 4 years! And the whole crew, minus a few of the older ones.
Only 10 more weeks left in this year? It doesn't even seem possible.
This kid. Doing his thing on the mound. In Raleigh. Great weekend. We came home with the win and another set of great memories and laughs. |
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November 2018
AuthorMy name is Kaci. I am a working mom of 3. Wife to Josh. Mom to Jackson, Cameron & Isabella. My life is dinner, homework, baseball, basketball, grocery lists, laundry, middle school, wine, video games, and schedules. I started this blog because I love taking pictures, and I needed a place to document our life. I wanted a place to write it all down, to remember little details so easily forgotten in the mad rush that is the life of a family of 5. Through my photos and words, I endeavor to capture our story. Categories
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