Sunday is over?

Its like I blink and the weekend that I looked so forward to is gone. Oy!

To those requesting, no we did not take any pictures when Kevin and I went out last night- don't worry we weren't that dressed up that you are missing anything- but sorry anyway!

Today was running around- and running smack into Santa! A pleasant surprise for most- except for Ellie. She has never been fond of the big guy- she only went up to him after Maddie had done so already and I had to ask her really nicely to come out from behind me to go see him. Again, every year the same thing- loves the idea of Santa- but from afar.

Ellie had a birthday party in the afternoon. Maddie and Kevin went to Mike Thornton's house to snorkel outback at his beach. Had a really great time. Maddie came back with some great pictures and one of the biggest shells I have ever seen (forgot to take a picture of that!). Not sure what the spiny guy is, but pretty sure you shouldn't step on him. The other one is a puffer fish of sorts.

Maddie took some other pictures with a different camera that wouldn't load to my Mac for some reason. I will try in a few days to get them for you- I'll get the shell picture by then too :)

Saturday

Between swimming this morning out at the big pool (Leo Palace) and Kevin having his work Christmas party tonight...I am exhausted. That is all it takes anymore, two things per day is my limit- must be getting old.

The swimming went well. The girls enjoy the big pool when they get to practice there. They got to spend the afternoon doing absolutely nothing- showered, got in their pj's and that was them from noon on. The babysitter came about 5:30, and really that is what Maddie and Ellie were waiting for, they like Sara and always look forward to the nights she is sitting.

Kevin's work party was nice. It was at one of the hotels at Tumon Bay. The food was really only average- and that is saying something 'cause I am not picky- any kind of food that is bad for you and I am on board. So to compensate for the not so great food I overloaded on carbohydrates- good noodles and rice!

Oh, and I got an early Christmas present- an iPhone! Its really neat, now I can email anytime I want-it'll keep me in touch all the more. Here is a picture taken with the phone:
Not bad!

Honor Roll

I am marking today as the first emotional trauma related to me going back to work.

Madison had a ceremony to award her the principals honor roll certificate today at 2pm. I can't leave my classroom, so we looked at Kevin's schedule. He had a meeting that would make it tight for him getting there on time. Maddie told me last night she was scared no one would make it. Kevin did his best but was 15 min late. When he got there he saw Maddie up on stage with her award, and tears. She was so sad to have no one in the audience. She said she saw Kevin come in at the end giving her some relief. I am feeling a little guilty about the whole thing.

There are two plays and a Christmas concert next week- I am hoping for no repeats.

On another note- went to see the new Disney Scrooge tonight- not recommended for the faint of heart. It stays true to Dickens story and takes the imagination one step further- really scary at parts! Ellie and I spent half the movie hiding behind my hands and chatting-deciding which of us should look to see if the scary part is done. Don't know about them, but I may have nightmares tonight!

"She's touching me!"

Ellie totally busted beating on her sister.

The two of them screaming and play fighting all the way to swimming tonight- to the tunes of beautiful Christmas music I will add. I just kept turning it up louder to drown them out- when they got too loud, I looked in the rearview mirror and saw the "fighting". Caught on film in the act - and frankly, having great fun and making great memories.

You know its Christmas when....

Love all the Christmas specials, always have. I remember looking forward to them every year- Charlie Brown, Rudolf, and Frosty. Now a days, everyone has them on DVD so they can watch them any time, there is no waiting. Well tonight we are getting to re-live a little of my youth- we are all actually home and snuggling up to see the Charlie Brown Christmas special and then a brand new one- Disney's Prep and Landing. I will let you know if it stands up to the likes of Linus and the gang.

Will the real block-head please stand up.....

Happy Lady of Camarin Day

******Gone Fishing, back tomorrow********

A December Monday.

I know I have told you that Madison takes issue with most Mondays- historically Mondays after a four day weekend are worse. I have discovered that Mondays in December are just as bad. Besides the daily asking if she can be home schooled-Mondays have recently brought a fresh batch of begging and tears. Lots of fun at 7am.

Then there is Ellie. As usual, all business. Up, dressed, hair done, ready to eat by 7:15. Do you think it is the contrast that makes Madison's behavior seem more difficult? Ellie has a new love of oatmeal- which I find funny that this habit started in a tropical climate. No matter, its a healthy start.

No matter how rough the days start- there is usually a lot of happiness and laughter by the time school ends.

Brown Bear and Purple Bear getting the trampoline treatment before bed. Tons of giggling followed by a screaming wrestling match all to the tunes of our favorite Amy Grant Christmas songs. Good times :)