Getting Ready for Christmas

Even though Thanksgiving was early this year and we had over four weeks between holidays, it still seemed like Christmas snuck up on us!  Gene did have 9 days of travel right before Christmas (he got home on the 22nd), I had finals in early December, and the boys and I were in school until the 20th or 21st.  By the time we were all home and not traveling or working or heading to school, it was two days before Christmas, and I think that's why the season felt so busy this year. Here's hoping for a more relaxed holiday season in 2019!

We got our Christmas tree on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Henry chose a smaller tree this year.  It is still plenty tall, but it is narrow and fit our space perfectly.  It was also so lightweight that Gene could carry it himself.

Tree decorating

So helpful

We didn't enjoy quite as many Christmas traditions as we have in the past, but one of our favorites is attending V&E's annual gingerbread party at the Houstonian. It was a delightful as ever this year.

There are so many activities, but we basically go for the delicious brunch and making of gingerbread houses.  

Will's masterpiece

and Henry's

Adding some coconut snow to the top

 A new holiday tradition this year was the Margaret Kinkaid Holiday Concert. This is the seventh grade orchestra performance.

Will plays the viola.

Family photo afterward.

Here are some other holiday traditions:

early morning coffee next to the tree

hours of wrapping gifts

Frosty the Elf

Cookie baking and decorating

Henry's holiday party 

Chestnuts -- we found good ones at Central Market

I hope your holiday season was full of sweet treats and time with the ones you love!

Lately: A November Recap

November was a full month for our family, but we managed to balance two working parents (for the first time since we've had kids!), kids at two different schools, grad school for me, and after-school activities. I even managed to sneak in a few photo shoots this month.  

Here's a peek at some of what we did in November:

The Houston Arboretum is our favorite place to get outside and enjoy nature, so that's where we headed on the first pretty fall day we had.

Another favorite weekend activity is painting the Warhammer figurines we got in Edinburgh.

Gene and Henry attended Kinkaid's Falcon Feast and watched the Falcons beat St. John's.

Henry and I really enjoy author Jason Reynolds, so when I saw he was coming to town with Cool Brains/Inprint, we knew we wouldn't miss it.  Reynolds is an engaging speaker and we were so glad we got to hear him speak. We snagged one of the last free copies of Lu, the last book in the Track series, and then purchased many more books from Blue Willow.  They are that good!

Speaking of authors, the delightful Susan Fletcher came to speak to 5th graders about her new book, Journey of the Pale Bear.  It was my first author visit to manage on my own in the library and it went off without a hitch (mostly because the staff of Blue Willow Bookshop know how to run an author visit!).  Both Henry and I adored the book and hearing Fletcher discuss the story.  

Most of Will's activities happen at school. He continues to play viola with the 7th grade orchestra, plays soccer for his winter sport, and is involved in numerous clubs at school.

One of Henry's favorite extracurricular activities is his Thursday afternoon after class. He has learned so much and his art is showing marked improvement. 

We were happy to attend the fall art show in November.   

Henry also participated in the fifth grade spelling bee this year because he was one of the top two spellers in his class.  He didn't place, but we were so proud of his effort.   

Spelling bee medal

It wouldn't be November without an election. Gene likes to vote early, but I'm a fan of voting on election day.  We went after school and Henry was my voting buddy.

And finally, Gene got out to an opera with his dad and brother one evening.  

I can't believe we're halfway through December and that Christmas is just around the corner. May your last week before Christmas be full of joyful carols, completed shopping lists and some peaceful moments by the Christmas tree!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year because it's all about spending time with the people you love and eating delicious food! This year, we hosted my parents at our house on Thanksgiving day. 

Heritage turkey from the farmers market on the grill -- our best one yet!

Our very traditional spread

Family

Digging in

This pup is always nearby in case any morsels get dropped.

Pecan pie plus a cheese board for dessert

We had a really lovely Thanksgiving!

On Friday, we headed over to Nana and Pop's to spend time with the other side of the family. The cousins played, everyone talked and caught up, and I took lots and lots of family photos.  

Gene dug out his saxophone and Henry gave it a go.  Maybe band is in this boy's future?

Family photo time 

 

We are so thankful for family!