I’m not sure of exactly what game my children were playing today, but it appeared to me that two of them pretended to be lumps under a blanket. The other one would attack them and then they would trade places and do it again. Regardless, they all seemed to have a blast and the game continued for quite some time. Pepper was quite confused why she wasn’t allowed to join in the fun.
Teague
After getting back from KY, we had to wait a few days to get our tree. First it was raining, then the boys had bells, then it was something else. Finally we got a tree and had a free evening to decorate! We put on some Christmas music, pulled out the ornaments, and I even convinced the kids to wear matching pajamas.
We spent the day in the car. Wade seems to have come to terms with our crazy travel ways. We did 12 hours today with a stop at Waffle House and then on to the hotel. We didn’t have a suite like on the front end so it was two hotel rooms (and it was kind of nice). Wade took the big kids and I got the littles.
I knew it would only be a few years before Ben’s birthday would fall on Thanksgiving Day. Today was that day. He woke up and requested donuts. I went in search but it turns out no donut places were open on Thanksgiving Day. The grocery store was open and chocolate muffins were a crowd favorite. Then we spent the day watching the parade, cooking, eating, visiting with family, and celebrating a birthday!
Kaitlyn couldn’t wait to get a game of Bingo started. It has become one of her favorite activities at Gram’s house. Wade was happy to join in the fun and we were all shocked to realize he had never played with us before. Kaitlyn won a growing dinosaur, which she gave to Ben. Wade won snowcaps, which he gave to me. Then it was bedtime.
Sticks:
1. Everyone starts with one finger out on each hand.
2. The players take turns tapping hands. The number of fingers out on your hand is the number of fingers that the other player must put out on the hand that you tapped. So, if your opponent taps your hand with three fingers out on their hand and you have one finger out, you add three fingers for a total of four fingers out.
3. If after being tapped you have to add so many fingers that your total is now over 5, put out the number of fingers past 5.
Example: You have three fingers out. Your opponent taps that hand with three fingers. You now have 1 finger out. (3 + 3 = 6, 6 is 1 past 5.)
4. If you end up with exactly five fingers out on one hand, that hand is “out.”
5. You win by getting both of your opponent’s hands out!
The kids were so excited to see Gram! They came in the door calling her name and begging for her attention. Before too long the cousins arrived and that made the day even better. We had our usual Chick-fil-A nuggets, Burch locks, and general chaos.
Ben always gets to celebrate a couple of times for his birthday – once at home and once on the road. Today was the day we celebrated at home.
The plan was donuts for breakfast. I had planned to get up and go to Dunkin. Alex had taken orders the night before and told me he was going to walk down to pick them up, but I didn’t quite believe him. I knew it was going to be early, cold, and dark. Imagine my surprise when I got downstairs this morning and there was Alex sitting at the table, drinking hot chocolate (our favorite is from Dunkin), with a box of donuts.
We had candles in donuts and then Ben chose a present to open. He chose the biggest and it was the Gabby Dollhouse he has been hoping and hoping to get. I put it together and he and Kaitlyn played until the bus came.
Ben and I had a sushi lunch (his favorite) and then he picked Chick-fil-a with milkshakes for dinner. His cake was paw patrol but we did presents first, at his request. He had a fabulous birthday and he can’t wait to celebrate again in KY.
Teague joined the bell choir this year, but it is a very small bell choir. They started the year with three ringers, but at some point the number dropped down to two. They kept practicing and hoping to recruit more kids. Sadly that hasn’t happened. Wade has pitched in to practice with them and today they had their first performance. Teague did a great job and it was fun to see him up front!
Teague had his yearly eye appointment today with Dr. Hunter. The office called yesterday to tell me there was a new address. I was a little shocked. We have been visiting in the same building since Teague was 18 months old. One of the earliest pictures I could find was 2014. We still love Dr. Hunter!
Halloween is always a little more tricky when it’s on a school night, but the kids were up to the challenge. We started the night at one of my friend’s houses for a little party (pizza, bouncy house, etc). The best part is she lives on South St – THE Street for trick or treating. The street is closed down and people come from all over. There is a definite party atmosphere with music, glow sticks, and candy – lots of candy. Alex joined us for dinner but headed home afterwards to watch an outdoor movie with friends. We met up with some of Kaitlyn’s friends and proceeded up and down the street.
Side note: Ben’s costume was the best! Having him in a costume with lights made it so easy to keep up with him! I’m going to try to push a light up costume of some kind next year too!
Today was the Trunk or Treat at our church. We had a whirlwind day full of activities, so Wade and Ben went first in the minitruck (our “trunk”). I arrived with the other kids and then we got to the candy portion of the afternoon. Ben loved running wild, Alex loved scaring little kids in the “Scary Hallway,” and the other two loved traditional candy acquiring.