Wow...It's almost Christmas!

On the windy beaches of Pawley's Island!

I cannot believe that it will be Christmas in only a few short weeks. In years past, I've had a nice head start on my shopping and the decorating (inside and out) is done Thanksgiving weekend. Not so this year. There are three lonely Rubbermaid containers in the kitchen waiting for me to empty what is inside so that they may enjoy the holiday season, but alas, that won't happen until at least Thursday. However, we did make our annual trek to Bethlehem...New Hampshire...to cut down the family tree which now adorns our living room.

Our time in the south was very nice. Of course I got to see my little Spencer and also spend time with family and our friends, the Weiders, and I got to run outside every day!! Rarely do I get the opportunity to run in the great outdoors so it was a nice change of pace to hit the pavement, literally, and not stare at a wall or a TV for that time. Conner and Grady enjoyed their time with Nana and Aunt Sayward and Uncle Matt , Conner is never ready to leave, and Thanksgiving was a complete success thanks to our wonderful host and hostess, Gary and Julie. I think my favorite part of this trip was watching my little sister be a mommy, she's a natural, and Matt is an amazing daddy. Spencer is going to be one loved little lady.

The Friday after Thanksgiving put us, again, on the road...this time to Durham, North Carolina. Shawn's sister hosted their Thanksgiving on Friday since she works her nursing job on Thanksgiving day. Many Johnsons were present as well as one of Shawn's good friends from high school, Joe. It goes without saying that Conner and Grady were in their glory, reunited once again with Kathleen, Nicole, and Seth. They had such a blast together and Conner is still spouting "Kathleen-isms."

So, here I sit, it's 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday and I'm playing out my day as well as the rest of the week, trying to fit everything in. This weekend was very busy, packed with two Christmas parties, the journey up north, and various other activities, and this coming weekend is showing signs of the same. I'm going to avoid that at all costs. Shawn and I will be getting some much needed time together next weekend as we are in Pittsburgh for his annual meeting. We have some amazing friends here who will be caring for our little guys so that we are able to do this sans kiddos.

Take care this week and enjoy the season! It's too easy to get so busy preparing, planning, baking, decorating, shopping - an on and on - that Christmas passes us by.
Look at that cutie!! The biggest goofball of all is MIA!! Where's Grades?