This, That & D's Birthday

The past week has sped up considerably from the week following Thanksgiving. The boys and I were cooped up for the better part of a week with colds, and since we've been feeling better there's been a lot going on. I wish I would have remembered to take more pictures!

 

Last Saturday marked our first Family Game Night! Growing up games were always a big hit with my family. After talking with some of my siblings, we thought it would be fun to plan a game night every month or two. With busy schedules it's hard to find the time to see each other, so this was a fun way to be able to get together, catch up, and have fun playing some games.

I must admit that I was a little worried Saturday morning! I didn't think anyone aside from Carrie was going to make it, but as the day went on a few more confirmed they were coming, and we ended up with a great turnout. Michel came with Elisabeth and Jarom, Eric came with Ian, Saffy, and Nigel; Clair came with his three girls, and Carrie came with her ninja baby in utero. We played some games, the kids made some crafts, we ate some pie and snacks, but mostly we visited with each other.

Coming from a big family there's a wide variety of personalities, and it's really nice that we genuinely enjoy each other's company and have a good time when we get together. I'm hoping that our game nights will continue on a regular basis. It almost feels like a holiday when we come together.

With Carrie quickly approaching her due date, she has entered into the nesting phase (at least in my opinion). Her list of things to do is still a little lengthy, and I'm super proud of her for asking for help! It's hard enough to put on shoes, bend over, and waddle up the stairs in your last month of pregnancy, so needless to say, it's definitely not an easy task to clean house. I spent Monday cleaning the cleanest house I've ever cleaned! She claims it was gross...I say gross will take on a whole new meaning when little Archer starts leaving his mark!

After playing Mrs. Clean for the day we enjoyed a girls night with Joy. We stayed up late and talked like we usually do when we get together. This time it was different though. I didn't feel that underlying sadness and panic over the thought of leaving the next day because I knew I was only a short drive away. It feels so great to live nearby.

Joy and I played dress up courtesy of Carrie's closet the following morning before we headed out. Joy had class and I had a birthday hubby to attend to. Darius had been busy the day before with the boys while I was at Carrie's, and I came home to a beautiful Christmas tree that the boys had picked out and helped decorate. The apartment and boys were clean and we all headed out to meet up with Brandi and Jonas for story time and gingerbread men at their local library.

 

The boys had fun listening/participating in stories and songs which was followed by decorating gingerbread men. What little kid doesn't love to frost a cookie and stick on a bunch of marshmallows and candy? It was cute to watch them.

 

After story time Brandi was super sweet to watch the boys for us for a few hours. D and I enjoyed lunch together and a little thrifty Xmas shopping for the boys. The boys love playing at Jonas' house, and as soon as we leave they're already talking about when their next visit will be.

The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent at home. Joy came over and joined us for dinner and birthday pie. Unfortunately D's birthday dinner left some of us with upset stomachs which seems to be a growing trend with his birthday. Sore stomachs and all, we're glad for a reason to celebrate D. We love him!