Week 36 - Emma is really bummed that this new stay home order is happening over her birthday but we are hoping to make the most of it anyway.
Friday is still a remote learning day for all the kids which means Emma can do her school work with a friend (chatting online) while in her jammies. That night to have some fun we did a taste test of Sparkling Ice drinks.
Saturday we took a drive to get out of the house. I made some zucchini bread and Mia had some Thanksgiving crafts. We dropped off a loaf of bread and a table decoration to Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Zundel. They weren't home but were also out for a drive. Then we stopped at Grandma and Grandpa Van Bibber's house. We also had bread and a table decoration for them. It was also Grandpa's birthday so we were able to give his present. It was a Home Depot gift card so that he can use it to fix up his garage in preparation for his retirement when he gets to work on all of Grandma's projects. Emma also got her birthday presents from them. She got a dragon, a book and Stitch socks. Before we left Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Zundel popped in to say hi from afar. So we did get to at least see them. Then it was home to grill Emma's favorite kabobs for dinner before putting the grill away for winter.
Just a cute picture of this girl in her cowgirl outfit. We also got video of her dancing in it.
Sunday we had home church and Emma opened her present from Grandma Lavender and her siblings. She got an art easel and a stuffed dragoncorn.
She also opened a few from Mom and Dad.
She got a Stitch hat, shirt and onsie. I think she's pretty happy.
We then took another drive to Great Grandma Moore's house to visit with her for a few minutes and drip off bread and a decoration for her too. It's sad that we won't be seeing any of these Grandparents for the holiday. All of us will be doing very small gatherings this year. Emma wore her new onesie if you can't tell. We also wore masks as we visited to help keep Grandma safe.
Then it was back home for dinner and a zoom call with the Van Bibber's. Emma also got a visitor. Uncle Taylor and Aunt Mckenna. They brought her a dark green Minky blanket and Emma is in heaven by how soft it was. All the kids were so jealous when Grandpa opened a Minky blanket from Grandma the day before.
Emma wanted to make her own cake - red velvet with chocolate frosting because the store doesn't make red velvet with chocolate frosting. Apparently their red velvet cakes come pre-made and frosted with cream cheese. She didn't mind a bit thought and she got to top it with her new dragon.
Tomorrow my first baby becomes a teenager!
Week 37 - Emma turned 13 on Monday! She was sad that she had to go to school but she got to wear a new stitch shirt, had and socks at least. I spent the day prepping this wall for paint. So many dings to fill! That night we had Dairy Queen for dinner as requested by the birthday girl and opened more presents and ate more cake. Her new chair for her room came just in time after it was delayed. She also got a pair of boots and a giant pair of overalls (oops) that will be going back.
Tuesday I spent the day painting. So glad this was just a big wall with not a lot of cutting it. The pictures just don't do this color justice. I am still loving it so much!
Wednesday the kids were out of school for the Thanksgiving holidays. We got the house put back together and the kids perfected their Lego creations. One is a treehouse and the other is a Star Wars Cantina creation. We submitted both of these to the Lego Magazine and the kids are really hoping they get printed.
That night we played a new game Quinn bought called Ravine. It is another cooperative game and really fun.
Thursday - Thanksgiving Day!
Quinn and I both walked a 5k that morning. He is participating in a wellness challenge through work and I am kind of following along too. I did mine outside with Toby and he did his on the treadmill inside where it was warm. Usually I would be running at the Rec Center with Pam but she was on her own this year due to my dumb ankle which is still healing. For our Thanksgiving feast we headed to Grandma Lavender's where we were joined by Aunt Pat. It was a really nice dinner for the 7 of us. We spent the rest of the afternoon visiting and playing games. We also chatted with Uncle Shawn and Aunt Diane and cousins. The kids drew names for Christmas presents.
Had to make sure I got a picture of all 3 groundhogs! Quinn's middle name is Patrick after Aunt Pat since he was born on her birthday.
James is such a turkey head!
Friday I spent the day trying to put up Christmas decoration with all the kids trying to help too! It took all day and I was beat after. I actually had to sent Quinn and kids out of the house for the last hour just to push through and get it done. He and kids went and picked up Grandma Lavenders new tree and dinner.
Saturday Emma and I did some shopping. We tried to find her a pair of overalls that fit but sadly could not. But she did find this awesome raptor masks and that makes noise instead. Then that night we decorated our Christmas tree.
