Monday, December 14, 2015

Fun Times of Late

The last week has been very busy but also very fun and it's included lots of time with some of my favorite kiddos!  Here's a glimpse of some of the highlights of the last week.

On Monday, I headed out to my brother's house to watch my nephews for the evening as my brother and his wife got back late from their weekend getaway (my parents watched them over the weekend).  I hadn't had them to myself since back in June so was well overdue for some one-on-one time.  We went out for dinner at a Thai restaurant (my nephews have such well-developed palates thanks to their parents exposing them to lots of food)!



After dinner we went back to their house and played 3 different board games:  a Scooby-Doo jenga-type of game, uno attack, and Zingo.  They basically put themselves to bed and I just had to let them know when to turn their lights out so it was an easy peasy and fun babysitting gig!


On Tuesday night, my college girlfriends and their kids came over for the annual gingerbread decorating party that I host each year.  We've had this tradition going for over 6 years and it's one of my favorite nights of the year.

Anything goes as "aunt" Lisa's. I think we have a picture of Elliot getting a mouthful of frosting every year!

The kids and I with our finished houses!
Later in the week, I flew to Chicago for a holiday party and for the first time I was able to squeeze in some time with my brother and his family that live in the Chicago area.  I worked in the office on Friday and then took the train out to them.  It was very cute to see how excited they were to see me when they picked me up at the train station!


On Saturday, my sister-in-law had planned a brunch with her family and Santa showed up!  It was fun to see the kids sit on his lap and make their requests.  I was impressed by how short their lists were, though, as they mostly asked for one thing each.


I was there for less than 24 hours as I flew home on Saturday night but I am so glad I was able to see them.

I got home around 7:30 on Saturday night and then spent the rest of the weekend soaking up quality time with Phil as we barely saw each other last week thanks to my crazy schedule.  It was very nice to end the weekend on a low key note and thankfully the week to come will be much quieter!

What were the highlights of the last week for you?

14 comments:

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

Wow, so nice that you could see two of your siblings in one week! Will you also see them at Christmas, or was this your time with them for the holiday? It's always nice to get a little one on one time with each family before the entire group is all together. That is always a little hectic. I am trying to be better at inviting single family members or families over so that I can get that quality time with them.

This week was our annual cookie making weekend! My friend came over with the girls and we had a fun time decorating and eating way too many cookies, as always! Other than that, I had two holiday parties and I managed to work out 4 times and to take a hike with a friend. I also did a lot of raking, as I have a huge maple tree in my yard. However, it's futile, as every time I rake, more leaves fall to the ground!

katielookingforward said...

Way to go on seeing family! I went to my parents house on Saturday evening, but I've got a cold so I spent a lot of sunday in my room. I was tired and cranky and just couldn't socialize much.

Nora said...

So much goodness for you in the last week! I am glad you were able to get some time with Phil over the weekend.

Highlights for me: getting my haircut and treating myself to a special winter hair mask, that locks in moisture for up to 6 weeks! Other than that, getting our full guest bathroom done (mostly- it looks so awesome!), and some quality time with my hubs & dad.

Marlys said...

Great pictures of a fun week! I love the outfit Anna is wearing sitting on Santa's lap! And the gingerbread houses were so cute - I helped Matthew & Andrew make theirs and it was fun!

No highlights for us this week, except for last weekend and staying with the boys and seeing Matthew play basketball and Andrew practice. He got his cast off this week after two months so I hope we can see him play a game, too!

Jeanie said...

Your gingerbread houses are good enough for competition! They look fabulous!

What a week -- so glad that you and Phil could finally chill out and be together.

My highlight -- getting packages mailed and cards done (but not mailed!) and leading a carol sing at an adult foster care center where a friend lives as Rick and his trio played. Jolly fun and a great Christmas party too! Last night we got Rick's tree up before he leaves for his trade show. Whew!

Stephany said...

What a busy, but full, week you had! That's so wonderful that you got to see 4(?) of your nephews/nieces this week. And yay for your annual gingerbread making night. I love that you do that!

Highlights from last week: lots of mama time (she came over Monday night just because and then we were together all-day Saturday and for a few hours on Sunday), finishing up my Christmas shopping, and randomly meeting a celebrity chef at Starbucks on Friday night!

Carolina John said...

that sounds like a lot of fun!

Jenny said...

What a fab week full of family and holiday fun! I love your gingerbread house tradition, it's such a neat idea that I might have to steal!

Highlights of my week were, spending an afternoon hanging out with one of my friends, and attending a BBQ at the new house friends have just bought.

Amber said...

You did have a great week full of fun time with the kiddo's in your life, which is pretty perfect around the holidays since that is what the holidays are meant for really! I am impressed the kids mostly asked Santa for only one thing too. I definitely asked for more than one thing when I was a kid :)

Leigh said...

That's so awesome that you were able to spend time with your nephews and niece. I also love that you and your friends continue to do the gingerbread house decorating each year- what fun memories!

Lauren @ Sassy Molassy said...

Aw, some fun times. Your niece and her little smile are so adorable. That's impressive that your nephews like Thai food! It really is all about what people are exposed to. My parents don't like much variety and I try to encourage them to try Thai or something when we're in Eugene (they live in a smaller city that doesn't have a ton of diverse food options), but often they want to stick with what they know.

This week for me will be about trying to get caught up on Christmas presents (some wrapping and some buying), making some of my favorite holiday cookies and taking care of the little guy.

San said...

Oh, this post makes me so happy! I live vicariously through you when you visit with your nephews!

Anonymous said...

Your gingerbread houses are gorgeous -- and three cheers for family time with your niece and nephews!

Jolene - EverydayFoodie said...

Awwwe, so much quality time with little people!! That's wonderful :-)

You are a fun auntie!