Fancy

 Since NYE is the one night a year sequins are expected, I figured it would be the perfect time to show off our fancy cruise wear. 

Skills

 I know I need to blog about our cruise (which was fabulous) but I can't figure out where to start.  So I thought I'd start with something I didn't even do.

We were eating breakfast when I looked out the window and noticed half the family ziplining.  

So, yes, I took a break from stuffing my face with fake eggs (my favorite) to video this from the window of the Windjammer.

Kyle

Reed

Granny Sherry

Later on in the cruise they all went ziplining again, and I almost missed videoing them because I had just come from the nacho and quesadilla bar. 

I was actually pretty impressed with myself that I was able to balance my overflowing plate in one hand while I videoed with the other...all while munching on my nachos. 

Yep, I got skills.

Jason

JR

Christmas 22

 With some help, I got Christmas all put away yesterday and now the house looks completely empty. 

Santa did come and visit, but he's definitely not as motivated as he used to be. But bless JR's heart for thinking that he still is. 

So here's Christmas morning.

And from all those presents, this is what these 3 deemed their favorite gifts. 

A Carhart jacket, Snoop Dog potato chips, and new running shoes. 

I totally failed on my picture taking duties, as this is the only picture I took from Christmas day lunch with the grandparents.

But at least Kyle got us a video of Elvis eating his Christmas donut.

Home

 Coming home from vacation is always depressing, but even more so when you come back to freezing temperatures and a day's worth of laundry.

We went from this

to me walking the dog in everything I own.

Merry Christmas Eve!

Busy

 Someone who shall remain nameless.

Has certainly been "busy" lately.

Not a Drive

 I came home the other day and checked to see where Reed was.

I was confused on who he would be with, and who was driving him.

Then I figured out he was just out for a run.

I can promise nobody would ever confuse my jogging pace for a drive!

Six

 As of last night, I am officially done with Christmas parties for this year.  I had 7, but the host of one got sick, so that left 6. 

Reed is taking his last final this morning (Kyle finished yesterday) and then our vacation can start. 

Guess Who's Back

 It feels like he was just here for Thanksgiving break (because he was).  

And he announced his arrival with another text, this time he even included the song to go with it.

But I can't give him too hard of a time.

We got his grades yesterday and he made all A's 

(Well, 2 A-, but those are still A's in my book).

He even got a round of applause and a "Good job, but, you should have worked harder and made those A minuses A's" from Reed.  Which is huge compliment coming from that one. 

He's at MawMaw and PawPaw's so when I was talking to him he said "I want my grades posted on the refrigerator."  

I said, "Of course, I'll put them up there as soon as they come in,"  

He told me, "No, go print them off the website."

So, I did as I was told.  

Elvis Update #4

 Elvis is up to 120 pounds, and he needs to put on about another 100 pounds so he can be in the show in February.  (There's a minimum weight.)

We've learned his favorite treat is powdered donuts, which he gets after a good walk or a bath. 

 He's recently started "barking" when he gets startled or sees one of the other barn animals.  Hopefully Kyle can get a video of that soon!

Advent Calendars

 Last year I made the mistake of buying all the kids a chocolate advent calendar, but not getting one for Jason.  

I learned my lesson and bought 4 this year.  

And yes, even though JR's not home, I knew I better buy him one too.

I also have learned (from living with all these people for so long) that as soon as their advent calendar was claimed, to put their name on it.  

You shouldn't have to put family member's names on something that's counting down the days until Christ's birth, but in this house you do.

Only Child

 We had an only child this weekend, and he did quite well doing his thing. 

He won his diving meet Friday night which was fun to see.

He took pictures with his fans 

And he even wound up on the Twitter

Outdoor Decor

 Jason and I decided to not do professional lights outside this year.

But then I couldn't stand it that all our neighbors had up lights, and I decided that it looked like we didn't celebrate Christmas.

So I dug around in the Christmas closet and rounded up the boys to help.

I was trying to drape lights in the bushes, but that was vetoed by the ones that would have actually had to do the work.  

Here's the final product.  I'll give it a passing grade.