Jan 5, 2012

Catch Up

Happy New Year!

We have had such a wonderful Christmas Season with friends and family.  We were all wishing it would kind of last a bit longer but we are back into our routines and already counting down the days until Spring Break!

Here is a recap of our holidays.

On Christmas Eve eve we went to church. My mom joined us for the story of Christmas, carols and communion.  Travis and I were selected to serve communion together.... I am happy to report- no spills!  We had the stadium seating section and that is a bit intimidating for a first time server (me)!

On Christmas Eve we went to Memaw's house for a few snacks and visting. She got a new cat named- Tugboat or Missy... depending on who you are talking to (Uncle T or Memaw).  I just stuck with Missy.  Cade and Missy had fun playing fetch together and I of coursed loved playing with her too!

That afternoon we went to Julia's for a bit and then headed back to my parents place for dinner.  Stephanie, Travis and Maxie came in town that afternoon.  Cindy from across the street came by and dropped off some goodies for Cade and Maxie. Surprisingly the kids were able to open their gifts from her, early- and that never happens- we've always had to wait until the 25th but for some reason the kids (and us big kids too) were able to open up those presents that night! 

We made it back to our house around 8 o'clock and that's when I made the mistake of telling Cade that Dillon (our elf on the shelf) was leaving- for good.  I had no idea that Cade loved Dillon as much as he did.  He must have cried for 30 minutes straight.  I didn't know what to do.  I even said thought to myself "well maybe he can stay in the hutch"..... but then I got smart and googled:  How to say goodbye to the elf on the shelf and found this clever letter (from balancinghome.com) written from the Elf.

The letter reads:


Dear Miller Family,
I have had so much fun being a part of your family for the last month. You guys sure have a lot of fun around here. Sorry for any messes I made along the way. Guess I got caught up in the fun too!
Tonight when you go to sleep a little Christmas magic is going to happen. I will fly back to the North Pole for the last time this year. I will make my last report to Santa before he gets on his sleigh and heads around the world to spread Christmas cheer. When you wake up tomorrow morning I will be gone and presents will be under the tree. I know there will be presents, because I have told Santa all about what good children you are. I passed on all of your messages to the big guy and I know he will do his best to find the perfect presents for you.

Lucky for us Santa will lift my magic for just a few minutes after you are done reading this letter. In those few minutes it will be okay to touch me, hug me and kiss me goodbye. When you are finished with your goodbyes just put me back where you found me and I will find my way to the North Pole tonight. Can't wait to see you next Christmas season!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love,

Dillon

Thank God for Google!

Once I explained to Cade that now he could finally hold and hug Dillon, he was ok with saying goodbye.  So he held him, talked to him and gave him one last kiss and then he went to his bed and fell fast asleep. 

(I admit I was sad too- almost had tears but I held it together). =)

Christmas morning we woke up at 6:20.  Cade and I freshened up while Travis got the camera ready.  Cade had the best reaction when he walked into the front room- he said "Yes! just what I wanted".

We spent the morning opening presents and went over to my parent's house at 10 for the rest of the fun!  We stayed until late in the evening and just enjoyed family time.  We watched movies, played with all the new toys and had a delicious turkey and ham dinner.

The rest of the week we spent up in Fredericksburg with my Grandma.  She stayed in town over Christmas and my aunt and cousins went up there to be with her.  We arrived on Tuesday evening and stayed until Thursday.  We went to the Market Platz during the day and saw it all lit up at night.  We took Grandma to the Chipmunk movie and we made a trip out to see "uncle harvey" (my grandma's brother who is very ill). It was a nice visit but really sad at the same time.

When we got back home to Houston we took down the Christmas and cleaned out the closets and cabinets.  Ahhhh what a feeling to get rid of stuff!

We spent the new years at home- grilled an awesome steak and then did some fireworks with the neighbors.  I was in bed at midnight...ok really I was in bed WAY before midnight...party pooper!

So there is my recap of events.  Our next BIG thing is Cade turning 5.  boo-hoo.

More on that later! I have the evening free and I have stuff I need to do!