Happy holidays

You'd think I've been busy for a week since I haven't blogged lately. Truth is, I have simply been enjoying time with my boys, parents, and away from work. After all, this was my last week off before the baby arrives in late April!

Christmas was wonderful. Having my parents here made it more special for me and the children. (I'm sure hubbie enjoyed it, too!) They arrived Christmas Eve after a very long drive. Grammy was promptly put to work. Her mission: bake cookies with Brendan. They made delicious snowflake, Christmas tree, and reindeer sugar cookies.

That evening, the boys opened their early Christmas gift -- matching holiday PJs. This was a tradition in my home. We'd beg my parents to open a gift early, and usually the gift was matching PJs.



Christmas morning, we were overwhelmed with the wonderful and thoughtful gifts from one another and family. Ryan wasn't too interested in his gifts, but happily explored Brendan's. Note to self: Do not spend hours wrapping gifts for a 17-month old! After opening gifts, we gobbled down Papacakes (pancakes) and later enjoyed a fabulous Christmas dinner.

The rest of the week was relaxing and enjoyable. Unfortunately, the work week resumes for me tomorrow. We were fortunate to enjoy some special moments last week, though.

• Thursday, the boys stayed home with a sitter while Ken and I treated my parents to an anniversary dinner. They are celebrating 38 years!
• My mom and I got away for a few hours of shopping. Need I say more?
• Ryan quickly grew accustomed to asking Grammy and Papa to read to him ... over and over and over. Thanks, Aunt Jenn, for the cool Backyardigan books.
• The boys loved playing in the new playroom. Perhaps the newness will wear off and the excitement will fade, but they seem to enjoy having another place to play.
• Friday night, Ken and I snuck away for a night on the town. Well, actually, a night in a hotel. We stayed at the Omni in downtown Detroit. Usually, we'd seize such an opportunity to explore the town. Not tonight. We enjoyed dinner at the hotel, strawberries and champagne (just a sip for me!), then sleeping in. The night was truly about relaxing for us.
• Sunday night we enjoyed a nice dinner with my parents at home for New Year's Eve. Then we visited our friends Paulette and Joe for a small party. It was a great time.

Well, I could go on, but I know you all must have other things to do! Besides, my time is running out. Hope your holidays were just as wonderful.