We made it!

It's been a long stretch, but we've made it to our week-long Thanksgiving break!  For the first time, our district's calendar didn't allow for any breaks between Labor Day and Thanksgiving, and that is a l-o-n-g time for both students and teachers.  However, going without a three-day weekend earlier on has allowed us the entire week off next week, and for that I am super thankful.  I do realize that people in professions other than education may feel that "all of our breaks" are unfair, but it's totally different in so many ways that I won't even begin to argue here tonight.

Even Sara, who LOVES school and acts all disappointed when I pick her up in the afternoons, is excited for a break and a week of sleeping in.  She had a big week, with her first field trip to the Dallas Zoo yesterday.  She was so excited to get on the bus and go that she dressed and ready (all on her own) before 6:00 am.  Of course she had a great time!  Emma needs a break, too: within 20 minutes of dropping her off at school on yesterday, she threw up twice.  As a result, she and Steve spent the day lounging around the house sipping 7-Up.  She's much better today, but all signs point to the fact that we all could use a little R&R ... and food and football and Christmas decorating and everything else that comes with Thanksgiving week around here!

 This afternoon I got back from 5th grade camp.  Our weather was perfect for camping and hiking - not too hot, not to cold.  The kids were so engaged and well-behaved that I was able to relax and fish for a bit.  Some administrators despise having to go to camp, but I just love it.  We go a little ways up north where the air is cleaner, the stars shine brighter, and kids are introduced to experiences that many have never had.  I'm already looking forward to going again next year.  (By the way, the fish were not biting today.)

I just have to share Sara's turkey that she made for school.  I couldn't be more proud.  And now that basketball season has started, we can all hold our heads high.  This one's going on display in our house.  Forever True!

As you know, we have guests coming for Thanksgiving.  My parents will be here in a couple of days, and Grandma Lou arrives Wednesday afternoon.  This weekend I have to do a bunch of laundry, clean the house thoroughly, and hit the grocery store with this list ... yikes!

We're looking forward to a low-key week.  Hopefully the weather is nice so we can make some trips to the park.  On Wednesday we are going to take the girls to the American Girl Doll Store, and on Friday, per tradition {we WILL NOT shop}, we'll put up our Christmas tree.  And of course we'll take part in the season's first screening of "Christmas Vacation".  I know the week will fly by, so I'm already telling myself to just slow down and enjoy it.  Family, laughter, food, holiday spirit, football, the Macy's parade  ... what's not to enjoy?