wrapping it up

Just like that, here we are, wrapping up the semester. After this week of school, we're off for two weeks to enjoy the holidays! Last week was Sara's birthday week. On Sunday, the girls were asking to go ice skating, so we headed out to open skate. Sara got on the ice and took right off! It took Emma a little while to let go of the boards, but by the end, they were both totally solo around the rink. There were a few spills, prompting Emma to ask why ice has to be so hard.

 We all had a great time. It felt so good to put my own skates on, too! The girls had so much fun that they were asking to go back this past weekend, so we spent another Sunday afternoon at open skate.

 On Sara's birthday, I took the girls for donuts and got extras for Sara's class. This is her last year to bring birthday treats for her class.

 That evening, she opened presents. Her big gift was the room decor, so she had a few items from us and other family to open on her actual birthday. She was excited about her Kendra Scott necklace from us, her sloth to go with her new bedding from G&G, and especially her Hogwarts letter from Auntie! 

 Steve's parents joined us for a delicious dinner at Benihana, and then we went home for cake. It was a great day celebrating our awesome girl!

 The rest of the week was a blur. Friday evening, Steve and I went to his work holiday party. It was a New Orleans theme, and a lot of fun. I hadn't yet met most of the people he works with, so it was fun to get a little taste of his day-to-day. Saturday we set out to do some final Christmas shopping. Between the crowds, the many choices, and the long lists, it didn't take us long to need some fuel. We enjoyed our little day date!

 We also spent lots of time this weekend putting together a 500 piece Christmas cookie puzzle. Emma was a big help!

This is going to be another busy week - cheer, soccer practice and game, winter parties, my staff party, and just the normal stuff in between. This weekend we have our Kansas cousins coming to town, then we'll celebrate Christmas here before heading to MN to meet Calloway and ring in the new year and new decade. That's what I call a festive whirlwind!