Ready or not...

Christmas is here!  I just LOVE this time of year-- it's such a "good" busy.  I don't feel like everything is ready- but really, what do we need to celebrate, other than great family and friends (ok, and maybe a tree with some lights....)?

My last week of school with my kids went well.  They held their excitement together pretty well~ at least until the Friday we got out.  We spent the afternoon partying with Alvin and the Chipmunks and tons-o-food!  I bought them each a slinky (usually I buy a book, but this year I chose something different- and let me tell you, they were much more enthralled with a slinky!).  They were flying all over the classroom and I finally had to tell them to put them away.  It was a great way to spend the afternoon before heading off for a glorious vacation!

Of course I can't post without mentioning the awesome party at the nursing home last week.  Jesse and I, along with my aunt and uncle spend Thursday evening rockin' out with my grandparents and (what felt like) a million other people.  We watched the church handbell choir (always a fav) perform and then sang some good old Christmas tunes together.  It was so cute watching my grandparents sing-- they remember so many songs!  I certainly cherish these times...  and the night wouldn't be complete without some gifts.  The staff at the nursing home all "adopt" a resident- they definitely know my grandparents.  They gave them CHOCOLATE~ which is my grandpa's favorite food-- really he loves any sweet-- did i mention that while we were there he ate about 5 cookies, a piece of fudge and some hershey kisses??  I wish I had his metabolism.  :)   Anyways- it was a perfect evening spent together.

We got more snow this weekend which forced us to stay indoors on Saturday.... I think I watched about 20 episodes of Friends.... love it. 

Yesterday Erin, Trisha and I all headed out to do a little shopping.  I picked up a few trinkets to put under the tree-  It was fun to be out and about.  I stayed at dad's last night and tried to help Erin get ready for the big Aune family Christmas.  Should be a good time.    Poor dad had to go to work at 5:00 this morning, and since I heard him leave, I've been up ever since.  Might as well get something done!  We are going in to have some more Christmas fun with gram and gramps this morning- including showing some old slides and lunch.  Then we will all gather at dad's for dinner tonight.....

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas~ 

xoxo

Playing Hangman

Yesterday I played hangman with my students- just for fun.  The message looked like this:

---.   -----   --  -----  --  ---- - ----!    Can you figure out what it says?  I'll give you a clue- the first two words  are Mrs. Glass......  the last word is   BABY.

Good luck!  

:) 

Thanksgiving in Oregon

Jesse and I were able to take a quick getaway out to Portland, Oregon during our Thanksgiving break.  Luke and Catie graciously hosted us and showed us all around this beautiful area!  We flew in to Seattle early Wednesday morning and decided to take the Amtrak.  The train was fun- though we were tired out!  Luke and Catie met us at the airport and took us to this great restaurant (Flying Pie Pizza) for dinner.  Then we went to their place and watched a movie. 

Thanksgiving morning we got up early and drove up to Mt Hood.  It was so beautiful.  We first walked around Lake Trillium, and then drove as far as we could up the mountain.  We loved it.

 

Later that day Catie made a tasty dinner for Thanksgiving.... and then we finished off the night with another movie (ok- I went to bed).  Friday we drove to Multnomah Falls-- a HUGE waterfall- over 500 feet long. We also went to the coast, which was beautiful.

  

Then we drove around to see where Luke is busy working. Saturday the boys went out and brought back breakfast, then they went fishing while Catie and I did a little shopping.  We ended our night with dinner at Red Lobster-- and once again a movie.  Sunday morning came mighty early as we had to leave Portland at 3:30 to drive to Seattle and catch our flight.  We made it home around 7  last night and had a WONDERFUL time.  We look forward to getting out there again soon!