Trip to Charlotte

Last weekend, we took a trip to Charlotte to celebrate Carlin's 30th birthday and the soon-to-be arrival of the newest Kennedy grandchild. Aunt Carlin and Uncle Matt are expecting a baby boy in February, and with Carlin's birthday in December, it was a dual party for both occasions. Bret and Cathy rented a beautiful home just outside of Charlotte, technically in Mint Hill, for the party and for the immediate family to stay overnight. We arrived on Saturday morning around 11AM and helped with the final preparations before the party started at 2PM. There was a yummy spread of food, with BBQ, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, and cake. Everyone enjoyed mingling and also watching some football too. The kids were very well behaved and blended in with the partygoers. Eli especially enjoyed playing cornhole with the guys. After all the guests left, we changed into our pjs and turned on a Christmas movie. On Sunday, after we checked out of the Air BnB, the four of us went for breakfast at The Original Pancake House off of Sharon Road. We enjoyed a hearty breakfast of eggs, pancakes, bacon, and sausage. Boomer got a blueberry Belgian waffle, and I got the house specialty, a Dutch Baby, which was a cross between a pancake and a soufflé, served with slices of lemon and powdered sugar. It was delicious!

 

On Tuesday evening, we went to the Wake Forest vs. James Madison basketball game. Boomer and I had looked at the schedule a few weeks prior, and we decided that if we were going to fit in a game this year, it may have to be in December, on a school night, before the prices and the kids' schedules got even crazier in the new year. Tip off was at 7PM, and we got dinner beforehand at our favorite pizza place in Winston, Burke Street Pizza. We arrived at the Joel in time to see a little bit of warm-ups and the National Anthem. The 1st Half wasn't a very strong performance for the Deacs, but they came back in the 2nd Half to win 75-58. Go Deacs!

You wouldn't know it from the above pictures, but Emmy stayed home from school on the day of the basketball game. After a full week of battling a cough that didn't seem to be getting better, I took her in to see the doctor that morning and then dropped her off at Grammy and Grandpa's for the rest of the afternoon. The doctor said that she had the symptoms of a virus that is currently going around, one that starts with a fever and other symptoms spiking around the 3-5 day mark (check!), then continues with a lingering cough for up to two weeks (check!) Despite the cough, she is continuing to power through each day. She may be a little like her Mommy; she is determined not to miss a thing. She returned to school on Wednesday for her class Christmas party and on Thursday for Pajama Day. Grammy was able to go to the class party, and I loved getting pictures of the crafts and games. An elementary school sure is a fun place this time of year. God bless all the teachers and staff! 

 

We had our second basketball practice on Thursday evening. As soon as jerseys were handed out, Eli couldn't wait to put his on. He is #25, and Emmy is #9. Stay tuned for many more pictures when games begin in January. 

Today, Emmy was the only Kennedy that did not go to work or school. WSFCS started their Christmas break a day before everyone else, so Emmy enjoyed a fun day with Grammy and Grandpa, baking and crafting. Even Grandpa got roped in to help. He superglued the snow globes, with all the tiny figurines inside. Then Grammy helped fill them with the solution and glitter. They also made cookies, colored, and began reading The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever. Eli had a fun day at preschool. They had their Christmas party with lots of games and crafts. Eli won a yo-yo in a Grinch punch-the-cup game, and he got a Lego set playing Secret Santa. As of this afternoon, Christmas break has officially begun. We are excited to enjoy the next two weeks together celebrating Jesus' birth!

Oh What Fun!

This week was very special with several Christmas events. First, on Wednesday the 11th, our church's childrens ministry had their annual Christmas program. This year's show was called "It Happened in the Country," and it was the story of two city kids that find themselves stuck "in the sticks" on Christmas. Not so happy about their rural surroundings, they soon learn the true meaning of Christmas from their new country friends. Emmy was part of a quartet that sang a verse during "Story of the Shepherds" and Eli sang "Away in the Manger" with the other preschoolers. Maddox was a part of the production too. Now that Zander is in middle school, he has 'aged-out' of the children's ministry. We missed having the eldest cousin in the performance, but he enjoyed sitting with the adults in the audience. All of the children did so well and sang their hearts out. 

Today, Eli's preschool had two special events, first a Christmas breakfast in the morning and then their Christmas program in the afternoon. After Wednesday night's performance, I had high hopes for Eli as he took to the stage a second time....but it was quite the opposite! Aunt Megan, Maddox, Grammy, and Grandpa came to watch, and unfortunately, Eli was in tears the entire time and cried even harder when any of the family members made eye contact with him. I noticed he would try to compose himself, but one glance into the audience, and he would tuck his head and cry again. When I asked him later why he didn't sing, he said that it was because I had not told him Sissy would be there. I had suspected that he may have been jealous that Emmy was sitting in the audience and not on stage with him like on Wednesday. Just for memory's sake, I'll include a few photos. It was a memorable performance, but not in the way I had hoped. I'm sure it will be funny years from now. 

Last Saturday, after our Yadkin County Christmas adventure, we ended the evening with a party at the Huffs'. Like last year, the Huffs transformed their garage into an amazing winter wonderland for photos with Santa. I received the photos back this week, and they turned out great. Emmy and Eli got a few minutes to talk to Santa and again tell him what they are wishing for. 

Upward basketball is underway, and both kids had their first practices this past Thursday. The practice times coincide, which makes for a convenient schedule for the Kennedys. Boomer is once again coaching Emmy's team, and this year they are the Leopards. Eli's team is the Dragons. We can't wait for games to get started in January. Before the practices, the kids had their annual physicals, and it was confirmed: the Kennedy kids are growing! Eli weighed 40 lbs (43 percentile) and measured 3' 7" (49th percentile). Emmy weighed 60 lbs (64th percentile) and measured 4' 3" (72nd percentile). Eli also had an extra hearing and vision test in preparation for kindergarten enrollment. They were both so brave when it came time for their shots. There may have been a little bit of bribery, in the form of Sour Patch Kids. Once everything was finished, both kiddos were excited to spend their tokens in the prize machines; they got bouncy balls, stretchy animals, and even a mustache. The kids have been enjoying all the festivities during these fun days in December. Santa even made a special visit to my school this week! Parties, dress-up themed days, treats, and movies - it's a magical time of year!