The Last Days of 2020

Christmas seemed to come and go so quickly! Luckily the days leading up to New Year's passed a little slower, and we fit in some adventures, as well as some time at home. While at home, Emmy is loving wearing her Elsa slippers, her Elsa ring, and all other things Frozen. When she is not playing a princess, she and Eli will "cook" together in the play kitchen. The kitchen is the perfect height for Eli to stand and play. Emmy got the kitchen as a birthday gift from Grammy and Grandpa in 2019, and it continues to be a hit. One day during Eli's morning nap, Emmy and I did some real cooking, and she loved stirring up the batter for some apple cinnamon muffins.  

Our adventures this week included a visit to the library - our first time inside in several months! No surprise, Emmy picked out a Frozen book and Fancy Nancy.

We also went to the Science Center. That makes two trips to the Science Center this Christmas break! This time, Daddy got to come along, and we had up close encounters with lots of the animals. 

We checked off the last of our Christmas activities with our annual post-Christmas tour through the Tanglewood lights. As in years past, we go sometime between December 26th and 31st, and this year felt like our best "execution" yet. We arrived in line shortly after 5:30PM. I had already fed the kids dinner at home, and Boomer and I ate in the car as we waited for the gates to open. A little before 6PM, we started moving, and we were exiting the park by 6:45PM. Emmy was in awe of all of the displays, and we were still on track for a regular bedtime. Yay! On our way home, we picked up drinks from Starbucks, another tradition each year when we see the lights.  

Closing out 2020, we gathered together with our usual crew: the Houstons, the Williamses, and the Whites. Our group now totals 16! We toasted the New Year around 7PM before all heading home for bedtime. 

Today was a pretty lazy day. Boomer and I fit in staggered workouts this morning, and then after naptime, we went out to an early dinner at Cracker Barrel to use one of our Christmas gift cards. It wasn't the traditional New Year's meal, but thanks to my parents who were kind enough to drop off a Tupperware of pork and sauerkraut, I did still eat my bite for wealth and health in 2021. 

It has been quite a year. At the beginning of 2020, I was on maternity leave and adjusting to life as a mom of two. The year brought job changes for both Boomer and me; one anticipated, and one not. It was a bit scary to return from summer break to a brand new job. Yet, I am thankful that God continued to provide for our family. We have made some precious memories during this year. While I look forward to when we can safely do all the things that we have done in years past, I am trusting in God's plan and will for 2021. Happy New Year!