When The Fog Sets In

The presents were wrapped, and mailed to Ernie's parents home.  The luggage was packed. (Even with the remaining straggeling gifts) All last minute Christmas errands run. The house was actually totally clean, even clean sheets! The boys were thrilled that they were FINALLY going to get to fly somewhere.  (Caleb really dosen't believe us that he has flown before because he can't remember it.)
However, as if to say 'this is what you get for being organized and prepared for once', fog set in in Boise.  Yes, all plans drastically came to a hault, may I add here AFTER we had already drove the 2 1/2 hrs to Vegas for our flight, when the airline called and told us the flight was cancelled. (-Yes, we were refunded the tickets!-) Panic set in.  How were we going to get to Boise?  I was sure that Christmas was going to be ruined and we were never going to get there. And I had everything scheduled and oraganized, and completely prepared! That's what I get for scheduling, and don't worry folks, I learned my lesson. :) 

Well, what do ya know we made it here, and with great roads. The drive wasn't even too bad.  (Although, I think that if I ever hear the Chimpunk Christmas CD again, I might loose it.) We have had blast seeing family and good friends.  And it snowed today, so the kids were thrilled!!
Some of my absolute favorite memories are from being at my Grandma's house for Christmas. (Yes, the one who makes the best breakfast if you remember from my previous post)  I am so excited for my boys to get to make those kind of memories.  It is a lot of work to pack up Christmas, but I am so thrilled we get to do it. And one more day until Christmas Eve!  I absolutely LOVE this time of year!!

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/UqKfxjJhzgtwIMCP

The Crafty Elliotts

While Ernie was having fun in NY for buisness (he did get to go to Madison Square Garden to see a Knicks game while he was there) last week, the kids and I got crafty.
This type of thing is not a regular occurance as it created a mess greater than that of playdough, so it was defanitely picture worthy.

Caleb helped a ton. Well, that is his take on it.  But I'm pretty sure Ernie did most of the work while Caleb ate the candy. And he has asked every day since if he can eat the whole house now.

Thanksgiving Feast

Every year my family has the same Thanksgiving traditions.  We have all grown to love our traditions.
We start off the day way earlier than should be humanly possible to run the "Catch the Gobbler" 5k. It is so much fun and the kids had a blast with it this year! Layne and I did the 1 mile with them. Although, I'm pretty sure Ernie can handle the 5k next time! He did awesome.  He ran the entire way and came in first! Like first place, the real deal! Caleb also ran nearly the entire thing, and I was trailing behind him as he sprinted to the finish line in fourth place.  (He would have been third, but an older lady speed walked right passed him in the home stretch. Have a heart lady!)  Anyway, everyone thought it was so cute and would cheer caleb on as he ran, he then would run a little faster.

Nat, Mark and Ernie after they finished

Claire and Ernie

Yeah dad! He took first in his age group! We were quite impressed. I can't remember his time now, but it was like 25 min or something. 

Layne was Ernie's mile run budy

Claire (she won't be able to do the piggy back pose for a ton longer since he will probably pass her up soon)

Caleb laid down in exhaustion after he was done.......

Which only lasted a few minutes and then he was racing Ernie

The proud 5k crowd (We missed you mom)

And I mention lastly that we were the proud winners of 4 turkeys this year!!!

Well, that about covers the first few hours of the day.  As for the rest of the traditions of the day.... a brief run down:

nap

get ready

eat

go to movie

and finally

home for pie with the Roskelley's

 Our movie this year was Fantastic Mr. Fox. And let's just say it wasn't my favorite Thanksgiving movie of all time. (But we know Layne and Micah, you liked it :)  My favorite was actually when we saw How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  We spoke in Dr. Suess inspired rhyme the rest of the evening.

We had a great Thanksgiving.

And yes, it is defanitely time now for Christmas. Even if I wore a skirt and flip flops today.