Christmas Crazy?

Christmas decorating started this year with the "formal" tree I've always wanted.  White lights and gold and red balls.

My fabulous tree was usurped by Kendall's "kids" within minutes of completion.

Kendall had a ridiculous amount of gifts for her girls in gift bags (and some Walmart shopping bags) under my beautiful formal tree within the hour.

My attempt to divert their attention to the little Charlie Brown tree in her room was in vain.

 Then the Griswold tree, aka the Hanukkah bush under the Star of David, went up.  

Then I decided I need a little tree in my room this year.

And the dining room.

And the other side of the dining room.

Then I found this note on the fridge:  

At least the little grinch still loves me!  

Welcome back Mick Elf!

Like clockwork (and a reminder on my iPhone that is largely unnecessary due to the much louder walking reminder of the household), Mick Elf showed up the day after Thanksgiving.  

He was then very innocently introduced to Barbie.  I'm keeping a close eye on that Barbie this year.

On the second morning, Mick was found on the Christmas tree in Kendall's room.  The note below illustrates how well that went over.  She at least seems to be very adept at softening her criticisms of the elf who is here to monitor her behavior for the next month.

This was his response.  Kendall was amused, but also perturbed that he "ruined" two bananas.  She did not, however, leave him a note about it.  At least that Mick or I have located.

ICE! at the Gaylord Texan

Thanksgiving 2015

Day before Thanksgiving turkeys with a super sweet sitter!

Turkey Day with single mom friends.  Perfect!  

You'd think the kids were the ones who started drinking at 2 in the afternoon.

Veteran's Day

According to Kendall:  Important in this Veteran's Day illustration is the fact that the soldier is a girl.  And that girl is smiling as a cannon is being shot at her head.  Oh, and a bird is flying in the sky.  

Halloween 2015

Somehow I managed to get away with only glittering small pumpkins this year.  No carving.  Yay!

Trick or treating with friends in a neighborhood near school.

Followed by a crazy Halloween party.  Crazy!  

The ride home.  Well after midnight.

Breakfast?