Hello? Is Anybody Still There?

Poor, poor blog. We've been going through a rough patch, blogging-wise, not life-wise. Life has been pretty wonderful, actually, which is probably inversely proportional to the speed of my blog updating. So, here is a super speedy rehash of the last few months of 2010. As well as a renewed effort to blog more frequently in 2011...

1. NOVEMBER

Seventies Redeux- Danielle hosted an awesome 1970's themed party for Mark's 40th birthday. Mike had a full beard leading up to the party, and accessorized his polyester with a 1970's era mustache. It was pretty freaky, and while it was fun for the night, I was glad to see the razor come out the next day.

Thanksgiving was a wonderfully low-key event. Bridget and Steve were on their rotation with the in-laws, so it was just the five of us at Mom and Dad's. We had a great meal, and a really relaxing day in P.L.

2. DECEMBER

I was fortunate to have some PTO to burn, so it was nice taking off some days in early December for Christmas shopping (as well as the week of Thanksgiving). Thanks to G and G for watching the kids, so Mike and I could have a really productive day. We were able to swing through the old neighborhood and have a nice lunch at Blackbird, in its new location- 38th and Nicollet! I definitely would like to plan a shopping day sans kids next December.

Bridget and Steve joined us in celebrating Mike's birthday this year. We went to the new Psycho Suzy's for a drink, before heading to Jax for too decadent of a meal. I hope next time, Bridget will be able to enjoy her meal.

We had a really terrific Christmas this year. Colin really got into opening presents, and it was so fun to watch him rip off a corner of wrapping paper, and squeal in delight, as if he knew what he was opening. The tree went up the weekend after Thanksgiving, and the elves came to our house quite early this year, to check in and report back to Santa that we were ready for his visit. However, such an early visit from the elves made for a long wait until the Big Day.

I had fun making batches of cookies, so I was ready with a cookie plate whenever we went for a visit somewhere. I made cardamom cookies, almond triangles, molasses cookies, pumpkin cookies, double chocolate cherry cookies, and orange/dark chocolate dipped cookies. I really enjoyed the cardamoms and plan on making them again for sure, and the molasses cookies were also a hit.

I gave Mike a package of Gopher Basketball tickets for his birthday this year, and the first game was against South Dakota on 12/23. Mom and Dad graciously agreed to let the kids sleep over, so we dropped them off, went to the game, and went back to our house childless, to wrap presents, and then sleep in a bit on Christmas Eve morning. I think that was hands-down Mike's favorite Christmas present.

We tried Christmas mass at Pax this year, since St. Mike's has always been so packed, and while we were relegated to the downstairs gymnasium, it didn't feel as chaotic and useless as past years in P.L. Steve stayed home with Laurel, and had dinner all ready to go when we arrived back home.

Favorite toys opened this year included Annalise's soccer cleats, ball, and shin guards. She looked so grown up when she tried it all on. Now we have to find a soccer league... Bennett handled the disappointment well of his Cars Piston Cup racetrack not working. Mike got it all set up, only to find it wasn't working. After depleting our supply of D batteries, I schlepped to the Super America in my pajama pants to buy their overpriced D batteries, and was disappointed to find that it was not a problem with batteries, but with the toy itself. Once we got it exchanged at Toys R Us the next week and set up all over again, all the kids had a lot of fun with it. Colin doesn't really have a standout favorite toy, although he probably enjoyed the goofball that Santa brought him, because it was immediately available, fun to touch, and ready to throw at unsuspecting family members not ready to catch it at close range/high velocity.

We had fun playing in our pajamas Christmas morning, and didn't head to Okabena until late afternoon. We had Christmas on Sunday morning, and headed back home on Sunday night. We had to get home, as A and B both had swim camp Monday through Thursday the last week of the year. It was fun to be at home that week, able to watch swimming lessons, and see so much of the kids and Mike, but of course I wasn't as productive as I would have liked.

I don't want to chance getting this post erased, as I've hit the "add photos" button several times without anything happening, so I will just get this posted, and add photos later. I really will, I promise!