Weekly Wrap-Up

Last week was a little crazy around here. As I'm sure it was in just about every household. Every year I say I'm going to be less busy around the holidays and then every year seems to be busier than the last. But we are thankful for all of the "stuff" that fills our days! 

I left for Miami on Tuesday and was sad to leave during such a busy week, but was secretly really looking forward to some 85 degree weather! Scott was off a couple of extra days so I knew the kids would be in good hands. My work meetings went well, but I found myself staring outside at the 85 degree weather!! I did get a chance to sit by the pool a couple of times soaking up the sun. It felt wonderful, even if I was still in my work clothes. I came home Thursday just in time to see Nate at his winter concert. 

I know this picture is awful. Apparently I need a telephoto to get the stage. But Nate had a speaking part. When he came home and told me he volunteered to speak about a month ago, my stomach started hurting. You know how you get so nervous for your child but are so proud at the same time? Yeah, that was me X 100. Nate used to be so shy, but has really grown out of that stage. No thanks to me I'm sure:) 

Anyway, after fretting about it for weeks (me of course), he did absolutely perfect. He wasn't nervous at all. Definitely not my child! Scott kept telling me not to impress my fears on him...but I couldn't help but ask him if he realized there would actually be PEOPLE in the audience. Growth. On everyone's part. Especially me...

On Friday, we had some more yucky weather, so the kids and I watched Christmas movies and ate pizza before calling it a night. Then on Saturday, after much debate, because we got more snow (UGH), I decided to take the kids to my parents because we were going to be down in that area on Sunday anyway doing one of our Christmas traditions. And we desperately needed an activity. 

Why yes, she IS wearing Christmas pajamas! They are 90% of her at home wardrobe right now.

My Dad showing Lila and Thane the fish. Thane loves his cousins and Lila loves having a follower. That will probably only last for a few more months:)

 

On Sunday, we went to the River Ridge Winery where they have a beautiful Christmas shop. We've been going for several years and I love this tradition! Sarah's Mom, Cathie, couldn't join us this year (Get Well Soon!) so it was just the kids and I, Sarah, Thane and my Mom.

We had a good time picking out ornaments and having lunch. Can't wait to do it again next year!

Cold Weekend

Winter decided to greet us this weekend. I would have taken some pictures of the snow, but, well, it's just snow. And I'm sure we'll see some more before April. Really, we only got about an inch. So I was thankful, since areas south of us got much more. But for the record, I think it should be illegal for it to snow before Christmas. 

Due to the cold and nastiness, we hung out around the house much of the weekend. Truman tried to bring the Tigers good luck, but alas, they just couldn't stop the run. Why yes! Lila is in Christmas pajamas. She spent the better part of the entire weekend in various sets of pajamas. Why fight it. 

After Scott took the kids swimming yesterday afternoon, we bundled up and took a ride through the Tilles Park Winter Wonderland. I love that this is one of our traditions. This year, we were smart and picked up Subway to eat in the car while looking at the lights. The kids loved it. And so did we.

M-I-Z Z-O-U

Can we all just embrace this for a second?

Thanks.

I suffered through a few very tough seasons when I was in CoMO.

That makes this win and this chance ever so sweet.

I can't wait for my Missouri Tigers to take on the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship Game on Saturday afternoon! 

M-I-Z

Z-O-U

Thanksgiving Over Texas

Sadly, Scott had to work on Thanksgiving, so last Wednesday, the kids and I took off for Texas, along with Hamil, Sarah and Thane. We flew into San Antonio and made the short drive over to Marble Falls where we had rented a house on a ranch. My parents and Michael started driving from SE MO on Tuesday afternoon and were surprised with a phone call from Emily that informed them she was checking into the hospital to have the baby. She wasn't scheduled for a c-section until the 4th but her blood pressure was high and they decided it was time for baby Ilona to arrive. 

So my mom got busy and when they stopped in Little Rock for the night, my mom booked a flight from LR to Houston the next morning. She safely arrived and swept in to pick up Bluet right before Ilona arrived. Then they made their way over to Marble Falls to meet the rest of us and meanwhile, my Dad & Michael had arrived at the ranch. 

Your takeaway from this? Things are never dull in my family. Never. 

We had a great time at our Thanksgiving over Texas. It wasn't quite what we had envisioned without Emily & Ben there, but it was a relaxing time and all the cousins played very well together.  

We took walks around the ranch and found all sorts of things.

I did not take my big camera, so the iPhone it was. Without Scott to schlep all the things I don't want to, I had to be selective with my packing:)

We made chocolate turkeys with oreos and pretzels.

We listened to Wayne talk about a scorpion that he found in his room the first night we were there. Yes, in his room. Yes, Lila is wearing her Christmas pajamas to Thanksgiving. Yes, I checked our beds every night after this.

Nate and I took a walk by ourselves one afternoon. It was so special. He is so fun to talk to when he is not competing for air space.

There was a waterfall on the property, so we had to visit every day.

The kids and Wayne invented this game where they took all the cushions off the couches and played Pilgrims and Indians. It was hilarious.

Thane loved Nate. If I asked him where Nate was, he would rest his head on his shoulder. Love.

Hanging out watching Elmo. The girls favorite past time:)

These headphones that Scott got Lila before we left were the bomb.

Nate found this piece of rock with a fossil in it. Very very cool.

And then it was time to go home. I seriously can't believe that I took them by myself and we made it thru 2 airports, 2 flights, 4 shuttle buses, and 1 rental car place with 2 carseats and a huge bag in tow. I'm feeling incredibly proud. Of them. And me.

We came back on Saturday evening to avoid the Sunday rush and so that Scott could see the kids on Sunday morning. I was feeling so accomplished that I decided to put up the Christmas tree with this thing in my house. It's workin out well for me. Not. 

Because I had reclaimed my supermom powers, I decided to take the kids to see Frozen on Sunday. It was Lila's first movie and she was awesome! Nate was the supportive older brother suffering through the princess movie. But he laughed a lot too:)

 We hope your Thanksgiving was fabulous. Bring on December!

A New Addition

The first part of our Thanksgiving adventure began with a new addition. A very special baby arrived just in time for the holiday...  

Ilona Corse Collins

 Isn't she so precious?? 

I love her so much already.

Mom, Dad and big sister Bluet are doing very well. We were not able to see Emily, Ben and Ilona, but Bluet got to spend the whole Thanksgiving trip with us. We had a wonderful time with her and are so glad that she was able to be with us!

We love you Ilona Corse Collins - welcome to the family!

Lila is 3!

To My Dearest Lila DeLaney Boyle,
You are 3 years old today. You are the sweetest, funniest, bravest little princess that I've ever met.  

Three years ago, you came into our lives on a cold day after Thanksgiving. I knew you would be independent from that very first day. You were ready to conquer the world even then.

I didn't quite know the extent of your independence yet, but you are good about teaching me every day.  I will realize that it's a blessing that you want to do every little thing for yourself.  Just give me some time.

Sometimes, I think I'll blink my eyes and you'll be in high school and I'll be sad. And then I see this picture and realize my energies are better spent praying that your Dad and I make it through your high school years.

You really are so beautiful. You have me, Dad, and Nate wrapped around your little finger. It's been your plan all along.

You play hard, work harder, scream loud and love big. 

We are so glad that you chose us to be your family. We didn't know what we were missing when you graced us with your presence on November 26, 2010.

 But now we know that we wouldn't be the same without you, my sweet one.  

Happy Happy 3rd Birthday Lila Lou! 

Little Princess

We've been celebrating our little princess this weekend...

More to come!