Before, during, and after

Here is what the corner looked liked before we started.

Elsie models her one antler.

We did the lights and they did the ornaments, mostly.

Ezra cheered us on with his antlers on.

Papa helped with the high ones.

And they finished up.  They LOVED it.  What is it about being a kid and decorating a Christmas tree?  Elsie told me that was the "Best day EVER."

Thanksgiving

These are some of the people I am thankful for.  I saw them over break as we drove the 220 miles to Griffin, then the 600 miles to St. Louis (yikes).  Michael gets the gold star and probably several more yet to be determined rewards in heaven for stopping and getting a HOTEL room for me because I was dry heaving into a bag while he drove somewhere in Tennessee. He let me sleep long enough to push through 5 more hours.  Then while in St. Louis I think I gave my stomach flu to the Ryans, who are now sick.  Fabulous.  

The kids had a great time, playing with new people, new toys, new places.  It was really good to see everyone.  I am thankful that we got to go home, though it was bittersweet.  I think St. Louis will always be home for me, no matter where I live.

What? You mean she's staying?

Sometimes this is how Ezra looks at Elsie when she talks, dances, yells, jumps, and does any number of outrageous things to get his attention.  We kind of look at her the same way - in wonder and disbelief.

For Tirzah

So, I'm still down from the hip surgery.  Long story, but I am now on 3 kinds of drugs and not standing or walking much.  So Michael bought me a Goodwill wheelchair last week.  Awesome. My very creative, artist friend, Tirzah immediately knew that such a chair must in fact be decorated, by my children.  So an envelope arrives, and the kids went to work.  Here is the result - the most beautiful, happiest wheelchair I have ever seen.  Note the flowers on the legs supports.

My confinement necessitated a visit from grandma, who graciously offered to fly down to help.  She just left this morning after catching up our laundry, feeding children, giving rides, cleaning up, and generally spoiling my baby.  Here is a big thank you to grandpa for letting her come down here - we really needed the help!

Between Yaya, Grandma, and our friends here in Savannah, we have gotten through the last 3 weeks ~ all of us alive, fed and happy.  Thank God for all of them.

Halloween

So I know Halloween was a while ago, but I've been down for the count since then.  So here are some pictures.  Elliot was a pink princess for her day at school, and transitioned into a purple princess for the night activities.

We walked down 51st Street for a bit before we went to the church party.  You should have seen people stopping to look at Michael.  Ezra was a very warm little pumpkin.  

Siberian tiger

One of my piano students' mom made Elliot this "Siberian tiger" costume.  You can't see it in these pictures, but it even has a wonderful tail.  He was a very happy little tiger.  I started mentioning wanting to get to a fabric store to look at simple patterns, but not wanting to drive because of the pain.  The next time I saw this woman, she has fabric and a pattern for me to "ok".  As they would say here, "bless her heart".  We love the tiger costume.

BIG Big Bird

Before we took the kids to the church for the Presbyterian version of Halloween last night, we walked a bit down 51st St. trick or treating.  You should have seen the cars stopping, honking, looking at my 6'2" husband as Big Bird.  Just part of why I love him.