Buddy the Elf is Back!

We are having lots of fun with Buddy this year! Once the kids knew about the magic, they joined in on being Buddy. For the past few years, we have divided boys and girls and took weekly turns. This year, we asked the kids what they wanted to do. Issa has all of the senior things, Evan is in the thick of wrestling season, and we are all very aware that this will the last year we will all be under the same roof for the whole holiday season. The kids decided that they wanted Brad and I to take back over, and it's actually the first time he and I have done it as a team.

We took a night to design the whole month. We are bringing back some favorites from the early years, but we also brought in an extended story arc like Brad has always done. This year, a pipe burst at the North Pole and the elves need our help to restore the North Pole and get everything ready for Christmas!

Monday has been my favorite so far. Buddy brought a kit of cardboard gingerbread houses so we could build a replica of the North Pole:

We had way too much fun, and I love how cute it is:

We have little elves that have now moved into the North Pole, and we are super excited to see what the rest of the month brings.
 

So Very Thankful

We had a lovely Thanksgiving break, although I was terrible about pictures this year. I did most of the cooking on Wednesday, but Issa joined me for the pie baking. She has claimed the pumpkin filling spot:

And I made the prettiest gluten-free crust I have ever made:

And then this happened:

I have never had a piece of crust break like that, and I was so sad.

I love our Thanksgiving table:

The plates I purchased from a friend's antique shop, and everything else belonged to my grandmothers. They are all on the table, and it makes me so happy.

After lunch, we officially kicked off the Christmas season with Hallmark movies and Nana's Nespresso advent calendar:

Friday Brad made his Who Hash, and then we all headed out to purchase our trees. Kai joined us this year, and a very kind fireman took a whole group picture; it's the first one we have of me at the tree lot:

Nana picked out a huge one:

And Kai loved it so much:

Brad was grateful for another set of long arms this year:

Especially since this is the biggest tree Nana has ever had, which is saying something:

Saturday, we all went to the Chinese Lantern Festival:

The pictures really don't do it justice. The theme was the Monkey King and mythical creatures of China:

They were just gorgeous:

Sunday, we spent the day decorating the house and then watched the premier of the Hallmark Christmas at Biltmore movie, which was so good!

This week is a whirlwind, but we are still finding ways to enjoy the season and continue our gratitude.

 

What A Weekend

This weekend was one big blur of happy. Issa got her formal letter in the mail with her acceptance on Friday:

Evan also had a wrestling tournament Friday night! He lost on points by one, but he is learning how to do high school wrestling. Kai came to the match to help cheer him on, which was really sweet.

Saturday, Evan spent the entire day working the starters tournament on Saturday. Brad and I did a double-shift of ticket duty:

We then had a lovely staycation date night in town. We have started trying to do that every few months just so we have time without rushing!

Then Sunday we girls, including Aunt Shannon, went to the ballet:

We saw three beautiful pieces and then went back to Nana's to have Indian food with the boys.

It's a short work week and then a lot of family time--I can't wait!
 

She's In!!!

We have been watching the calendar for November 15 since Issa submitter her application to Meredith on August 1. She only applied to one place, and she did it early decision so she would know early enough if she needed to transition to a back-up plan.

Our heads knew she was more than qualified. She has a 4.4 at the high school, a 4.0 at the college, strong extracurriculars, a great essay, and strong recommendations. But as the day approached, we all got more nervous. Her heart was set on Meredith, and Brad and I were just as anxious as she was to get that letter.

Yesterday, we found out her decision would be in her online portal at 4:30, so we wouldn't have to wait for the snail mail to reach us. Unfortunately, I had to teach and she had dance. I booked it home as soon as class was over, and her gracious dance teacher sent her home before her last technique class. (I think the studio was just as anxious to hear the news.) Kai wanted to be on the phone when she opened it, so the four of us were anxiously awaiting when she logged in. And here it is:

She already accepted her spot, and I've never seen Brad grab his debit card so fast to place a deposit. She accepted her academic merit scholarship (half-tuition!) and signed the photography release. Now we wait to hear about her other scholarships and programs, but she knows where she will be next year! 

She's had a countdown to decision day on her white board, and this replaced it last night:

She spent the night texting with family and friends, and so did Brad and I. We are so proud of and excited for her, and we can't wait to see what this next chapter brings!
 

Books 33 and 34

I finally read two books that have been sitting on my coffee table for forever. Both books were gifts on a couple of our Biltmore excursions.

Book 33:

Through his art, this books chronicles Van Gogh's life. It was truly fascinating. The exhibit at the Biltmore had more of his own words, and I wish that would have been included in the text. It was still a great biography and exploration of his work.

Book 34:

This book chronicles the Biltmore's history. I picked up some new tidbits, and it almost convinced me to do the roof tour so I can see a couple of rooms we have never seen before!
 

Last Dress Rehearsal

Issa and I checked off another last last week:

 The competition season is officially underway now that dress rehearsal is behind us. We have it down to a system, and it was super easy. I had some extra stoning to do afterwards, but it's bittersweet knowing that this will be the last time I'm gluing tiny gems on a costume.

Book 32

I finished book 32 this morning:

 This one has been on my reading list for a while. It's written for young adults, so it was a pretty quick read. That said, it really made me think. I really wish I was still in a classroom to use it with kids!

Book 31

 I finished book 31 yesterday:

This is the last in the trilogy. I'm very glad I read it, but the time period have made it to World War I, which is not really my favorite. I'm glad to know where all the characters ended up, and I totally didn't see the ending coming! I'm also not sad there is not a fourth one, though.

Senior Pictures!

We got Issa's senior pictures back this weekend! They are absolutely incredible. I tried to choose my favorites, but it's still a very long subset:

And then in black and white:

They are just gorgeous, and I will be forever grateful to Robin for capturing our girl so well.