The week before last was a rough one in our house. Anna had a series of appointments on Thursday and Friday to which Ethan came along (because it's usually just easier that way now). Beyond the logistical challenges, these kinds of days are physically, emotionally, and mentally draining for me, and Anna, too. Instead of returning to school for the second half of Friday, I decided that it would be best for all involved if Anna just came home. Sure enough, she crashed in bed for an hour and then did some school at home that afternoon.
Last weekend was filled with a few different Christmas celebrations. Saturday morning was the final rehearsal for the Christmas program, followed by the annual Gingerbread Event. Food, fellowship, and fun memories were had by all.
In the evening our family attended the annual BCCN Christmas party at the Madison Children's Museum. Being a part of this group provides us with a community for making the kind of connections which we are unable to make within other groups.
Last Sunday was our church's children's Christmas program. The youth did a wonderful job with their performance while the younger kids always do a nice job singing their songs and illustrating the nativity story.
Sunday afternoon we all relaxed and tried to recharge before the coming week began.
Ethan didn't have school this last week, while the girls had classes through Thursday. The boy and I did a bunch of housework and general managing on Monday, but we decided to take advantage of the "warm" temperatures and the sunshine on Tuesday and go for a hike. We had another memorable afternoon together, even making crazy long shadows at one o'clock in the afternoon.
When I knew that Ethan would be home this past week, I got the idea that we should do a field trip to a museum since every time he has gone thus far in his life has been with his sisters along. We decided on Discovery World in Milwaukee, but when we told Matt of our plans, he asked to come along :) So while the girls were enjoying some of the holiday festivities at school on Wednesday, Matt, Ethan, and I drove over to Milwaukee for the day.
Unfortunately, I forgot to bring a camera to capture the moments, but I hope the three of us will remember our fun time without photographic evidence. I was glad Matt was along so he could answer many of Ethan's questions about the gears, engines, hydraulics, and other mechanical items on display. Ethan is at such a good age to enjoy some of these exhibits ... but they must tire his brain out pretty severely since he slept for a solid hour and a half on the way home. I honestly don't remember the last time Ethan took a nap!
The afternoons this week were filled with final Christmas preparations, haircut appointments, and a family trip to Olbrich Gardens to see the trains together.
And then Thursday arrived. Not only was it the last day of school, Bible Study day, and therapy day, but it was also the day we had scheduled to go to the kitten rescue shelter to pick out the newest member of our family. The kids had their hearts set on bringing someone home that night, so we had to pass on a sweet girl with a broken leg, and a couple of kitties who were just a little too young. Thankfully, though, we were able to come home with this fun guy.
After much debate, we are about 90% sure that his name is Rusty. The kids are in love.
Especially Kate.
So far, we have been working with Shadow in small steps to introduce her to our spunky kitten. We are hopeful that within a few days, we will be able to let Rusty out of the girls' room some during the day. Until that time, he is getting lots of love and attention by everyone in their room, or occasionally in someone else's bedroom.
Now it's time to rest, recharge, and celebrate Jesus' birthday!
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