January Review

My! Oh! My! The month did fly... I've been neglecting my posts, but wanted to highlight some of the month's activities *Pumpkin competed in the county swim championships this past weekend. The boys' team took second. Pumpkin had best times and is excited for State in a couple weeks. The swimming continues... *The Big Guy and Peanut started the Winter Cross Country series. So far, they've done the 3K and 5K. Fun was had by all running through the trails and mud. *Peanut attended a boy/girl Mardi Gras party for a classmate that turned 13. He had a great time. The week before, the guys went to Winterfest and spent the night here. *Pumpkin traveled with the club swim team to Auburn. They got to swim in that fancy pool. He thought Auburn was a bit too big for his liking. Hard to believe he'll be picking out a college in the near future. *Peanut's played rec basketball. His team is pretty good. He thoroughly enjoys it. I think there is only a few more games left:( *The stress of aging inlaws continues to hang over our heads. We've learned lots about assisted living facilities most of which resemble resorts. The challenge is to convince my inlaws. *I've worked quite a bit this month. *I had the 'ol play group sans kids over for lunch. It was so nice to catch up. *I am 1/12 of the way there. I challenged myself to see how long I can go w/o buying some new clothing for me. I have so much and need to wear what I have. I did have to buy the boys sweaters for the family photos. And, I bought a few new things for the house. But, those don't count. Off to a pretty good start - if I don't say so myself. *The month was warmer than normal. I saw a daffodil ready to bloom on my walk this morning. I hope they stay dormant for a bit longer as that hot summer will be here before we know it.

Winterfest 2012

Winterfest is the dance for 7th and 8th graders at the middle school. Some folks go all out. Some of the dresses are quite fancy. Peanut had a futsal game right before the dance. He did a great job of transitioning into a cutie pie. He wore a bowtie David had from college. I was so impressed that he had the guts to step out and wear something "different." Who knew a girl was going to untie it shortly after he got to the dance???

The Big Guy saw this picture and commented on Peanut's height. Peanut's head won't be shoulder level for long.

A couple other boys came over to the house and they went to the dance together. We ended up with six guys spending the night after the dance. I was pleasantly surprised. The kids did great. I only quieted them down once and I think they were sleeping by about 2.

Some folks make an extremely big deal out of this dance. There are a handful of stretch limos even. I feel like that money should be donated to finding a cure for cancer. And, if we give our kids everything in 7th grade, what are we going to do when they get older? Peanut's friends were all over it. They specifically asked to ride in the vintage Volvo. We gladly loaded them up and took them to the dance in our character-filled Volvo.

I did not get much information about the dance. They apparently danced most of the time and walked around a bit. The DJ doesn't play any slow songs. Peanut did not have to ask a girl to dance. He had a good time and the boys all seemed happy when they got to our house.

Mr. Frappe

One of our favorite treats from Costco is their mocha freeze - light on the chocolate. And, since our trip to Seattle, Peanut has acquired a taste for coffee drinks. The Big Guy and I don't drink coffee. I never acquired a taste for the hot beverage and the caffeine normally does wonders to my stomach. Anyway... Peanut got this for Christmas.

We tried it once using the standard recipe. It was way too sweet. I bought some better coffee. We hope to try it again soon. Fingers crossed that we can make a drink that is healthier for us and tastes good!

Liberty Bowl Parade on Beale Street

Sisters!

We were minus one as Pumpkin had a party to go to. I have to admit it was kind of odd to not have two in tow.

We walked over to the Peabody hotel after the parade. Boy! It was crowded. We ended up bailing out and headed for a trolley ride.

Waiting for the trolley.