The Holiday Season

It's the most wonderful time of the year, or so they say.  It's definitely a busy time of the year, every year.  That seems to remain constant.  This is the time of year that I put my patience pants on and remember how blessed I am.  We have so many things to be thankful for and it's easy to get distracted by all of the stress that this season brings with it.  I try to be respectful of others' experiences and recognize that this time of year is not enjoyable for all.  I like to reflect and look forward, always making myself better and remembering that being kind and thoughtful can pay dividends to both the giver and the receiver.  So here we are; another holiday season is upon us.  Thanksgiving to the New Year. It seems to pass more quickly every year.

Annie and Chad joined us with their family, as well as my parents, for Thanksgiving.  This is my favorite holiday by far.  I love hosting at our house and it's such a laid back day.  Family, eating, and football.  Unfortunately the weather was not as enjoyable as it has been for the past couple years, but I think we all had a good time anyway.

Owen, River, and Gracie getting ready to eat

We started the morning with the Turkey Trax 5k.  I did this last year by myself and Owen and Chad decided to help continue the tradition.  Chad ran with Owen the whole way.  He said they only stopped to walk once for about 15 seconds.

Posing with mom before the race.

Gracie and Annie brought River to watch and took some pics.

Here's Owen coming down the homestretch.

So proud of him for finishing his first 5k.

Finished!  And I won a pie for placing 3rd in my age group!

I'm pretty sure this was my best 5k ever. 

(but that's not saying much. I haven't run very many of them)

Traditions continue

This was the third year we went to Hartsburg to cut down the Christmas tree.  The choices were fewer this year due to the trees contracting a disease.  However, we were able to find the perfect one for us this year.  It wasn't quite as warm as the previous year, but it could have been way worse.

Sitting on the trailer getting ready to go to the back side of the property

Owen and Nick

All four of us next to the red truck

Hanging around with Owen

Picked one out!

Owen helped with the saw this year.

Another good pick of Dad and Son.

Mom and Daughter.

Gracie and Nick.

The tree actually fell on Gracie while she was getting footage of cutting it down.

It was pretty funny.

After decorating

The day after Thanksgiving we also went down to the Lake to have dinner with our family again.  Annie and I did a little shopping while Grandma Kate spent some quality time with the Grandkids.  Then we met Nick, Chad, and my dad at the bar to watch some football before dinner.  It was worth the trip.

Wrestling begins

Owen has wrestled in two meets so far this season.  The first meet went really well up in Macon.  The second meet in Ashland was a little more challenging for him.  We have talked to him about moving up to 10U this year and that he will be the youngest; wrestling a lot of 5th graders who are good.  Sometimes it is so hard for me to watch because it is such a physical sport, but as long as he loves doing it, I will be ok with it.  I try my hardest to not be a crazy mom.  I also have to remind myself every year to be patient during meets because they are crazy and chaotic with lots of people. (As you can see in the pictures)

He won all four matches in the Macon tournament.

Looking at his coach for instruction

Back points

1st place in his pool

Ashland tournament

He was in a bracket with some pretty good wrestlers.  He went 1-2 on the day.  There were tears and he was frustrated, but during his last match, I was so proud that he did not give up when he was behind.  He never quit.  This picture is with another wrestler from his Columbia team.  I hope Owen continues to be challenged and continues to learn.

Gracie and Mom watching the meet.

More Traditions Continue

We have gone to the Magic Tree each year that we have lived in Missouri.  It was warm this year, which made it nice.  Nick always manages to meet us there, despite our choice to go during graduation ceremonies. (Sorry Nick.  I know you're busy)  I know that each year, the kids will become less interested in doing these kinds of things with us, so I try to hold on to the moments that they are truly excited and happy to be spending time with us as a family.  It won't be long until...things change.

So glad Owen was enjoying his candy cane.

Christmas fun!

More basketball

A little chit-chat before tip-off.

Gracie jumping for the ball

Another tip-off

And shooting

Unfortunately, these were Gracie's last games with her Ashland team this year. (Unless they enter another tournament).  Their game on Sunday was postponed because of the weather and rescheduled for this Sunday.  but we will be in Iowa for Christmas with the Blyths.  She has had fun with them this year and still seems to love playing basketball.  Hopefully we'll get to see a little more action this spring before softball begins again.

Owen is a Star Student!

He was recognized by his teacher for the month of November

Way to go Owen!

Here's Owen, playing with Custer.

Yes, we had snow over the weekend.  And two days of no school.

Gracie's first band concert was also postponed due to the weather.

So we made cookies inside while it was cold outside!

Actually, I think they could both play out in the snow for hours and be perfectly fine.  

Owen had his friend and new neighbor over for a couple different days, which is fun for him.

The semester is winding down for the kids.  Mizzou has been done for a week now and I'm just wrapping up everything and getting ready for spring.  Gracie and Owen will have two weeks off from school starting tomorrow.  After Owen's winter party tomorrow morning, we will get packed up and head north to Iowa!