Almost ready for Christmas

On Friday night, we went on the Polar Express. Brian and Austin usually have basketball on Friday nights so we had to drop off the basketballs then go. It was cold but we didn’t have to stand outside like in years past. Last year, Austin kept saying on the train ride that it was not real. This year, we did not want that to happen so Brian talked to him about it prior. However we wonder if that was such a good idea since he seemed disappointed about it. It’s such a tough call. 

The train ride was fun. The kids sang songs and drank their hot chocolate and had a cookie. Sydney loved it! Austin was kind of indifferent other than he really liked cleaning the windows. He did enjoy talking to Santa on the ride back home.

On Saturday I went to Girl Scout Cookie training with another mom. That was interesting. There is a lot that goes into Girl Scout cookies. Then Austin and Brian had basketball. Austin had a friend’s birthday party at Zip City. That place is a lot of fun!

Then we had a family party where Santa comes. It was a lot of fun. The kids went off and played with other kids and colored. It was sad because my dad was not there. We would always go to this party together and I usually stayed by him. I am a shy person and didn’t go far from my comfort zone.

On Sunday, we went to their school for gingerbread house making. It is great because all the supplies are there. The kids have about an hour to make a house. Austin and Sydney really enjoyed it. Their friends were there too. Austin was a little sad he did not win but he did do a great job!

On Tuesday night Santa came to our house in a fire truck. That is always a fun night. Austin got a building set and Sydney got a mermaid doll. It was even snowing this year which added to the fun. It was a great night.

They had a snow day on Thursday. Luckily I was off. We stayed home and a friend came over. It’s nice to have our house done and to be able to have people over. The kids had a great time!

On Saturday, we went to Gingerbread Tea. We had tea upstairs prior to the show. Brian got good pictures of the kids. Then we watched the show. They even changed the show up a little bit this year. It is mostly all the same characters though. Their favorite is Mousie. It’s a cute short show. We really enjoyed it!

On Sunday we went to one of our friend’s houses and Santa arrived. The kids were so excited! They did not know Santa was coming. It was cute. They got a bag full of goodies too. The kids got to play with their friends and we had a great time!

The last Christmas activity we did was Mr. Kringles at Tower City. It is one of our favorites. I saved it for last this year. It was a bit busier than in the past but we still did our now tour. There were several stations for the kids to invent stuff. They had a secret message that each room had a word they had to fine. That was fun for them. They also got a special name in the beginning. However we all had a hard time remembering it throughout the tour.

Mr. Kringle is the best Santa! He takes his time and even knows information about the kids. They love it. The both got a polar bear from his workshop as well. Afterwards they went to the talking tree which is also a big hit. Then they chased the train around Tower City. We had to get to the Cavs game so they did not ride the train.

We went to the Cavs game. The Cavs won! It was a fun night! Now we are ready for Christmas!

Start of Holiday Season

December is one of our busiest months.  We do a lot of Christmas activities with the kids.  We started out with Breakfast with Santa with our friends at a local restaurant.  It was cute.  The kids had fun coloring sheets and eating breakfast. 

Then we went to Brian’s work for a Christmas party for kids.  They had Santa.  Santa even gave the kids a toy. Austin got a toy to put together and Sydney got a stuffed dog that she named Pup Pup.  They did a craft and got a balloon animals. Austin requested a nutcracker that was a bit challenging for the balloon guys but they did it.  Sydney got a unicorn. They had lots of treats for the kids too.  They got several cookies and candies.  It was neat to see where Brian worked too.   It was really nice. 

Sydney had a play with her Girl Scout troop so we left a little early. Brian stayed and showed Austin around his work more.  Sydney enjoyed the play with her friends.  We saw a Christmas Carol. 

On Sunday we went to Lake Farm Park for breakfast with Santa. We enjoyed breakfast.  The kids built a wooden toy.  Sydney built a Christmas tree and Austin did a Nutcracker.   Then we got to see Santa and the kids told them what they wanted.  Austin wants a Drone and Daddy’s car to turn into a rocket ship and Sydney wants a Flip A Zoo and Mommy’s car to turn into a rocket ship.  The kids played in the toy houses (which we learned they are almost too big for) and watched the train. 

On Sunday night, we went to see the lighting ceremony in our city. We were late getting there so we were last in line to see Santa.  The nice part was we didn’t have to wait too long.  The kids got some hot chocolate and a popcorn ball. 

On Tuesday night we went down to the Q for a Winter Wonderland for season ticket holders.  We got some hot chocolate.  Then the only thing the kids wanted to do was ice skate.  We waited in line for a while but finally got them ice skates.  They didn’t have Brian’s size so I went skating with them.  I am definitely not the best ice skater.  Austin got pretty good at it after a while.  They had a lot of fun. 

After ice skating we got some snacks.  We had nacho chips for dinner.  The kids loved that.  They played on a large light bright too.  It was a fun night down at the Q. 

On Wednesday it was my birthday.  I had to work. After work, we went to a place to see if it would work for Austin’s birthday party.  Unfortunately it did not.  Afterwards, we went to Steak and Shake for dinner. However Austin wanted to go to the Cavs game instead.  After dinner, Brian took the kids to Giant Eagle and they got a cake for me.  It was nice. 

Thanksgiving

While my dad was dying, we had a severe storm that caused a lot of damage in our area.  Many trees down and we didn't have power for a day.  Luckily we have a generator and Brian got that started.  The storm happened when I was driving back from my parents house.  I had Sydney with me.  Austin was with Brian.  All the roads were closed with either down trees or power lines.  Finally Brian found a way to our house and told me which was to go.  I was so scared.  Brian had a lot of cleaning up of trees to do once the storm was over. 

Thanksgiving was different this year.  If you would have told me two months ago this would be the holidays this year. I would not have believed it.  My mom understandably did not want to cook Thanksgiving.  Luckily my kitchen is done so I did not mind doing it. We watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade. Austin and Sydney enjoyed it.  Austin even called Uncle Dean when the Sour Patch Kids float came on.  It was cute!

I took the challenge to let the kids help.  Austin got really into it.  Sydney helped a lot too.  They cut up vegetables.  They peeled potatoes.  They had fun and I enjoyed the help.  Only if I could let go of the mess a bit.   The mess drives me crazy. 

My oven even behaved.  We really need a new oven but just haven’t found the best deal for one yet.  But it stayed on the entire time and we had a delicious Thanksgiving meal.  My mom and grandpa came over. They did not stay too long.  By 5pm they were gone.  So Brian decided to take the kids out and show them what Black Friday is.  It was not as crazy as it used to be since stores now open on Thanksgiving however it was still something for them to see. 

I worked on Friday.  Brian took the kids to the Science Center.  Austin was so happy.  He has been wanting to do that for a while now so he finally got to go.  Then the weekend we stayed around the house and cleaned up.  We organized the basement and trying to get the spare bedroom together.  We also cleaned up outside.  It was nice to stay at home for a bit. 

Thanksgiving was different this year.  And honestly it will never be the same. But we made the best of it and continued to move along.  

My Dad's Passing

Oh where do I begin.  I really don't want to write this post but needs to be done.

My dad was in the house for dehydration about a month ago. He got better and was home functioning fairly well.  My dad had lewy body dementia and Parkinson's.  He was slowly declining and he did not like it.  He didn't like how he felt and he did not like loosing his mind.

He started not to feel well again.  However this time he didn't want to go to the hospital.  He knew he was never going to get all the way better and just wanted to stay home and be comfortable.  That started to be a challenge for my mom.  How was she going to manage him at home?

We met with hospice and he did not qualify at first since he could still drink if he wanted to.  He really had no desire to eat or drink.  A few days later, Dad became even more of a challenge for mom.  He was very unsteady on his feet.  We knew he was going to fall.  He was getting weaker by still refusing to eat or drink.  I spent the night at their house.  I told Dad to be a good patient for me.  And he was.  He at least stayed in bed.  That morning my mom met with Hospice and he now qualified.

Dean came up for the weekend.  We could not thank him enough for doing that.  We needed him then and we did not even know it at the time.  He was able to help so much take care of Dad.  Dad slowly got worse and we all knew what was coming but that did not make it any easier.

I went down everyday to see him. It was difficult to watch.  He was peaceful but I did not want to remember him like that.  On Wednesday November 8th, I went to work.  I had a feeling it was going to be the day but didn't know for sure.  At 8am my mom called and told me she was sad and that he was gone.  I was devastated.  I knew it was coming but now it was final.  I left work and went straight to her house. Uncle Pat, Aunt Carol, and Jeanette were there.  I got there the same time as the hospice nurse.  I went to see him.  I did not like it.  I wanted my dad back. However I was glad he did not have to suffer.

My dad decided before he died that he would donate his brain for lewy body dementia research. I thought that was cool.  So the hospital came down and picked him up.  That was not easy to finally reach someone to come and get him but they did.  Then they would take him to the funeral home.  I made the appointment at the funeral home that day too.  We needed to get the arrangements made so people could make their travel plans.

Brian picked up the kids from school at normal time.  I didn't want to go and get them and tell them without Brian.  Austin was sent home with Mary Statue ironically that day too.  Once they got home, they wanted to open that and see it.  So we did that.  Then sitting in our old living room floor we told that kids that Papa had died.  Sydney cried for about 30 minutes uncontrollably.  Austin did not really show much emotion.  It was terrible.

Austin and Sydney had a lot of questions though the days after.  I was the one they usually got the questions.  Honestly I did not want to answer all the questions because I really did not know some of the answers.  I was trying to process all of this myself.  I was a daddy's girl.  My dad was everything to me.  I knew this day was going to come but just wanted to be in denial about it.  I wanted to be by myself and sleep.  But I also knew my family needed me to I must keep going.  I am a task oriented person so I just kept thinking of what I need to do.

The kids went to school and Thursday and Friday.  I just kind of chilled at home.  Going through so many emotions.  My summer was a disaster with the house.  That was so stressful and my house was finally done but my Dad never even got to see it.  How could he be gone already?  I wasn't ready for this but it was not up to me.  Dad had a plan and he was ready to go.

My mother in law got up here on Thursday to help with the kids which was greatly appreciated.  Donny, Dennis and Cheri arrived on Friday night.  Dean and Karen got here on Saturday.  Kids had some activities that we took them too.  We thought it was best to keep them busy.

Sunday was the calling hours.  I had breakfast at our house on Sunday morning.  Luckily my mother in law did it all.  It was great seeing everyone but not under these circumstances.  Then it was time to get ready to go.

Many people came to say good bye to my dad.  He was such a special person.  I don't think there was a person who didn't like my dad.  He was easy going not easily stressed out.  As he got older, he would stress more though.  I think part of it was the dementia.  Austin and Sydney didn't stay in the room much.  Someone brought us cookies so they were in the back selling cookies.  In some ways, I know it wasn't appropriate but I know my dad didn't mind.  It was the best way for them to deal with it.  They were extremely sad about this too.

Afterwards we went to dinner.  It was nice but also it was an extremely long day and we were all ready of it to be over.  In all honestly, we just wanted my dad back.  But we knew that wasn't happening.

Dean was in town for a few days afterwards which was nice.  We went to Amish County for lunch one day.  Dad would have liked that.  We all miss Dad!

Halloween

This year has seemed crazier than ever with the house addition.  Halloween was coming quick so one day I took the kids to Target and let them pick out any costume they wanted.  Sydney decided she wanted to be a unicorn.  She has loved unicorns ever since Auntie Melissa took them to Dave and Busters and she saw a unicorn there.  Austin decided to be a hot dog.  I have to say even though their costume were simple they were very cute.

We went to Boo at the Zoo with our friends this year.  It was a beautiful day and we had a lot of fun together.  I love Boo at the Zoo. We realized this year we don't have many more years of this event left.  Austin and Sydney are getting older too fast!

We also went to our fire station Halloween party.  The last few years, Austin has won the contest.  We knew this year they did not have a chance.  And we went to the Cavs game that night too.  The kids wore their costumes there to trick or treat at the Q. It was fun for them! 

We went trick or treating at my parents.  My dad wasn't feeling too well but he did get a picture with them.  That ended up being a very important picture since it would be his last.  More on that in the next post. 

The kids school had trunk or treat this year. I signed up for that.  It was fun. I decorated my trunk like a mummy.  A friend called me that day and came with me too.  It turned out cute even though it was so cold.  It was a fun day!  I also did Austin's Halloween party.  We played the Bingo game.  They had fun.  

On Halloween night, Brian took the kids trick or treating with our neighbors.   I stayed and handed out candy.  It was a good night.  We all love Halloween!  It is so much fun! 

Also our house got carpet, so our house is basically done!  There are some some things but it is so nice to finally have a house again!

We have bedrooms

Our bedrooms are finally done!  We were so disappointed after getting back from Disney and not having bedrooms.  However we got them a week later.  After a long week of work and school, Friday night Brian and I worked until after 10pm moving furniture and putting beds together.  It was great to finally sleep in the house together in our own rooms.

Austin was sad the first night. He has always said he never wanted the addition.  However he has enjoyed all the process of the addition from watching the backhoe to sleeping in the camper to buying his lunch every day since we don’t have a kitchen.   He has also been a good helper with Brian doing projects like instillation. 

Sydney loved her new room.  It’s purple and it’s called Magical.  It is so Sydney!  The second night she did not get up until 9am.  She is loving her bed again.  We still need to put up curtains but other than that they rooms are good to go. 

They have been working on our kitchen too.  Every day Brian and I ask ourselves if this is done yet.  We are going on 5 months of this project and over 2 months without a kitchen.  We know we will love it when it’s done but it’s very hard to see that right now.  This has tested Brian and me beyond what we ever expected. We knew it was going to be challenging but really had no idea.

Our house is gross from the dust.  We don’t have carpet anywhere other than bedrooms.  But at least our basic stuff is in our rooms now.  It’s great to go to kid’s room and find what they need. 

Brian has been working a lot with his business and all the house stuff.  Brian is the one who knows how to do things.  I like to organize and put things aware.  I can’t wait for everything to have a place!! 

This week we got counter tops installed.  The kitchen and bathroom look nice!  I really like what we picked out.  Brian thought I was crazy for the white cabinets but I really like them!!   Hopefully I will be able to keep them clean.  I also painted and took out the carpet in my hopeful work office at home.  I hope I will be able to work at home soon! 

They are supposed to start our backyard patio next week.  I am looking forward to that being done as well.  Next year, we will be able to entertain and have friends over.  It will be great!

For our Anniversary, we went to the Cavs game without the kids.  It was a fun night out together.  It was even better we won and beat Kyrie.  We still can’t believe how much the team has changed in a year.  Hopefully they will do well this year. 

Austin is finishing up football and soccer.  They only won one football game but have enjoyed playing.  Austin still likes soccer too.  Sydney’s team has done great with soccer and have won every game so far. Hopefully they will win their last one. Sydney has enjoyed playing as well. I would think she would do it again next year too.

Walt Disney World

Our annual fall Disney trip, came upon us quickly this year.  We have been busy with the house and now it was time for Disney.  Brian got a staph infection in his knee a week before we left.  There were times we questioned if we would be going.  I got a Disney countdown for the kids.  They wanted to set up in the house but that was not an option.  So we found a place in the camper.  Everyone as soon as they woke up (especially Austin) they would change the numbers on the Disney countdown. 

The Friday before we left for vacation was so stressful!  Luckily I was off but went to church in the morning with the kids.  Then I needed to pack for vacation and pack up our bedroom and house for the final touches for the house.  They are supposed to get a lot down while we are gone.  The most important thing is to get Sydney’s room together.  I can’t wait for us to have bedrooms again!!  Then Sydney said she had a sore throat.  I took her to minute clinic and sure enough she had strep throat again.  She just had it a few weeks ago.  Getting ready for vacation can be stressful but throw on the house situation and a sick child.  That about pushed me over the edge. 

We were looking forward most to Disney just to get out of our disgusting construction house.  It’s really bad.  Kids and I have been mostly in the camper.  We haven’t spent the night together as a family in several weeks. 

Our flight was at 8:30am on Saturday morning.  We got to the airport around 7am.  The kids had to miss their soccer and football games.  We got to Disney around 1pm after taking the Magical Express (something I did not sign up for until the day before we left).  Again not on my travel game right now.  But it worked out except we had our luggage. 

Our room was not ready when we got there.  We ate lunch (we were all very hungry).  Then we went swimming.  The kids were so excited to swim.  Finally we got into our room.  We got ready and headed out to Epcot for Test Track.  Austin was so excited for that. 

Luckily the rain held off and we were able to ride test track.  However when we were done, it was closed.  We got really lucky.  Then we went and saw Sad and Joy from the movie Inside Out.  They were cool.  Then it started raining.  The kids wanted dinner and so did I.  But we were not prepared for the rain.  We got soaked.  I was not happy and yelled and Brian.  He was mad at me for not going back to wait out the rain.  It was a mess.  Finally we left and got granola yogurts at the hotel for dinner.  It worked out fine.  We were exhausted. 

On Sunday, we went to Animal Kingdom.  Austin got up first however around 7:45am which is sleeping in for him.  I was ready so we went to breakfast just us.  We enjoyed our breakfast.  Then Brian and Sydney went to breakfast while Austin and I did some of his homework.  After that we went to Animal Kingdom. 

I had us a fast pass for Navi River Ride.  It was cool but definitely not a normal 2 hour wait for it.  Nonetheless we liked it and glad we had a fast pass.  Then we watch a music show and got a family picture in Avatar land.  The kids did the Wilderness Explorer program again where they collected badges at different locations by learning things.  It’s a great program and one of their favorite things to do at Animal Kingdom. 

The next fast pass was for Expedion Everest.  Brian and Austin went first and then Austin and I went.  I think it was scary but Austin loved it.  Afterwards we headed to Dinoland.  Austin got to ride the Whip A Whirl for the first time since he was 48 inches.  They played in the Dino area and sand area for a while.  It is very fun for them. 

The last fast pass was for Dinosaur ride. We rode it and Sydney hated it.  Austin was fine with it but he had rode it before.  We had lunch near by and the kids got a pail for their kids meal.  It was good.  Then we headed out of the part.  We stopped at some wilderness stations along the way for more badges. 

Once we got back to the hotel, we chilled for a bit.  Brian and I rested while the kids watched TV.  Then we took them swimming.  This time in the baseball pool.  They would swim around the pool like they were playing baseball. 

We took them to Hollywood Studios for the night.  We had a fast pass for Rock N Roll roller coaster.  Brian took Austin on it twice.  We also saw BB-8.  Then we watched the nighttime star wars firework show.   It was a fun night. 

On Monday we went to Magic Kingdom.  We started off by seeing Tinker Bell.  Then we saw the talking Mickey which was great.  He even pretended to be a train and the kids went around in a circle with him.  Then we rode the people mover. That is one of the kids favorite rides.  Then we did the Astro Orbiter.  Then it was time for Sydney to meet Ariel with a fast pass.  Ariel is Sydney’s favorite princess this year.  Then we had a snack.  After snack we rode the train around the Magic Kingdom.  That was the first time we have done that. It was cool.  We rode the Dumbo ride.  The play area is more fun for them.  Then we rode the Barn Stormer.  It was a very long line for it.  Afterwards it was time for Belle’s fast pass.  Sydney got to be Philippe in the story.  Austin was a picture frame.    It’s cute show they do and kids love it.  Afterwards we went back to the hotel for rest (mommy’s nap time, kids refuse to nap). 

After nap, we went back to the Magic Kingdom.  We had a fast pass for Buzz Light-year.  There was a long line even with a fast pass.  Afterwards Sydney found a dance party and did that until fireworks.  Austin and I rode Astro Orbiter again.  Then we met for fireworks.  The new fireworks show was awesome!  We were right in front of the castle and we enjoyed it.  Afterwards we went for ice cream.  Then we rode Winnie the Pooh. Sydney saw a few princesses and Austin and I rode the Speedway cars.  We came back to the hotel exhausted. 

On Tuesday, we went to Hollywood Studios.  To our surprise the kids did not want to do Jedi Training so we did not get there too early to sign up.  Instead Austin decided he wanted to ride the Rock and Roller coaster again.  That is his and Brian’s favorite roller coaster at Disney.  Sydney and I went to the Frozen Sing a long.  We had fun.  Then we met up at the Disney Jr area for autographs.  We also saw the March of Order of Storm Troopers.  Sydney hates them.  Austin doesn’t mind them.  We rode Toy Story with a fast pass.  Then had some lunch.  We saw the Beauty and Beast show that Sydney loved.  After lunch we went to Indian Jones show.  We met Olaf.  Then headed back to the hotel. Brian took the kids over to Pop Century and Art of Animation to see the stuff over there.  I stayed at the hotel and did some laundry.  I met them for dinner Hollywood Studios.

On Wednesday, we went to the Magic Kingdom.  First we had our character breakfast at Chef Mickey’s.  Chef Mickey’s was awesome.  The food is good and the characters are great.  The kids enjoyed eating a lot of strawberries.  After Chef Mickey’s, we went to Magic Kingdom.  Austin and Brian rode Space Mountain.  Sydney and I rode the Little Mermaid ride.  Then we did the tree house and Tom Sawyer's Island.  We rode the seven dwarfs mine train.  We rode the Speedway cars too.  It was rainy most of the day.  We had some pineapple ice cream for snack.  We also did it’s a small world.  Sydney was excited because she believes they are still her size.  I think she is bigger than them now.  We had a fun day at the Magic Kingdom.  We went back to the hotel and let the kids swim.  Our swimming pool is a big hit for them. 

On Thursday, we went to Animal Kingdom.  It rained most of the day.  The kids finished their wilderness explorer badges and had a big celebration per their request.  They loved doing all the badges and they learned some things along the way. 

I also had fast passes for Avatar Flight of Passage.   They ride was awesome. Sydney was not tall enough so Austin got to ride it twice.  Definitely the best ride at Disney now.  However I am not sure I would wait 3 hours for it.  Thank goodness for Fast Passes. 

We also did the Jungle Safari ride.  It’s always awesome to see the animals so close.  It always makes me want to go to Africa and do a safari.  Maybe someday we will do that. 

We also had dinner at our hotel that night and the kids enjoyed the swimming pool.  We were going back to the river of lights show but Austin had a meltdown and it was time for us to chill.  We made the choice to take them out of school however Austin has lots of homework to do.  He is learning to read and spell.  He doesn’t like doing homework with us.  He does great in school but always gives us a hard time.  It’s frustrating.  Sydney does not have as much homework to do but enjoys it.  She loves learning and wants to learn. 

On Friday, we spent the day at Epcot.  We rode Soarin first which we enjoyed especially Sydney.  Then we got passports and went around the world.  The kids enjoyed each country and coloring the bears and getting stamps.  It was a fun activity that took several hours.  It was very hot too.  We have realized that early October is too hot for Disney.  Maybe next year we will go later in the year.  We also rode the Frozen ride.  Sydney did not enjoy going backwards on it.  Sydney dressed as Belle for the day.  We went and saw Belle too.  However she wasn’t wearing her dress.  We were disappointed. 

We took the Monorail over to Magic Kingdom to ride Mine Train since we had a fast pass from the other day.  It was raining however we did enjoy it.  

We had a great time in Disney!