Almost Christmas

I can't believe its almost Christmas...where does the time go? We had a terrific holiday at Thanksgiving. Its so great because the girls have the entire week off. We decided 5 years ago that this would be OUR holiday-just the 4 of us. No one else. We would spend a few days together, somewhere fun. We have been to Chicago twice, Bedford, PA twice, Columbus, OH...this year we went to Bedford, PA. The weather was incredible-so warm. Daddy played golf it was that warm! We hiked, swam in the awesome indoor pool, ate some wonderful meals and just were together. Reading, laughing, shopping...it was perfection. There is this adorable antique store in town-E & O always buy these tiny glass animals there. I love it there-bought some vintage Xmas decorations. 
Monica & Erin stayed with the pets-that was good too. 

Lu just began martial arts at Eastgate Martial Arts Center. Wow. What a neat place. And Master McFarland is awesome-definitely one of a kind. So good with the kids. Lu is loving it! 
Last night was the annual Xmas sleepover-Emma, Grace Silvers, Kristen, and Bree. All went well except the chatter lasted well into the night-1am to be exact. It was fun though-Emma planned a craft-clay pens, we ordered pizza, watched Percy Jackson, ran around outside, exchanged Xmas gifts-so many cute ones-Bree made everyone a headband, Kristen bought everyone Mickey & Mini pj's complete with traveling pants book and that put put "traveling pajama pant on the cover! Too cute! Grace Silvers gave everyone candy-I think-Emma gave everyone their favorite candy and a glass animal. Dad got Ms. Cheri's donuts in the am. 
Tonight Reagen, Kendra, Kit & Jack, Emma & Lu went to eat at Main Street and to Alice In Wonderland play at the Ensemble theater. 
This Christmas we have so much to be grateful for-Baca is alive and well for one. Last Christmas was bitter sweet for sure. Great here in the am because we surprised the girls with an awesome trip to Disney....then horrific by Christmas night because Baca became extremely ill very quickly. He had an infection that went to his brain very fast. Was rushed to Anderson Mercy hospital then to UC hospital, very scary, then rushed into surgery Monday am to remove part of his mastoid bone which had been eaten through by the infection and it went straight into his brain. 7 days in a coma-he woke on the 7th day speaking!!! Off the ventilator, etc. THIS IS A MIRACLE. and THIS is what Christmas is about. 

 Christmas tree in Bedford Omni

 There was a race Thanksgiving am-Turkey Trot-the Murphy's didn't race!

My little martial arts girl