Thanksgiving And A 10th Birthday

This is my last day of my 6 day vacation.  It's been wonderful.  Some moments have been relaxing while other moments have been busy.  This time off has been needed.  I'm lucky to have a job that's only 3 hours a day but it's nice to have time off.  The vacation started last Wednesday.  The kids were invited to play with their friends Elee and Max, which allowed me to get some things done around the house and relax.  I told Elee and Max they could come over today so they will be over at 2:00. 

Thursday was Thanksgiving.  I usually do the cooking and have my parents and my husband's family over.  I don't mind cooking but this year I decided to take a break and we had dinner with my parents at a place called The Eden Resort.  This is where my husband and I had our wedding reception.  It's such a beautiful place and they had a huge buffet set up with lots of food and live piano music.  It was nice.  I wish I would have taken more pictures. 

The bad part of not cooking Thanksgiving at home is not having any leftovers.  We usually have enough to live on for days.  The good thing is not having all the mess to clean up.  It was nice to have a day out to enjoy and not have to stress over the cooking. 

Friday was my son's 10th birthday.  Oh my goodness.  These 10 years went by so fast.  If I can give advice to new moms it's that "time flies" isn't just a cliche it's the truth.  The waking up throughout the night for feedings, the constant changing of diapers, the feeling of being stuck at home and lacking adult interaction, the crying, etc., it all does end and you will miss it.  So embrace every moment. 

My son wanted to go to a place called Go'n Bananas.  We had never been there before but heard it was fun.  There was a lot to do and the kids loved it. 

We stopped at my parents' house because they had bought a cake.  We spent some time there and then went to a hibachi restaurant.  My son went to this restaurant with a friend a few years ago and loved it.  I had never been to a hibachi restaurant before and it was a lot of fun.  The kids loved it.  I think my daughter got a kick out of the chop sticks.  

We sat at a table with a large group who were there together.  They were very nice.  The one man asked who had the birthday.  My son told him it was him and they were talking about the day.  My husband and I looked at each other and whispered "how did he know?"  That was weird.  Then when we went to leave they insisted on paying for our meal.  As we left we saw them all get into a van with a Missouri license plate.  Whoever they were THANK YOU.  We are now fans of people from Missouri.  I'm a believer in pay it forward so I hope to be able to do the same for someone soon.  

On Saturday we took my husband to his physical therapy appointment.  He had shoulder surgery a few weeks ago.  Then we came home to decorate for Christmas.  I haven't finished so when I do I'll be sure to add the pictures here.  I cannot believe it's almost Christmas.  Where did this year go?  I'm trying to get into the spirit of Christmas but it's not quite there yet.  

On Sunday I dropped the kids off at my parents' for a sleepover.  I had a relaxing evening at home with my husband.  This morning I drove him to work and will be picking him up at lunch time.  The kids should be home about that time too and then their friends are coming over.  

And just like that vacation is about over.  The kids go back to school tomorrow and I go back to work in the cafeteria.  I will have plenty of activities and events coming up to write about.  Stay tuned.