Christmas is Coming!

 Christmas is coming, and we are just about ready here at the Early house.  I tried to get as much done as I could early because I kept thinking the kids would be going virtual after Thanksgiving.  We are now a week until Christmas break and they are thankfully still in school except for Briley.  I don't know if I have ever been ready this early.

So we left off the blog with October and the lead up to Thanksgiving.  I was feeling a bit nervous about going back home for Thanksgiving, and praying that no one caught even a cold bug that would keep them from going back to school after the break.  Thankfully, everyone stayed healthy, in fact, I think it is the first year that no one has gotten sick after a big family gathering.  It was such a wonderful thing to be able to go home, and leave all the annoying do's and don'ts of covid behind for a few days.  

One of the fun things Andy did was set up a basketball tournament for the kids.  His Dad rented out the old Willard School gym, and I think for the most part the kids had fun.  They also played a lot of football outside, and basketball.  Lissy had a gingerbread house contest that was done in the garage.  Very messy, but again they loved it.  They kept themselves very busy.

My Mom and I went shopping downtown one of the mornings.  The downtown area has some cute little shops that are fun to go through.  I love seeing the downtown being revitalized, and hope they get the support they need.

When we got back it was time for basketball again.  Briley has games every Monday and Thursday.  After the Thanksgiving break they decided that parents could not go anymore, and we had to watch on zoom.  That lasted for about 4 games, and then it was decided parents could go back.  Thankful we are able to watch her play a few more times before the season is over.  The season officially ended this past Thursday.  She has enjoyed playing basketball over the years, and a little bittersweet to see another chapter end, but I also know she will have many new beginnings next year when she starts high school.

Baylor had three games to decide what division they will be in for the season.  Unfortunately, the schools are no longer letting them play/practice in the schools so the season may be over.  They will decide around the middle of January.  Nothing like starting a season and then taking a month long break.  

The kids have been in the Christmas spirit, and we have gotten a few traditions done.  Martin City Brewery made a Bake Shop with yummy ice cream, cookies, and hot chocolate.  It also had fake snow that would blow out every 30 minutes. The kids thought it was the coolest thing.  

We made a trip to Bass Pro to visit Santa.  It was so weird to have it empty, and not have all the fun things the kids love to play with while we are there.  

When we got home from Thanksgiving we delivered paper grocery bags to our neighbors asking them to fill them up with food and clothing items that are in need for our schools new pantry for those in need.  We picked them up the following Sunday, and our car was filled.  So thankful for all our neighbors who helped, and it was a fun service project for the kids.  

We also have been making lunches for the homeless once a month.  St. Marys has had an increased need for them, and it is a project that is easy enough for us all to do.  

Next is the kids and their crazy rooms.  They have been making snowflakes and draping ribbons all over the place to get their rooms ready for Christmas.  Atticus even decorated my living room chairs with lights.  

This past weekend we had the Brawners over for dinner, and Emmie had a sleepover here.  Sleeping by the Christmas tree is one of the kids favorite traditions. The next evening we went out to look at Christmas lights and stopped by the bakeshop for a treat before heading home.  

One of the guys Andy works with bought a new corvette, and it was finally ready for pickup this week.  They only made 3500 this year, so it will be a car worth some money some day.  In fact, I think he could sell it now for more than he paid for it.  He brought it by for the kids to see.  Baylor pulled out his camera to snap some pictures.  The kids really thought it was pretty cool, and Andy was just excited about it.  The two of them went for a little ride, and Andy was loving it.  One day maybe he will get his dream car.

Last night we made gingerbread houses for the elementary school competition.  We posted it on the school website and then started laughing about ours compared to some others that look like they were professionally made.  We are hoping to maybe when the nailed it category.