Sickness and a Shower

I think I jinxed it by saying my kids never get sick because we ended up with two down for the count this past week. Maggie was absolutely devastated to lose her perfect attendance streak (since second semester kindergarten!) with one day at home with a tummy ache. Tuttle had it the worst with three days out and the suspected flu. I never took him to the doctor because he had the flu shot and his fever never went above 100, but he was very pathetic all week and slept a lot.

By Friday Tuttle returned to the world of the living and was buried in makeup work. Fourth grade does not play around!

Maggie returned to gym on Friday for her last practice in the Brookhaven gym. In one week we will be in our new Prado location!

We tried a new family activity on Saturday and took everyone to the gym. Jay and I worked out for an hour while the kids hung out in the play area and lobby. Then we went for a swim in the pool. I was a little nervous to showcase Jacob's swim skills after over a year in lessons, but that boy OWNED the pool. We now can eliminate a Puddle Jumper from our house. All three kids are fish!

Our final day of the weekend was filled with celebration for my cousin Anne and her upcoming wedding. Matt already feels like a part of the family, but we loved showering the bride-to-be. Gram hosted at her home, and she knows how to throw a shower. I love her commitment to a classic southern party complete with homemade chicken salad, cheese straws, and Grandma's fruit salad. We cannot wait for the big day in March in Athens!

On a side note after almost 12 years in the family, Cat finally earned a room of his own. It also includes a heated bed. He is living the life and does not have to shoot Rosie dirty looks through the window while she is snuggled up by the fire anymore. :)

Surviving, Not Thriving

It is cold in Atlanta. Like really cold. In the 20's. We are not cold weather people, so we are snuggled up under blankets as much as possible. Cat even benefited from the frigid weather last night and had a slumber party in Rosie's kennel. :)

I hosted my Mary & Grace trunk show this past week, so I was able to imagine warmer weather with all the sweet spring and summer clothes. Maggie and Jacob tolerated modeling the clothes, and we had some play time with our favorite baby, Chip.

On Friday the big kids brought home a slew of awards for first semester. Maggie was proud to receive Flying Eagle (All A's), Perfect Attendance, and Citizenship (only 1 boy/1 girl per class). Tuttle was given Flying Eagle and recognition for the highest point score on his Write Score Essay. We are so proud of our hardworking Thorne kids!

Jay is loving his new job and excited to see where his future lies with Amazon. We booked a long weekend trip to Seattle in February to celebrate since he will be there for meetings during the week. Now to figure out how to divide up our circus of children..... Any takers? :)

Happy 4th Birthday, Jacob!

We celebrated our little boy turning FOUR in a super way this past weekend!

Jacob insisted that only boys come to his party. Luckily he allowed the girls in his immediate family to attend although he really just wanted me to "pick him up" at the end. :)

Jacob's favorite buddies showed up and waited for the arrival of Spiderman. Most of the boys were so enthralled with Spiderman that they seemed to be in a trance. A few friends took a while to warm up to the friendly neighborhood guest.

Spiderman made balloon art for each guest, played some games, and poised for pictures. Jacob loved all the attention.

The party wrapped up with pizza, fruit, and cake for everyone. It was the perfect afternoon wishing Jacob a happy birthday!

How can he be so big already???

Back To The Grind

We are finally getting back into the school, work, sports, homework, piano rhythm. I was definitely one of the first cars in the carpool line on Monday. :) I have spent most of my week preparing for the birthday extravaganza tomorrow for our big FOUR year old. My trunk season also started with Mary & Grace, so between real life, I am writing up orders like crazy!

Another component we have added to our busy lives is rejoining with the YMCA. Jay and I even enjoyed a little "date night" on Wednesday for a workout. The free childcare is wonderful there. I am almost tempted to drop off the kids and read a book in the lobby!

Maggie has decided she LOVES basketball and apparently is pretty good despite her tiny stature. She formed a team with her best friend Kate at recess and asked me all week to pick up supplies to create uniforms. I was very impressed with the final result. Go Moonlight!

Tuttle newest obsession is collecting professional league soccer cards and watching professional soccer games on tv. He is counting down the minutes until a big game Saturday night at 9:30pm. He agreed to let him stay up to watch it.

I have been soaking up my last few days with a three year old. Four just sounds so much older and much less baby.

We are ready for an amazing party tomorrow afternoon courtesy of your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman.

What Day Is It?

We are finally returning to a normal schedule tomorrow after endless days of vacation. We are ready to have a reason to get dressed before noon if at all. :)

The days following Christmas are a huge blur of toys, organizing and packing decorations, lazing around the house, and eating out. While everyone has been confused with what day, month, or year we are in, here are some highlights from Christmas vacation.

We celebrated Daddy's birthday and his last year in his 30's with a trip to the Piedmont Park dog park and lunch at Lee's Bakery. I am so lucky that Jay Thorne was born 39 years ago and that I get to call him mine!

Ms. Jenna came over for a traditional New Year's meal and to exchange gifts. Maggie was elated to receive a Mal costume. I love that she still enjoys dressing up.

One of our favorite memories was Rosie being reunited with her sister and littermate, Mavis. Mavis's owner had recognized Rosie at the school's fall fair in October, and we have been trying to plan a playdate for a while. Our schedules finally lined up, and the girls had the best time running and playing nonstop for an hour! What a small world that both girls ended up in the same neighborhood!

We put Jacob's membership to the Georgia Aquarium to good use while Daddy was home. It ended up being such a great day to visit despite the crowd because the weather was so crummy. Thank you to Grandmommy and Grandaddy for this amazing gift for Christmas. We included lunch at The Varsity afterward complete with frosted oranges.

Jacob was less than cooperative for a picture at the aquarium.....

Saturday we left Daddy at home to work on our bathroom renovation and met up with our sweet friends at the zoo. It started off a little rainy but quickly turned into a beautiful day. Ms. Stacie, Eden, and Chip are some of our most treasured friends, and we cannot wait to visit again as soon as possible!

I am trying to clean the house and prepare for Jacob's FOURTH birthday party next weekend. His face is a clear representation of my feelings. How can my baby be so big?

Tuttle's photo represents my mood tomorrow after I send Jay off to work and the babies off the school. 

Do not disturb. :)