'Tis the Season

This one got to visit the nurse's office last Friday afternoon.  She apparently hadn't quite kicked whatever virus she had earlier in the week and her fever had returned.  She was fine by the time Maverick and I arrived home after work and eager to catch the giant grasshoppers living in our yard!  She's also quickly discovered she LIKES visiting the nurse - for a wiggly tooth, a jammed finger from playing basketball in gym class or for a blister from the monkey bars at recess.  This one has no concept of avoiding germs...

Saturday both kids went with me to take care of Kali while YiaYia and Papou were in Florida.  As an added incentive, we stopped at Dunkin Donuts for breakfast.  

These kiddos can easily make an adventure out of any situation.  Between the berries and weird fungus growing under the pine trees, they were easily entertained while Kali did her business.

We arrived home to find a package on our front porch from Nana and Papa.  

These kiddos were super excited to open it up!

Friday night, Maverick had a hard time sleeping due to a lovely cough and, you guessed it - low grade fever.  Since he (and Ryan) were still coughing, we stayed home from church on Sunday and opted for some fresh air at a nearby park later in the afternoon.  It was absolutely gorgeous outside.

The park still had its water features on and we had one soaked little boy by the time we got back in the truck!

They were trying to catch a squirrel who'd raced by with a very large acorn.

One last stop at Kali's on Sunday afternoon before heading home to watch the game.

And a quick stop at Meijer (which we usually don't go to) led to a lovely slipper discovery.  Both kids want these gems for Christmas...

We had a football game Wednesday evening.  Once the sun went down, it got much cooler so it's a good thing she brought her fuzzy vest!  She was sad the assigned parent forgot their snack duty but perked up when one of the dads pulled out a bag of starbursts!

Thursday night, while Ryan was at his Civilian Police Academy class, we hit a local pizza place for some magic and balloon animals.

Friday night, Phoebe's squad was invited to attend the high school football game and get a little recognition.  Of the seven on the squad, only three showed up.  It was super windy, cold and rainy and since the cold had finally made its way to me, Ryan volunteered to go with Phoebe.

They got to watch the "real" cheerleaders in action.

They were actually the ONLY three cheerleaders who showed up to be recognized out of 8 squads.

Saturday, we hit Wilson's Farm Market to grab some hay bales, cornstalks and checked out the pumpkins before Phoebe's last game.

We started out with six girls but due to the frigid temperatures, they quickly started dropping like fleas.  It was hard to believe the weekend before we were playing at a water park!  

We agreed to let them each do their favorite cheer, then we quickly packed up and headed home to warm back up.

YiaYia and Papou joined us since they'd come to the game and YiaYia worked with Phoebe on her math skills.

Papou and Maverick had an extensive search for Waldo.

Then out came the Tinker Toys.  We'll spare you the pictures we took of our entertaining attempts at Twister...

Early Sunday morning snuggles while sick mommy was quarantined to the recliner.

Sunday afternoon, Phoebe had a birthday party at a friend's house.  While talking with other moms, I quickly discovered that whatever Phoebe had, she was not alone.  It is unfortunately, that time of year when the germs are practically unavoidable.  Maverick and Ryan wasted time while we were away and had a crazy time playing Spot It.  

I'm still taking cold medicine and fighting the bug that has made its way through our family. Rest assured that once it finally leaves, we will be making a stop for our flu shots!  Yuck!