yay for winter break!!

 I love having everyone home with meeeeeee! And not a moment too soon! We definitely limped to the finish line (see: orchestra concert that almost was forgotten)

Nutrition has definitely taken a turn for the worse, as evidenced by Minnie's final breakfast and lunch of the school (calendar) year on Friday:

She's jumping up and down for break here, and I AGREE

Elf flavored?? REALLY??

You guys! I love Dance Moms: A New Era, and I could not help but think how HILARIOUS it would be if I wore something like this to a comp. DOROTHY WOULD DIE.

I am LOVING SHU's book, and I am so excited to have some time to think about how I am managing my tasks (NOT AIRTIGHT YOU GUYS) and wow did it come out at the perfect time-- I am for sure riding the new year energy wave. Can't wait to make 2026 my most well planned year yet.

The old oven has been holding steady (I don't even want to say that for fear of jinxing her), and I was able to make myself in gingerbread (wearing Domenica's top, above)

I saw this kid carry the class hamster out the door of the elementary school on Friday afternoon, and it was the most classic little kid at school thing EVER, and I loved it.

Also made a few brownies as long as the oven was hot.

Dorothy, enjoying a healthy snack. We have a new house rule: no phones at all any day ever unless you get dressed first. I think this will make school mornings smoother when break is over (THEY COULD NOT BE LESS SMOOTH RIGHT NOW), and wehave time to ease into the habit over the next 2 weeks.

Cooper won Shoots and Ladders AND Candy Land. He was jazzed.

We have a family Yankee Swap (like The Office) every Christmas Eve. This year the theme is cozy, and I took these 3 to the mall to shop. I am pretty sure they all bought stuffies.

The best post-run treat

The Elf brought Minnie some window clings, and school may have gifted her with strep or flu. I'm caling the pediatrician first thing this morning.

Last! Night! of! Hanukkah! We had our traditional sibling gift exchange.

Dorothy drew Minnie (Monster High dolls)

Harry drew Dorothy (Sol de Janeiro spray and body wash)

Minnie drew Coper (slippers and a water bottle)

Cooper drew Jack (water. bottle and Kwik Trip gift card)

Jack drew Harry (slippers).

Tomorrow we bake Santa cookies and go to Zoo Lights to see the big man himself, plus Dorothy has dance for a few hours. Then we celebrate with family for a few days. Then Dorothy has trio practice and Ben and I go out for my dad's birthday and then it's vacay! 2025 is going out with a bang!