Girl Time

My sister Renee came to visit, and was only supposed to spend the night with me and then go to my mom's house in Port Angeles. Then the blizzard snow came and she has gotten to stay the last four days with us. Sorry Mom, you loss is my gain. We have been playing in the snow and finishing our Christmas shopping. I think we might have a break tomorrow and be able to deliver the goods to Mom, but until then, its girl time.

Have a holly jolly Christmas

Ella stayed home from school today with a bit of a sore throat. As soon as the school bus rounded the corner and went out of sight, she started in that she wanted to decorate her gingerbread house. This is the finished product! I noticed that many of the decorations would end up in her mouth before actually making it on the house. All that sugar has been great for her sore throat as I notice quite a hacking cough building now. Nyquil, where are you? I can tell this is going to be a long night of me listening to coughing and Ella snoring.

I am Michael Phelps.

I have been trying to brainstorm something for the fam to do over the winter months that might be fun and keep us from molding. Earlier this week, while torturing myself at the Y, I noticed that the pool is open to all on Friday nights. I then, in my head, created the Litterell family swim night on Friday's. What, am I crazy? Actually doing something that puts me in a swim suit on a weekly basis? I'm getting braver in my advancing years... All week I pumped up "Family Swim night" to everyone, including Taylor and Derek. They were oh so thrilled in their asshole teenage kind of way- (most of you have yet to behold that treat.) So last night, at the last minute, those two found excuses not to go (like not missing the 20th rerun of The Hills), but Chuck, Ella and I headed down to the Y.

On normal days, our YMCA is packed with rug rats and parents. If it wasn't for the great kids activities, I would go and join LA Fitness. To my surprise, I found that on Friday nights, there is hardly a soul there. So, we threw on our suits and jumped in the lap pool. For the next half an hour, Chuck and I swam laps while Ella jumped between laps and the huge water slide. She is a fantastic swimmer- better than me, and she can go go go forever. I can't even say what a great workout it was- and I didn't even realize I was working out! This morning I think every single muscle in my body is screaming- including my ankles! Family swim night was one brainstorm of mine that was actually great fun and I think it will stick- at least through the winter.

When we got home, Taylor even said he would go next week. AMAZING! I think he detected the excitement in the air and doesn't want to miss out next time. Ya right! I asked if he would do laps with me and he laughed and said, "Ya right Mom, I might splash around, but no laps." Oh well, at least he said he would go and that is a miracle. Only time will tell.

BOO!!!

Halloween did not dissapoint this year. Ella was a high school musical cheerleader, but to my surprise, she let me get jiggy with it and make her the walking dead. I have to say, she got great reviews from all. It is so nice that Ella has her cousins to share all of the holiday's with too. Ella tolerates Quinn more all the time- he actually seems to be pretty fun to hang with. How can I tell? I do not hear quite as many, "Quinn stop it!" in a horrible whiny voice. Anyways, the kids looked so cute in their costumes. Our new neighborhood is also jam packed with so many kids too. I did get a little crazy with the fake mustache on Margot. I just had to! As for my fav holiday- it was a good one! One observation... did anyone have trick or treaters still knocking on their door at 10pm? I did. Tiny kids with their parents. Hmmmm....

Homecoming

Taylor had his homecoming dance this weekend. He has a nice girlfriend and she is a Senior...score Taylor. Check out the kid in the kilt- and the table full of monster... OOOHH Party!!! I won't tell what Mom and her friends would have been drinking. Did I say that?

Happy Birthday to Taylor... How do I have a 17 year old?

It is Taylor's birthday today. I tried a little surprise party for him by telling one of his good friends to invite all the other friends over. I was nervous, because when you have a teenager, often your best intentions can go over like a wet noodle. Also, I totally did not think that the kids would keep it a secret. Anyways, I told everyone to get here at 6:30. Taylor had to work until 7. Perfect, right? Well, Taylor called me at about 5 and told me that a kid at work came down with a rash, so he was going to stay later and cover his shift. I said, " Well, Taylor, it's your birthday, I think someone else should cover for him." He says, " It's OK Mom, there's nothing going on and I want to earn extra money, so no big deal." Trying to not be too obvious, I said "No, Taylor, I think you should come home by 7:30 to spend time with us". Now panicking, I called his friend that works with him and asked her to call their boss to let him know there is a birthday waiting for him. All the kids get here, and we are partying down.... just me, Ella and 10 or so 16 and 17 year olds and it is 7:45 before I finally here from Taylor. Next, his girlfriend gets a call from him and I think he was hinting around to her that he wanted to stop by her house. Wow, I realized then that he really had no idea about his party. She played it off pretty good and she told him she just woke up. Then, she told him she had to go to the store with her Mom. I bet by then he was really starting to feel a little Sixteen Candles. When he walked in, they all jumped out and screamed Happy Birthday and he was really surprised. Anyways, I will pat myself on the back because my teenager actually has been smiles all night.

Grandpa Mike's visit has been action packed.

So, since my Dad only visits once per year, we have to jam it all in to get through the fun. First, we had a get together so he could see baby Margot for the first time and visit with us all. Next, it was off to the Puyallup fair for one last belt buster. The kids pretty much saved us though because all they wanted to do is ride the rides so we did not get much eatin' time. Kiley and Jason joined us, and the kids all get along great! Quinn is a joy because he just tags along with the big kids and is game for anything. Even MUTTEN BUSTIN'!!!! Yes, we entered Quinn in the Sheep riding competition and it was the single most best thing that I have seen in a long time. You must must must go to Lonnie's blog and check out the footage. I cannot believe that Quinn actually went through with it, there were so many kids that refused the moment that they sat them on the sheep. That was one of the rules, that no kids would be made to do it. He was the youngest kid to go for it I am proud to say as most were 5 and 6 year olds. Also, we had to get Quinn in on the action this year, because at his svelt 55 pounds, we knew that by next year, he may not make the 65 pound weight limit. So, at Quinns expense, we all had a hootin good time! After the fair, we came home and Dad made a fish fry out of the crazy amount of halibut he brought from Alaska. Yum!





Look at the hands on that kid! Plus, he can catch with his eyes closed!

The kids had fun riding rides at the fair... Quinn keeps right up with the big kids too. Fear is not a problem!

Quinn and Ella miss grandpa.... Guilt alert.

Everyone luvs a happy baby!

Grandpa got to meet Margot for the first time.