Down time.

Elyse has been out of preschool for 2 weeks and Matt has been off 9 out of the last 14 days, not counting the day he worked from home, that he hasn't had to travel at all, or that he's getting home a little earlier in the evenings when he does work.  We've had family visit a few times and Elyse has spent the night away 3 different nights.

Our house is all out of whack.  In a good way.  We wake up late, linger in pajamas and let routines get a little lax.  We've frequented parks, bounce houses and beaches.  Visited friends, family and the zoo. We've eaten ice cream and dined at restaurants.  I've squeezed in work-outs at off-the-wall times.  Grocery shopping seems unplanned and on whims.  They are perfecting new Christmas toys and the phrase "we share in this house" is taking on a whole new meaning.  

The disorder and freedom of an empty calendar has found us connected in a great way.  There isn't guilt over wasted time and minutes don't seem nearly as precious or pressured when you have a few to spare.  

I love routine.  I do.  My kids do.  My husband does.  There is comfort in predictability, assurance in patterns, and security in knowing what to expect and what is expected.  As we enter this last weekend before the calendar once again takes on it's previous form, I can reflect with a feeling of balance, time well spent and souls well nourished.  I'm not ready to give this up, but at the same time I think we're all ready for a little rhythm in our step.  

I'll post a few pics below.

They loved chasing seagulls.

 Checking out the sand between her toes.

 Looking far too grown.

Fist-full of shells!

Love. 

Bedheads in a jeep.

New bike!!!!  Such a huge hit with her.  We almost didn't put it under the tree but we're so glad she did.  She rode it around the family room and out the door.  She hasn't looked back since.  She thought she was too little, which made us wonder as well.  She tried and conquered, definitely a moment to celebrate.  She was also very afraid of the jeep at first.  It's taken a few time, now on "slow" mode Elyse drives them both all around.  Adley got a little trampoline that I don't have a picture of yet (we did a better job of taking video this year instead of still pictures) but she is mastering it and jumping up a storm.

 We hosted 2 rounds of family Christmas day.  Matt's side came fist and we did a big lasagna lunch.  My side came next for the traditional turkey with all the fixings.  My mom requested we get pictures of us that day and I'm so glad she did.  We snapped a few first thing after everyone arrived instead of trying to cram it in later when kids are tired and people are packed up to leave.  I need to make a mental note of that for future gatherings.  Pictures first!

 I'm actually 4 inches taller than my younger sister (second from the right) but I look so short in this.  I'm the only sister not in heels ;-).