Ok, the post below is NOT from Thanksgiving...in my holiday-addled mind, I was going to write a longer post, with real photos from actual Thanksgiving, but it didn't exactly work out that way.
Here is a photo from Thanksgiving - John and Mom got the perfect impromptu present for Ava - a big, empty box. With some markers and other accoutrements, it became a perfect playhouse. Keeping the markers on the walls of the playhouse and not on Ava was a bit challenging, but as she was more than willing to let me sleep off the Turkey in her new house, it was worth the effort.
So far this month, we're doing well - We actually have most of the shopping done, thanks to a mid-week vacation and a disregard for budget. Casey took care of his own present, getting himself a new Portable Play station. Now, he can't possibly claim he didn't get what he wanted this year, so that's one less trauma to deal with for Christmas.
Ava is excited about Santa coming to visit. I think she's assuming it's some sort of play date, rather than the midnight manifestation of American Commercialism. This, I'm sure will change rapidly. Given her gene pool, I expect itemized, prioritized lists next year.
Me, I'm just looking forward to the vacation time! HR is always busy at year end, and of course more so this year. Between all the open enrollment stuff, as well as Budgeting, Objectives planning and such, I just keep eying the calendar willing it to be December 22nd. (Though I will get some relief after the 16th - when the Holiday party ends, and the Boss takes off for Japan!
Until then, we're hanging on. I suppose Ihad better think about Christmas cards too.....
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