Recovery Monday after Thanksgiving week

Mondays are frequently "recovery day" around here. Today we truly are taking it easy. We had a very busy, fun Thanksgiving week. 

Tuesday through Thursday morning we camped out at our friends the Lorts' house. Brett had a job up in TN near them so the kiddos and I went along for the ride. Since Brett was gone for the entire week the week before I was not letting him leave me again. =) The children did surprisingly well in the car and we had a great time visiting. Richie and Suzanne made us feel like family. It's nice to know that some things stay the same even after you get married and have kids. Our friendship looks very different in many ways but the old bond is unchanged. 

Thanksgiving day we had two meals! Well, three actually, but breakfast was not part of the Thanksgiving festivities and therefore does not count in these calculations. First we had lunch with the Hawkins extended family in Carnesville, GA. Then we had dinner at Brett's parents. If it is possible to have two Thanksgiving meals, I highly recommend it. 

Friday morning, as per the Hawkins family custom, all of us girls descended upon the stores. I bought a few things at various places, but the overall feeling at the end of the day was unsatisfying. The prices did not seem to be as good as they were last year. Also, I mostly bought clothes for myself, which were much-needed but still not as exciting as buying gifts for other people. I have not planned out my Christmas list yet so I did not get any Christmas presents but felt the entire day that that was what I really should be doing. I am very thankful for the clothes and shoes that I bought for myself, but wish I had been better prepared. Unless I go into a store with something particular in mind, I generally just end up overwhelmed by the onslaught of sale stickers and the internal price comparison and then buy nothing, or occasionally lots, but usually nothing.

The whole weekend we were all sick with a nasty cold. So far Evelyn has had it the worst. She and Nate have runny noses. Brett and I felt tired, achy, and had a sore throat. We took turns watching the children and sleeping. Thankfully we are feeling better today, but not 100% yet. 

I am hoping I can get some laundry done and work on my Christmas gifts for a while today. Time is running out and I still have lots to do! I wish I could talk about them in greater detail but that will have to wait until after Christmas so I don't ruin the surprise for the recipients. I am very excited about them though!! Ok, that's all I will say. =)

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