weekending.

Most Fridays, I pick up the kids from school and they either go to my Mom's or Jackie's for the night/Saturday while Ethan and I work.

This weekend I decided they would just go to our babysitters on Saturday so we could have them home a bit more (and so I wouldn't have to do so much driving, honestly)

As the news came in of the school shooting in Connecticut, I was in shock.

I didn't let myself think about it until after the kids were in bed.

I didn't read the news or anything.  After they went to bed, I let myself cry.

I prayed for the families affected.  The teachers, staff, police.  

Everyone involved will forever be changed. 

I prayed for my kids.  That they will never know such horror.

I am so grateful I decided to keep the kids home this weekend.

I didn't want to let them out of my sight.

We had already planned to go out as a family on Friday night and we went as usual.

I haven't talked to the kids about what happened, but I am planning on having them draw some pictures or something to mail out.  I feel like we need to do something.

Friday afternoon, we lined up at the post office to mail off some Christmas packages.

Kade was wearing the Santa hat.  I think it's funny when he decides to wear it.

He isn't too cool, yet. 

We picked up Ethan after work and went to Cubby's for dinner.

Then we went over to the Riverwoods.

Add wanted to see Santa this year.  

She asked for shoes.

Kade said he would like a remote control helicopter.

I love all the lights at the Riverwoods and they have little firepits everywhere.

The kids thought it was pretty cool.

The Waffle Truck was there again, so we all got a waffle.

Ethan -- strawberries and cream

Add and I shared -- biscoff and bananas

Kade - nutella and bananas

Add and I went to Target after so she could pick out Kade's present.

It was fun to get a hot chocolate and shop just the two of us.

That night we woke up with an ear infection around 10 pm.

SO Saturday morning we were off to the Dr. for antibiotics.

We spent the day at home.  I was ready to read all day and be cozy but the kids were quickly bored.  We invited Camden over and they were so happy.  When Ethan got home from work we went with the Larsens to the Spanish Fork lights.  The kids love to pile in the trunk while we drive through.  I brought hot chocolate and muddy buddies and Anna brought cookies.  It was really quick but the kids loved it.