2nd Week of December

Monday, December 7th Steve took his Abdomen Ultrasound Test.  He studied really hard and did his best, but unfortunately didn't pass.  After discussing w/ some of the others who took it also, sounds like he drew the short stick and got a really hard test.  He plans to keep studying and retake the test again in a few months.

On Thursday, December 10th I went back to work.  We're still working from home, and my boss is allowing me to "ease back into it slowly" so it wasn't too bad.  The girl covering for me will continue to cover for me through the end of the year.  I'll work 7 days, then take the last 2 weeks off of the year.  I'll be back to "normal" starting in January.  The good news is the day I got back, we had a national meeting which announced a new pay structure.  We will now have a higher base pay and lower variable pay.  The criteria we're measured on is also changing, all of which is great news!  Then on Friday they announced a Christmas bonus we'll be getting.  Needless to say it was a happy 2 days back to work!

Here are some other highlights.

Cute baby Hudson!

Carter made an ornament in preschool and colored this picture.  

He loves to cuddle w/ Piper.

Steve sold the 2 boats, making room for a bigger boat he's ordered to be completed in March.

"Buddy" the elf.

Cute Nyles.  He loves to hold baby Hudson.

Friday evening we went to the Aquarium w/ Pauline's family to find the elves hidden around it.

Finding the elves.  It was a lot of fun.  We went and got food at the Shake Shack afterwards.

Nyles holding Hudson and we finally got more snow!

Steve helping the boys building trains from Lowe's while Piper give support.

The elf got caught by Army men.

Sunday morning the elf got out stuff to make Christmas sugar cookies.

The boys were more than excited to help make the dough, cut the cookies and decorate them.

We watched "Elf" together as a family.  Piper wanted to get a hug from Buddy on the TV.  

Nyles received a very thoughtful gift for his baptism from Melanie and Brandon.  He LOVES his new blanket.  Thank you Melanie and Brandon!

 

Sunday night we went to Draper Park to look at the lights.