Crafty Kid

Even though we didn't get to travel south to warm sunny fantastic Destin for Thanksgiving, we still had a nice time here at home. There is something about wanting to be surrounded by lots of people during the holidays and we were lucky that our friends in Raleigh were able to join us. The kids had a great time playing together - not a single tear was shed the entire time. Although there were only 4 adults and 4 kids we still had two turkeys. I made a traditional bird, while Paul and company fried one up (without oil).

Izzy used her best crafting skills to make some place settings. The best part ...she was able to do them completely on her own (and anytime she can come up with an excuse to use my label maker she is all over it)! I had to help a bit when we became rushed - I broke out the glue gun in lieu of good ole' Elmers.

For these Izzy traced her hand, cut, glued some feathers, added an eye, beak, and waddle.



These were votives that we modge podged and then put pieces of tissue paper on. Izzy then put some googley eyes on the large, oversized brown heads, added a beak, waddle and then some feathers, and a flameless candle. Voila!


Pretty cute stuff...

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!





From a couple of turkeys...and their mom and dad too!

Thanksgiving Feasts

Both kids had their school feasts last week. I am a "room mom" for Izzy's class and helped plan the event. We collected a few dollars from each child and had the feast catered by a local grocery store. Izzy was all smiles that I was there!





Then there was Drew. He looked like he might be sick at any given moment. I don't think he cracked a smile the entire time. The kids all sang songs and then we ate.







Drew had the most fun after the feast running through the gym with his buddies. ...but again, no real smile.

Guess Who

...can ride a two wheeler?

Izzy!!!

I don't have pictures, and the video that was shot doesn't even do the chick justice. Pete took Izzy on Sunday for about 30 minutes to introduce her to the whole "no training wheels" concept. She did really well - even riding unassisted for a few feet.

Well today, Wednesday, I took her for her second shot at it (we go to the pool to practice on the flat grassy area) and she rocked it! When we began I would keep her steady while she got on, and then hold on for a couple seconds - well by the end of our 45 min. I was barely helping her start to pedal and she was easily going 500feet. The only reason she had to stop was because she ran out of grass. For those that know our pool area she could go from the sidewalk to the tennis courts. Hooray for Izzy!

In other news - we have now lost out on our second Charleston rental. As it stands we have a possibility, but it won't be vacant until January. Surprisingly I am not all that freaked out by the prospect of spending Christmas in a hotel? ...if we play our cards right then I will get breakfast made for me :-) and my bed made!

Since my head is spinning in a million directions, and I need to finish cleaning (aka: throwing out) the kids old toys while they sleep, I'm gonna sign off now!

Oh, house appraisal is tomorrow. Not worried :-)

We're Moving...FINALLY!

It has been 18 months since Pete began his weekly commutes to Charleston, SC and I am happy to report that we will soon all be residing in the same zip code again. For those that follow on Facebook, you might remember a slightly frazzled status update 10 days ago about how I had a showing between 4-6 (2 hour warning given). Izzy was having a new friend over after school that day and I tried to reach the mom, but was unable. So then I tried to push the showing back until after 5:30 and the agent said it was either the scheduled time or I would miss out. He said his clients were looking at houses and needed to make a decision within the next two days. ...scheduled showing it would be.

The couple then came back for a second showing on Saturday.

Sunday night at 9 (felt like 10 because of DST) the phone rings. Pete told me the number and I realized it was our agent. She had an offer - and while it wasn't great, it was an offer. They wanted the fridge. Fine. They wanted to close on Nov. 30. Not fine!

Monday morning we sent a counter offer. They countered. We accepted. This process took all of 45-60 min. Easy.

The kids didn't have school on Thursday (11-11-2010) because of Veterans Day so I picked up a couple redbox movies, stuck em' in the car and head to Charleston to look at some properties on. It was on this drive that I also took the time to explain to them that we would be moving. I had been hoping to hold off until after the inspection, but with all the phone calls, planning and viewing properties it just wasn't realistic. Drew didn't really have reaction, other then ask if the Wii would be making the move? Izzy took it really well as well. I didn't go into too many details but she is aware that she won't be in Greensboro for Christmas. We did however, promise her we would come back to celebrate her birthday in February.

I looked at some houses to rent as well as to buy. We decided to rent for 12 months. Unfortunately (or fortunately) the house we wanted to rent has gone into foreclosure so I need to find another one. I *think* I found one and will have Pete check it out this week for us. In all the crazy of the weekend, Pete somehow promised the kids bunk beds. I HATE bunk beds! ...and now we will be getting a set. Great. Oh well...they want to share a room when we move so bunk beds it will be. Once we actually buy a house they will have their own rooms, but for now they are excited to share a room and I think it brings them comfort to sleep with one another. I think it is great as it frees up a room for guests! ...start planning those beach trips friends/family because we are ready to have visitors ASAP :-)

As it stands...we were going to go to Destin, FL to be with my family for Thanksgiving but will now be staying here. We have an upcoming inspection as well as any repairs that need to be made no later than Nov. 25th. We still don't have word on a moving package, but what I do know is that I WON'T be doing the packing.

Drew is enrolled in a preschool in Mt. Pleasant already. He was enrolled last Feb. I based our house rental on the elem. school I want Izzy to attend. So, I am feeling good about the kids and their schools. In a weird twist of events, friends of ours from Cleveland just moved to Mt. Pleasant about 5 weeks ago and they have a daughter who will be in kindergarten at the same school as Izzy. We were able to hang out with them over the weekend and the girls had a blast! I think that will help Izzy with her transition into a new school.

There is certainly lots to do, but we are very excited to all be reunited in our new town soon...and be able to start 2011 together!!

Best Friends

When Alisha photographed the kids this year one of my requests was for her to capture their close relationship. These two are certainly two peas in a pod. I am not sure how Pete and I got so lucky with these two, but we are very blessed. Many people know I am quite conflicted with regards to a third...would it ruin this relationship, strengthen it even more, or make no difference?

Check out some of these fantastic sib shots! Just try and pick a favorite :-)











I love love love these next three







And this one is my current favorite. LOVE!

Drew's 4 Year Well Visit

He's 4.



He's 40.00 lbs.



He's 41.5 inches.



He's my heart. He is everything I wished my son would be and more.



He's a feisty. He's stubborn. He's full of life!



The boy has a mind of his own. He's loud and rambunctious!



and kind and gentle. He still loves to "smuggle up wiff Mama" (especially in bed when Daddy is away).


He loves Superheros and the Wii


He loves school and his friends


But most of all he LOVES to hang out with his bestest friend, Izzy.

Daddy-Daughter Date

Pete and Izzy had a special date on Sunday. ...and look who is sportin a FABULOUS new do!

IZZY!!!



They went to walk the Wizard of Oz Trail at Castle McCullough. We have this old castle not far from us and they do some really neat things there throughout the year. So far we have only done the Christmas holiday trail (2x) which my kids LOVE! Love so much that we wait in line for nearly 2 hours, in the cold, and sometimes rain/sleet. As you follow the outdoor trail there are numerous skits, carols, and dancing. Once you enter the castle you get to see Santa as well as the Grinch (this is Izzy/Drew's favorite part).

From what I've been told the Wizard of Oz trail wasn't nearly as good as the Christmas one, but Izzy loved it none the less. She was frightened when the witch appeared (tears in fact) but quickly recovered and enjoyed the rest of the story.

I have a feeling the Wizard of Oz movie will soon be making an appearance at the Swyt house ;-)

*oh, and at the castle you can also pan for jems/gold which I really want to do, but Pete always makes me feel like such a dork for wanting to do it. Boo.