Sneak Peak

We were able to sneak away to the Cottonwood library today, where I'm borrowing a computer while Aurora plays. I wanted to give you a peak at a few of the great photos Bonnie took on Christmas day. Of course, we've taken a LOT of great family photos on our cameras, but you'll have to wait a few more days for those...

Happy and Sad

Lately Aurora really likes to ask how I'm feeling... "mommy, are you happy or sad?" If I say sad, it's very upsetting to her. "But I just want you to be happy!" Such a sweet girl, but unfortunately we've both been a little on the sad side these past few days. 

Don't get me wrong, we've been doing plenty of happy things. This weekend we had fun playing with friends, and went to Chuck's company party - a Casino Night. Playing real poker is a bit more challenging than online poker, but it was a great party. 

We came home pretty late and not long after, Aurora woke up screaming and seemingly in pain, so we hardly got any sleep that night. She was better in the morning, but I woke up feeling sick and tired. Aurora was up again last night with the same symptoms, so this morning I took her to the doctor and it turns out she has a double ear infection and is likely constipated. So, antibiotics and prune juice! Hopefully that will alleviate the nighttime sadness and we'll all be feeling better soon.

I'm also sad that I wasn't able to make it to Florida for my grandpa's funeral, which was today. My brother Julian flew out from Seattle to speak and said a few words on my behalf. I'm home sick and just hoping tomorrow will be back to normal, as I have a lot of work to do to close out the year and get ready for our trip to Arizona, where the plan is to just relax and have a happy holiday.

Grandpa Sandler

After an emotional week of updates from my mom and Bernice, Grandpa passed away last night, just weeks after his 87th birthday.

This photo was taken just a few short months ago. During the past several years, we were able to visit quite a few times. He showed us around the University of Miami, where he spent over 30 years as an English professor. Aurora got to meet him three times, and he was so happy to spend time with us - such a loving man. I remember him being just as sweet to me when I was little. He'd write letters all the time and would draw a little stick figure of himself with arms reaching all the way up and around the whole paper saying "I love you this much!" He was also very generous. When I finally decided to go back to college, Grandpa & Bernice sent money for books every semester, and that encouragement really helped get me through to where I am today.

Robert Sandler lived a good life and contributed so much to our family and society through his teaching and writing. He will be missed, and our trips to Florida will not be the same...

Costumes & Cookies

Our weekend started with a theatrical performance of A Christmas Carol. When I told Aurora we were going to a play, she was certain I meant playground, which made her very happy. I quickly realized how much meaning the word "play" has for her, so I tried to explain that going to a play was like going to the movies, but with people on stage wearing costumes. "We get to wear COSTUMES!?!?!" Noooo, WE don't wear costumes, the actors on stage wear costumes. Anyway, this was at a children's theatre and we both enjoyed it, despite it being sold out so Bailey couldn't come in with us, and Aurora coming down with a fever.

Today Amelia came over and we made Christmas cookies. It's always fun having Amelia over, and our cookies were very cute and tasty.

Every time we mention Christmas, Aurora gets excited about seeing Grandma Nancy. We'll be heading to Arizona in just a couple short weeks! So, we found a way to get Nancy involved with the cookie-making as well...

As much fun as we had, this was a tough weekend. Aurora didn't eat or sleep well with her fever (though she seems to be doing much better today), and my thoughts have been with my family in Florida ever since hearing that my Grandpa suffered a severe stroke just a few days ago. Sending love and hugs across the miles to Bernice and my mom during this difficult time.

Grown-up Party

Last weekend was our LIVESTRONG holiday party. When I told Aurora we were going to a party she got SO excited! "We're going to a party!? Is it a birthday party!?!?!" I told her that it was a grown-up party and she sternly replied "I don't believe it." Well, believe it! Babysitter, dress, heels, valet, alcohol, friends, and the photos to prove it.

Oh, and did I mention the view? We were at the highest vantage point in Austin, the top of a new high-rise called the Austonian.

Bailey got the space, food, flowers, and photographer donated and everybody had a great time. I'm not sure Chuck's holiday party can compete this year, but it will be at the W, another swanky new downtown high-rise, so we'll see!

Tangled

This morning we took Aurora to see Tangled, a new animated Disney film about Rapunzel. I think it's safe to say she was excited...

It was a cute movie! Afterwards, I decided to go with the theme and give Aurora her first haircut.

It's not that her hair was getting too long, but there were little whispies that kept getting in her eyes and the back was beginning to slightly resemble a mullet. I just trimmed up the bangs and back, and Aurora cooperated beautifully. Here she is showing off a little chunk of hair we chopped.

I considered cutting it even shorter in an effort to tame the frizziness, but I think the longer it gets the better it will fill in. I feel like I should put gel in it to try to get her nice curls back, but I'm pretty sure she'd hate that. Ah well, she's cute no matter what! 

Holidays

I was so glad not to have to cook, order, or assist with a Thanksgiving dinner this year, but once we came home I started feeling jealous of all my friends and their stories and leftovers, so this week I've been making up for it with mini-holiday meals. Of course, tonight's was a little different because it's the first night of Chanukah!

At school they've been asking the kid's questions and posting their answers on the door for us to see. On Halloween they asked what the class thought would be inside of a pumpkin, and the answers ranged from "dollies" to "daddy!" I hear they were pretty surprised when it was just slime and seeds. This week they've asked two questions: "What did you eat for Thanksgiving?" and "What do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas?"

Aurora's answers seem so silly - but they are correct! For the Thanksgiving question, she said "gummies." They actually had big gummy letters at our Thanksgiving buffet, and it was her favorite part.

Her answer to the Santa question was "candy canes." We took a picture with Santa last week, and when he asked what she wanted, she noticed the big bowl of candy canes and that's all she could come up with!

It seems that this holiday season Aurora's really starting to remember the little details and traditions that I hope will continue. Not that I was planning to have gummies at the table every Thanksgiving...