I won’t be the first or last person to say that Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is a whirlwind of celebrations, get-togethers with family and friends, and road trips. And, because there’s never a dull moment in parenthood, we decided to end our year with a handful of illnesses, too.
This year’s holidays were truly a holidaze, and at times, brought out the worst in all of us (especially me!). Needless to say, I’ve been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new year.
I’m mostly looking forward to returning to a regular routine. I know I’m “supposed to be” raising adaptable children, but I’ve learned that my family does best when we come straight home from school for free play, eat dinner together, and follow a consistent (early) bedtime. Whatever works!
I hope better to appreciate the slower pace of the upcoming winter months. Between the cold temperatures and early sunsets, we spend many evenings and weekends cozy at home “hibernating.” Dare I say that I’m even looking forward to our first snow day or two (after I’ll be totally done).
Our summer is currently an open calendar. Traveling (even locally) is our big dream for this summer, especially as we enter the “parenting sweet spot.” This summer also feels like a last hurrah for our family because my children will be in school five days a week this fall! My younger daughter will be in morning pre-school, but this is a major milestone for me after spending the past 6+ years as a stay-at-home mom.