Hello, stranger

And here I am back to blogging. I'm making no promises with my frequency of posts, though. Lately, I've been more into a phase of living rather than documenting. Does that make sense? I'll probably regret that at some point. But, for the last several weeks I've just been taking things in, spending time with family, and trying to keep my head above water. This means fewer pictures and even less blogging. But, I know I'll want to remember these days, so here are some highlights of what we've been up to since I last posted.

• Will's first parent-teacher conferences. His teacher said he was quiet. J & I both said, "he is?!"
• Will's 6th birthday
• Halloween - Will was a KU football player, Ellie Kate was Cinderella, Patrick was a monkey. We are still eating the candy.
• Justin made partner at work.
• J & I enjoyed an amazing 10 year anniversary trip to Hawaii. 
• Patrick turned 9 months old (nearly 24 lbs - 87% in height, weight and head circumference). He's mobile and into EVERYTHING! He has 6 teeth and is a very good eater.
• Thanksgiving with family

And I'm sure there is more I'm forgetting, but this is a start. Perhaps at some point I'll get around to posting pictures of these things. I'm just getting my pics from July - November up on Shutterfly. And that is really only because I need them for Christmas presents! I swear I'm not lazy, though my ridiculously messy house would beg otherwise. I just have been working on other things, I guess. Cuddles with Patrick, coloring with Ellie Kate, shooting hoops with Will, daydreaming about going "back to the island" with Justin. I'm sure at some point I'll have more free time, right? I know...18 years... :)

W & EK have both written Santa letters. Will's was for school and it was like pulling teeth to get him to sit down and write it. Handwriting is not his strong suit and I think it frustrates him. Here is his letter:
Dear Santa,
I would like
1. table football
2. DS
3. Xbox
What kind of cookies do you like? See you soon.
Your friend, Will N.
(For the uninformed, 2 of those 3 items are video games. ugh.)

Ellie Kate's letter (which I transcribed so she was much less frustrated by writing and, therefore, a bit wordier).
Dear Santa,
I am going to have breakfast with you soon! I would like baby food for Patrick, a car for my dollies, a Barbie dolly, Barbie bubbles, and I would like a bike for my birthday. Love, Ellie Kate.
(She drew snowmen, hearts, and flowers for Santa, too. Breakfast with Santa is an event coming up at our church. I have no idea why Patrick needs more baby food. Santa has currently not purchased any of the items she has requested, and Santa is nearly done shopping. And I love that she is throwing in birthday requests. I'm sure Santa will be all over that!)

Happy holiday season! Who knows when I'll be back...