In other news - the weekly wrap up

I took the kids to the zoo today to see the new baby jaguars. And we did -- sorta. We saw a smaller spotted something sleeping behind a larger, spotted animal. But we did sit and watch the monkeys for probably 30 minutes. They were just swinging everywhere and Wesley was just cracking up as we all narrated the happenings in the cage. Afterwards, we took a picnic lunch and ate at the river till time to visit Ryan.

This kid here -- she is EXCITED about Christmas. I want to take her to Santa Claus to go through the village and look at all the lights this year. What fun that will be.This kid here -- not so sure how excited he is about Christmas but he is carrying on the family tradition of sleeping under the tree -- although I don't think his was intentional.Speaking of Christmas trees, this year I've done something never before done in our house. Put up two trees. Of course there is the traditional, complete Winnie the Pooh tree, but for years I've wanted something different. Even bought stuff, but always took it back. Perhaps it's because everything is different this year with Daddy not being here, but I finally decided to do it. And I'm so glad I did. I can't help but feel happy when I see my little tree in the kitchen.

Billski said I can get whatever I want for the tree and even get a bigger one next year if I want. I like it so much I may turn into one of those people who have a tree up year round. I've found a lot of handmade ornaments on Etsy and everyday I'm as excited about the mail as Ryan is.

That's about it. As you can imagine, the days revolve around visits and being available for phone calls. Ryan can have 2 visits per day, but if we go both times, he can't make a phone call to the kids - so we go once and make sure we're home to get the other phone call.

I'll be glad when life gets back to normal -- but I'm praying it's a new normal. That would be a great Christmas present indeed.