Day 360: Merry Christmas

We woke up this morning after 9am. We got our Christmas wish: to sleep in! Unfortunately, we had so much to do, we had to hit the ground running. 

We began with opening stockings and then moved to presents. It was fun! The kids had a great time. Every time Maddie opened a gift, she would bring me her paper, ask Daniel, "Can I have another present please?" And then she would sit back down and open a gift. She was too cute! She loved many things, but one of her favorites was her Elsa and Anna dolls. 

We hosted dinner this evening and had a great crowd. We enjoyed great food, drinks, and company. We met new people and made new friends. Maddie loved showing off all of her princesses. She had so much fun. 

Figgy pudding! 

We enjoyed learning about a Polish tradition and then celebrated with Christmas crackers (an British thing) hence the crowns. We had a great time. 

At the end of the night we cleaned up and then facetimed with family. We're pretty tired, so we're hoping to rest well tonight. 

Goodnight all and Merry Christmas!!!

Day 353: Friday Laughs

This morning we got the kids off to school and Daniel and I made our way into work. Traffic was pretty bad, but we made it in on time. 

My day was full of things to do, and thankfully I got most done prior to leaving early to get Caleb. Daniel finished up a few things and was able to head home with me. 

When we got home we had discussed going to see Christmas lights. Maddie didn't have a very good nap and came home in a terrible mood. Instead of fighting her all night, we decided to do the lights another day. Instead, we talked to Caleb about his report card, and laughed as the kids played with one another. 

Maddie was eating blueberries and when she finished, she had blueberry juice all over her face. Everything was blue. She went up to Caleb and stuck her tongue out. Caleb screamed and pretended to be scared, so there began the game. She chased him, he screamed, we all laughed. It was pretty sweet. 

We enjoyed dinner shortly after that and then took baths and showers. The kids had a little bit of free time and then they went to bed. 

Daniel and I finished up a few things around the house and then made our way to bed. Goodnight all! 

Day 346: The Ambassador's Holiday Party

Our day was short for the most part.  The kids enjoyed their days at school and Daniel and I left around 3:30 to get home to the kids.  We had the Ambassador's Holiday party from 5-8, so we got everyone ready and left to enjoy our evening.

There were a few Marines there collecting toys for the Toys for Tots and there were so many people who came to celebrate.  This was the 25th year that the Ambassador hosted the Christmas party, so that was pretty cool to know and also be a part of.  Maddie was wearing a dress so she loved twirling around and dancing.  She didn't care for Santa too much, but she did far better this week than last week at the breakfast with Santa.  She told Santa she wanted a princess.  Thankfully, she didn't specify.

The night passed by pretty quickly and once the carols were sung (in both Polish and English) we made our way home.  We got the kids ready for bed and Daniel and I were right behind them.  We have had a busy week, and the weekend doesn't look much lighter.

Goodnight all!

Day 339: Birthdays and Anniversaries

This morning Daniel woke up to multiple birthday wishes as well as a few happy anniversary ones.  We enjoyed a cup of coffee and then got the craziness on the road.  We headed to work and the day for me became crazier than I had hoped.

When Daniel walked in he had balloons on his door (3-1) for his age, and balloons all over his office with the numbers 3 and 1 on them.  He also received a huge Polish birthday card (with the translation written out) and movie tickets.  This was the most thoughtful gift!  He loved every minute of it and was so happy to have it all.

We took a quick lunch break together and enjoyed some schnitzel and Paulaner.  I also enjoyed some potato salad, so I had carb overload and loved every minute of it.  We had a great time taking a lunch together, and got back to the grind as soon as we returned.

I wrapped up as much as I could and then left to get Caleb.  We have to meet the bus around 3:55 on Tuesday and Fridays, so we have to make sure we leave no later than 3:30 on those days so we are home in time to get him.  We had plans to meet up with another couple for dinner, so we had a few things to take care of around the house once we arrived.

Caleb got off the bus and then headed off with a friend to see the movie "Good Dinosaur."  Multiple people told me how sad this movie was!  It was definitely described as more of a dark movie than I thought, but it was still a great movie overall (from what I was told).  The entire movie theater was in tears!  He had fun hanging out with his friends and we were happy he got to go.

Daniel and I left Maddie with Anna watching Frozen.  She had Anna sit right beside her and snuggle up with a blanket.  She is beyond rotten.  Daniel and I decided to celebrate the night with Mexican food at one of our favorite places, El Popo.  They have wonderful drinks and amazingly fresh food.  We had a great time and stayed out talking to our friends well into the night.

We got back home around 11:30 and made our way straight to bed.  We had a great day, but the night was definitely the best.  We really enjoyed celebrating Daniel's 31st birthday as well as our 11 year wedding anniversary.

Goodnight all!

Day 332: Black Fridays in Poland

This morning I slept in just a little later than normal and then made my way into work.  I left Daniel and the kids tucked away in bed and hoped they would all rest.  Traffic was terrible, so my normal drive took quite some time.  To top it off, when I arrived to get coffee at the embassy's coffee shop, the girl was a little behind so it took a while for me to get through the line.  Once I had a coffee in hand, I made my way to my office.  I made it in an hour later than normal, but I decided I was okay skipping lunch for an extra hour of sleep this morning.  Totally worth it.

Daniel took Maddie to daycare after they were up and going, and then he and Caleb got a few things cleaned up around the house.  Caleb went down the street to play with his friend and Daniel did laundry along with a few other things during that time.  The day was overcast and cold, so not much happened outside.

I had plans to go "Black Friday" shopping online, as Poland does not partake in this crazy American tradition.  However, we were incredibly busy at work so I didn't get to do much of that at all.  I had plans to do it when I got home, but once I walked through the door my shopping got put on hold.

I hung out with the family, took a shower, and ate a second round of Thanksgiving dinner.  Everything was delicious, and we hung out during the night and took it easy overall.  Black Friday is much different here in Warsaw, but I'm thankful for the nice, calm day where there was no pressure to go out and buy everything.  I definitely miss it, but I'm fine taking a few years off.

I'll have to keep watching a few online deals in hopes that Santa can fit a few more items in his sleigh.  Hopefully, the items (if I break down and order any) will make it in time for Christmas morning, but you never really know!  I was done with all of my shopping this time last year, but I've definitely fallen behind this year.  So much to do!

Goodnight all!

I came in from work to this. It was so sweet. She slept for a couple of hours! 

Day 325: T. G. I. F.

This morning Daniel left early to get his boss to the airport. Daniel made it through the week and his inspection went well. Caleb got himself ready as I got Madison dressed and ready for the day. The kids ate breakfast and then made their way to school. This morning was much better in comparison to yesterday!

I made it to work and immediately began making lists and prioritizing. Today was one of the busiest I've seen. I took a break for lunch, and then got back to work to finish up a few tasks before going home to get the kiddos. 

When I arrived home, I picked Madison up from school and Caleb's bus arrived shortly after. Daniel and I then knocked out showers/baths, and then put away the clean laundry. We all have that one chair or item that collects clothing, which then turns into a mountain of clothes to put away. That's the fun we have on Friday nights!

We ordered pizza tonight and then enjoyed some free time. Caleb fell asleep reading a book and Maddie wasn't far behind him. 

We have an early Thanksgiving celebration tomorrow, so we'll have a full day! 

Goodnight!

Day 318: Ballerinas and Musicians

This morning Daniel and I got the kids ready for school and managed to get out of the door on time with coffee in hand. 

We both had fairly busy days, but I left around 3:30 to get the kids and he had to stay late and work. 

When Caleb got home he told me all about his day and then talked to me about his music class. He's been playing the recorder and today, within 30 minutes, he said he earned 4 "belts" and couldn't wait to go back next week. 

Maddie had a great day, too. She has been terrified of horses since this time last year, but each Friday her class goes to the stables and today she decided she wanted to ride a pony. She put the helmet on and sat on the pony for a minute, and then said she was done. She's definitely come a long way over the last year. 

I went ahead and gave Maddie an early bath and she asked to dress up like a ballerina so I told her I would find the tutu. Caleb actually located it, but she put it on and instantly started dancing. She posed and smiled, and loved every minute of it. I'm in so much trouble with this one!

After baths we had dinner and then free time. Daniel got home a little after 8 and then ate and put Maddie to bed. We've had a great day overall, but I'm glad it's over. We have a lot to do this weekend, so I'm hoping to wake up with a bit more energy. 

Goodnight! 

Day 311: It's Friday, It's Friday

We made it to Friday, woo hoo!  Nothing spectacular happened today, but we all woke up on time and in great moods.  Daniel and I got the kids off to school and then made our way into work.  It's been busy overall for us both, but we're taking it all in stride.

I left during lunch to have my hair done.  I will be doing my hair myself for the ball tomorrow, so I needed a fresh color and cut.  I was able to knock that out, come back to work for a bit, and then leave so Daniel could take Caleb to the dentist.

Caleb's day at school went well.  The American school played the British school in soccer and all of the kids were present and wearing red to support them.  The kids seemed to really enjoy it!  Caleb's dental appointment went well and he made it through without getting in too much trouble from his dentist.  She tightened his retainer and explained to Daniel how it would need to go every 7 days.  Hopefully, his retainer can go sooner than later (hopefully before we leave).

After work, Maddie and I went to a friend's house and I looked at a few extra dresses she had ordered.  After trying on numerous styles, I decided I liked a particular black dress and needed it for the ball.  While I tried on gowns, Maddie and her girls played with dolls and toys.  They were so sweet together.  Maddie has really come a long way (coming out of her shell), and it's nice to see it with people who she doesn't get to see very often.

I left with my gown and went home to watch a little tv and relax.  I love Friday night because 1) it's the weekend and 2) I have a few shows that come on and I get to watch them without worrying about staying up late.  Thankfully, Daniel and the kids don't mind too much and I get a little peace without too much crazy.

We have a lot going on this weekend, but we're excited nonetheless!

Day 304: Fall in Warsaw

Daniel and I had originally taken this day off to take the family to Kraków, but they decided to see more of Warsaw since Kim hadn't seen as much. 

Daniel went in to work for a few hours and the rest of us met him for lunch. We found our way down to a popular burger place and afterwards we made our way to the tomb of the unknown soldier. This park is one of my favorites here in Warsaw. The yellow trees were perfect in color and the weather was sunny and in the 50s. Perfection! 

After this stop we made our way to Lazienki Park and visited Chopin and then made our way over to the water palace. 

I cannot get over how perfect the weather was. This was the best fall day for sure! 

We walked through all of this beauty and then made our way back to the house. I left with Rhonda and Kim to go pottery shopping and Daniel got Maddie from school and met Caleb off the bus. I found a new pattern shopping, so I was very happy! 

Caleb had fun dressing up as a nerd for school. He got to wear glasses and suspenders so he was as happy as a pig in mud! 

After pottery shopping we enjoyed a delicious Polish dinner consisting of: pierogis, potato pancakes, meat, soup, and bread! It was delicious and we had a great time. 

A live band started as we were finishing up, so we listened to the music and watched the kids dance. I would post a picture from dinner but whoever took it didn't share it with me. ;) 

We spent the rest of the evening playing cards and talking. It was great!