December 2019

It's December!! Time to finally go full out Christmas! I picked the girls up from their sleepovers and they both saw and were so excited about the new advent calendar. They opened the first bag and it had a note from Elfie. He said he's excited for us to set up our tree so that he can make his debut. He also reminded them to use their new Christmas countdown. I took Alexa to Nutcracker practice. It was hair and make up rehearsal, and other than needing a little more blush, she's all set. They ran their routine a few times and were done pretty quickly. Adam took the girls to the Sharp's for their annual Christmas cookie baking party. This year they included the Budde's, Beissel's and Emily, too. I did our grocery shopping while they were there and then stopped by to watch them frost some of the cookies. We set up our Christmas tree's when we got home, a colorful one in the living room and a white one in the den. We had to make one emergency stop at CVS for some new lights, but other than that it was so fun to decorate with the girls. We went to Jimmy John's for dinner and then dropped Alexa off at Amanda's for her ramp Christmas get-together. Adam, Lilli and I watched a Hallmark Christmas movie by the fire and Adam picked Alexa up at 10. Her and Lilli had a sleepover in Lilli's room. Love those two. It was not easy to go to bed. I just did not want our Thanksgiving break to end.

The girls had the day off from school. An extra day of break for them due to a staff development day. Luckies! Back to work for Adam and I. The girls had a relaxing day. They cleaned their bathroom and set up their Christmas decorations. Adam had a late meeting. The girls still had regular dance. And I took Bryson and Mike on an adventure to Inver Grove Heights to buy a moped scooter for Adam for Christmas. I got a heck of deal on it. Adam will be so excited, I hope. Adam watched the Vikings and I did some cyber Monday shopping.

I did not sleep well last night, I woke up very tired and not wanting to go to work, but I muscled through and made it through the day. Adam had an early training so he left early and I took Alexa to school. It was the first day of her new trimester and some new classes including small animals, fitness and Spanish. She said all her classes went well and her teachers seem really nice. I drove my carpool, did my work out and made dinner. Adam and I watched a Hallmark Christmas movie together while the girls were at dance. I love getting cozy by the fire and Christmas tree.

Alexa and Mackenzie had duet practice today. They are working so hard. Their dance this year is really fast and has lots of steps. Ms. Kris was sweating. I can't wait to see it all come together. After dance we went home, I made dinner quick and when Adam got home he brought me to Jolene's and took the Budde's and Lilli to church. Jolene and I went to Burnsville to do some shopping for a special event we have coming up. Can't wait to execute it. We picked up Taylor from church and met Mike and Adam (and the kids) at the Budde's for a mule. Such a fun mid-week adventure.

Adam had another early training so I was on school drop off duty for both girls this morning. They both had a great day in school. Lilli has a history test on Monday and was already studying when she got home from school. They both had regular dance. I did my work out and took the pups for a walk. I ordered our Christmas cards from Walmart and had Adam pick them up on his way home. It was fun to get started on addressing them.

Cheers to Friday! The final season of Fuller House came out on Netflix so we had big plans to watch as many episodes as we could. But, first I had a hair appointment with Kawa for a cut and color after work and Adam picked up the pizza for dinner. We got through quite a few episodes. So good.

We slept in and ran a few errands Saturday with the girls. We picked up Jolene and Katelyn at 3 and went to Christmas in the Village at the Dakota Heritage Center. It was super fun, we sang carols in the church, the girls wrote a letter to Santa, we had treats in the General Store and bought a few things in the gift shop. We rode the trolley and the girls sat in the jail. It was a beautiful day, so not too cold. We had to get back so Alexa could go to Nutcracker practice at 6:15. Afterwards, we dropped Alexa off at home with Lilli and Katelyn to watch Christmas movies and then met up with Mike, Jolene and Jeff at Celt's in Farmington. We bar hopped a little downtown. It was a super fun, spontaneous night.

We got up and met with the Budde's and Jeff downtown at the VFW for an omelet breakfast Sunday morning and then dropped the girls off at the studio for leadership. Jolene and I did some shopping at Town Sports and then went back to their house to watch the Vikings. I picked the girls up at 1 and then took Alexa home to get hair and make up done for Nutcracker. She practices from 2:45-6:30. While we were there Adam helped paint the Budde's front office space. Lilli stayed and played with Katelyn and Jack. Alexa and I picked up McDonald's for dinner. She showered and then we drove around Farmington to look at Christmas lights and do the light scavenger hunt. We completed our list and even stopped for fur real's at Kwik Trip. We watched the last episode of Fuller House in our bed before sending the girls off to bed. It's going to be a busy week.

Day 1 of our busy week went without a hitch. I love my family and how we pull together when our routine is thrown off. The girls had a great day at school. Alexa started studying for her Spanish test right away after school. Lilli had a small meltdown but pulled herself together before dance. Adam made us dinner and then Alexa and I took off for Burnsville to the AMES Center where she had her first dress rehearsal on stage for the week. They were running a little behind, so she was sitting backstage a lot waiting, which allowed her to study some more. I went to TJ Max, Target and Kohl's and then sat in my car waiting for her watching Netflix. Adam took care of Lilli, got her dinner and then back to dance. They did homework and watched a Hallmark movie together, which I think is unbelievably sweet. It had snowed a couple inches this morning, so considering that, I was grateful to have Adam home to shovel and that Alexa and I made it to and from Burnsville safely.

The one normal schedule day this week. Both girls aced their tests at school today - Alexa for Spanish and Lilli for Science. They had a normal dance schedule tonight. Adam and I started wrapping presents while they were gone. And by Adam and I, I mean me. He helped haul everything to and from the living room while I wrapped. I still have so much to do. Will have to sneak it in when I can. It felt good to get started, tho.

Alexa had Nutcracker rehearsal after school, so both her and Lilli missed dance and church. In a way to simplify life, especially right now during the holidays, I was totally ok with that. We dropped Alexa off at AMES and then went to Target to do some shopping, had dinner at Chipotle and ran into Isaac's sister Cheyanne, went to the Dollar Tree and TJ Maxx. Then we sat in the car and watched a Netflix Christmas movie until Alexa was done. It was amazing to have that time with Lilli, especially since I won't see her much this weekend. We picked dinner up for Alexa on the way home and they were in bed and chit chatting to each other before Adam got home from working the Timberwolves game.

Today was the first day of Nutcracker performances for Alexa. It was snowing when I got Lilli up and to school and it was a slippery trek to Burnsville. The first show went great! Alexa did awesome backstage. Her and the other Russians sat and played cards and visited with each other. After the show was over we picked up Culvers for lunch and then went into Teal, so I could work for the afternoon. Alexa worked on homework and studied. I ran my first carpool shift to Synergy. Alexa stayed for jazz and then it was back to AMES for the second show of the day. Adam was home to take care of Lilli, do homework, run her to and from dance and feed her dinner. Alexa did amazing. Her and the Russian's sat and played cards again when they weren't warming up. I picked up a book from the library so I got a good start on that while chaperoning. We got home around 9 and were in bed before 10. Win! 2 shows down - 5 to go!

Lilli started her swimming unit in school today for Gym. She went to Ellie's after school to help her babysit their neighbor girl. She stayed for dinner at the Sharp's and then Stacey brought her to the Ohlhue's for Inspire's Christmas party/sleepover. Adam had his work Christmas happy hour and then worked the Timberwolves game. Alexa had another Nutcracker show and I volunteered backstage.

We got to sleep in a little Saturday. Adam made breakfast and picked Lilli up from her party. Alexa and I got ready for the day and were back to the AMES Center for shows 4 & 5. Lilli came with and met up with Jolene and the Synergy crew to watch the first show. Denise came and talked to them and welcomed them all, which was nice. I volunteered backstage. My parents also came to this show and we met up with them afterwards and had dinner at Carbone's with them. Ben and Kelly came to the second show. Lilli sat with us backstage. Adam worked Monster Jam with Sharps, McCabes and Beissels. We got home around the same time - a little after 10.

Shows 6 & 7 on Sunday. Adam and I had tickets to the 1pm show - it was so beautiful to watch. Knowing all the ins and outs from being back stage, it's fun to see it all come together on the stage. Alexa did an amazing job. We are so proud of her. She really made great friends with the other Russian's again this year, which makes it extra fun. Lilli went to Sophia's to work on their Rube Goldberg project for science and Adam picked her up after he watched the show. I stayed and volunteered again backstage for the final show. The girls took tons of pics and had a blast. It was bittersweet to see the weekend come to an end. They were all exhausted but were going to really miss each other. Adam had dinner ready for us when we got home and we snuggled in our bed and watched Goldberg's and Schooled.

One more full week of school and it's Christmas break. Alexa was excited to go to school today and dance tonight. Back to a regular schedule without Nutcracker. Both of the girls had their holiday parties at dance tonight for their companie groups and their assisting classes. They brought candy cane treats for everyone and Lilli brought her gift for Tabitha ($5 GC to Starbucks & $5 GC to Dunkin Donuts) and Alexa brought her gag gift for Ava B (a laughing button). Adam had a training today, did his work out at work and then was able to head home early. Caidyn had Alexa for the Secret Santa and got her a coffee cup/mug set and a package of beef jerky. Maya had Lilli and got her a bag full of goodies..scrunchies, nutella, socks, candy and pez. They were both super excited. They both came home with lots of holiday treats and candy, too. While they were gone Adam and I got more wrapping done. Still so much to do, tho! Adam and I also took the pups for a cold walk to the park.

Lilli had another day of swimming today for gym. Thankfully it's a morning class so her hair can dry before she goes outside to come home. She said the pool is really cold. The girls both had dance after school. Alexa studied for a Spanish test on break. Adam and I ran to the Budde's to talk about our Christmas Eve surprise. So many exciting things coming up.

Getting all the things done. Alexa had a chiropractor appointment with Pam after school. The girls that drive her home every day go to Pam on Wednesday's, too, so she was able to fit Alexa in, as well. Alexa's still complaining of heel pain from Nutcracker and a sore neck. Pam said she was really tight. Alexa and Kenz had duet and picked out their costume - it's amazing. Macy was home from college to teach the hip hop class today - the girls were excited to see her. After dance the girls and I went to Family Fresh to stock up on some items before they close tomorrow. Everything was 40% off. We ran to Target quick for a gift for Alexa's school friend Christmas party. I made homemade pizza when we got home while the girls showered. They wrapped some gifts for each other and Adam and I then we snuggled in and watched a Hallmark Christmas movie. Adam worked a Timberwolves game and was home before 10.

Lilli's last day of swimming today for this unit in gym. She's happy it's going to be over. She says the pool is so cold. The rest of her day is pretty low key. Not doing much in her classes right before Christmas break. Alexa did an hour and a half of cardio in her fitness class today. I wish that I could tap into that and some of her hard work could translate onto my body. Both girls had a Christmas party in their Diamond Ballet class. I got some gift wrapping and packing done while the were gone. Adam had his company Christmas party.

It was nice waking Lilli up this morning - the last morning to wake up early before Christmas break. I think she was excited to go to school knowing her pops was going to pick her up early after lunch, so she could help him pack. She's only missing watching movies all afternoon. Alexa did not want to miss her 4th hour class, which is Fitness, since she missed last week for Nutcracker. If she misses 2 classes in a month she has to come in early and make it up. Adam had the day off so he ran all my errands and got the car packed up. The girls, the dogs and Adam were all ready and in the car waiting in the driveway for me when I got home from work. I just ran in, filled my water bottle and then we left. Traffic was terrible on the way up and Adam wasn't in the best mood, but we still made good time and arrived at Sunwood City before 7:30. Ben and Kelly had brought Subway for dinner, so we ate and then unpacked the car. Groutwald Christmas begins! We had such a fun night swimming, playing games and visiting with everyone.

A wonderful full day of fun, swimming, games and playing with the kids. We are blessed with such an amazing family and had so much fun being able to all be together. Sunwood rarely lets us down. We had the entire place to ourselves basically, which is just soo nice. We had a bean bag tournament and mom had several other fun games to play. Mom and dad ordered pizza for dinner and we swam some more.

Adam and I provided Sunday morning breakfast for the family. We all ate together and then started to clean up our rooms and move out. It's sad to have the weekend come to an end, but the memories will last forever. Alexa drove most of the way home. Her and Adam switched in Clearwater. Her first time driving on the highway and interstate..and she did an amazing job. So proud of her. When we got home we were able to surprise Adam with the most epic gift of all - a moped. It's something I know he wanted but wouldn't spend the money on himself like that. I am so happy I was able to pull off the surprise and he ended up being SO HAPPY about it. Mike came over and they took it for a ride. He gave the girls and I rides and then drove it to Ace to get a new key. He's super excited. We spent the rest of the evening making rice and enchiladas for my co-workers. The girls made their gingerbread houses and then I took Alexa to Lauren's for her school friend Christmas party/sleepover.

Adam and I both got up for work. Lilli Cruz got to sleep in, lucky little girl. Molly Smith drove Alexa home from Lauren's. The girls had Kaylee over for the afternoon. They danced the whole time in the studio. I took Lilli to her ortho appointment right after work. Everything looks good! Alexa and I babysat the Wheeler kids from 5-8 and then came home to watch the Vikings vs Packer game. The Beissel's and McCabe's were over to watch with us. I stayed up later and did some more wrapping.

I had to work Christmas Eve. Adam did not, but he left the house like he was going to work and instead went to Culver's to meet Mike. They left about 10:30 to go pick up our surprise party bus from Woodbury. I worked for a little bit and then Tom sent me home. I ran to Target, grabbed some batteries and another role of wrapping paper and then met up with Jolene and Katelyn to pick up some bacon at Von Hanson's and then met Adam and Mike at the Sharp's driveway to decorate the bus. We had bought some fun garland and lights to hang in the bus. Adam Mike and I went to Celt's for a quick lunch and then home to get ready for church. The girls were curling their hair and getting ready too. Jolene picked the girls and I up around 4 to get to the church and save seats. Mike and Adam had to "make a quick run to Culver's - aka bring the bus to our driveway" and met us later. It was hard to sit through church with such a huge surprise waiting, so we left after communion. Usually we go to the Budde's for a drink afterwards, but this year we invited them to our house, where the bus was waiting. The kids were sooo confused as we pulled up, but we hopped out of the car and showed them that it was a party bus for us for the night. We hopped in and Mike drove us around to look at a few Christmas lights before we ended up at Culver's. We had brought gifts of new jammies for us and the kiddos, which we opened there and put on right away. We made mules and Katelyn came up with the cutest Christmas menu. She took our orders and Adam, Mike and Carter cooked us our yummy food. We set the tables with a tablecloth and festive plates. It was so fun. We had the run of Culver's for the night and got to sample all the food. It was delicious. Once we cleaned up, we got back on the bus and drove around to Burnsville and Lakeville to look at the Christmas lights. Carter was our driver - Captian Carter. It was a blast. We pulled back into our house around 10:30 or so and tucked the girls in to wait for Santa. So many beautiful memories with our friends we are so lucky to have.

Christmas morning was one to remember. The girls slept in until almost 9. They ran down and got their stockings and brought them upstairs to open in our bed. We all got some UA socks and nail polish. Adam got beef jerky, hot cheetos and chocolate covered cherries. Lilli got a phone case and some lights for her room. Alexa got some Burt's Bee's chapstick and lights for her room. We made our way downstairs to see a tree full of gifts underneath. The girls were so excited to sort them out and pick their spots on the floor to sit. I made my coffee and we got started. They girls made a haul. Lots of new leggings and sweaters, jewelry, winter hats, Disney +, a desk chair, shelves and a mirror for Alexa and lots of Burt's Bee's spa items for Lilli. They each got a new bathrobe, too. And our BIG surprise was season tickets to the Minnesota United along with lots of new MNUFC appareal. The girls were ecstatic. What a beautiful morning. Adam made brunch, we Facetimed my parents and called Linda and Juan. And then the McCabe's came over for an app and drinks. We visited with Chuck and Tammy and the girls had a spa night upstairs in their rooms and watched Jumangi 1. Adam grilled fajitas and chicken and we had an amazing dinner. Then off to the movies to see Jumangi 2. It was a great movie. So fun to carry on our tradition with the McCabe's.

And just like that Christmas is over. Adam and I were back to work and the girls were home sleeping in and watching all their favorite Disney shows in Disney +. I got my new Beach Body stuff in the mail, so I made an energize drink and did my new barre workout. It felt amazing. Then I made a recover drink afterwards and felt so good. Adam and the girls went and got Weng's for dinner. We took the pups for a walk and then ran to 5 Below for a few things. We watched Noelle on Disney + when we got home.

The girls had another wonderful day of winter break. They are enjoying some new things in their rooms. Alexa rearranged her bed and desk and got some a new desk chair, mirror and shelves for her room. They each have their Echo Show's hooked up and new colorful light bulbs in their lamps. It's super cute. We will work more on their bedroom spaces this weekend and get them comfy and just as they like them. I did another Barre workout when I got home. I actually did 2 20 min prep workouts and drank my pre and post workout energize and recover. We met up with everyone at the Sharp's for a HH and then left the kiddos behind while we took the bus out to Lakeville to eat dinner at B52's and bar hop for Bryson and Mike's birthday's. It was such a good time. We ended up back in Farmington at Celt's. The guys played bean bags. We didn't get home until almost 1am.

Lilli woke up with a terrible cold. Her nose was super stuffed up and she has a nasty congested cough. A good day to be stuck inside to rest, since we ended up with about an inch of freezing rain and there was absolutely no travel advised. The roads, driveways and sidewalks were like ice skating rinks. We took advantage of the day inside and got a lot of cleaning done around the house. Lilli laid on the couch most of the day and we surprised her with some fun new decorations set up in her room. Alexa's room is super cute, too. We finally got some stuff up on the walls and just the way she likes it. We love it. When the roads cleared up a bit Adam went and got groceries and I took Alexa to CVS to print some pictures for her room. We came home and had nachos for dinner and started watching Boy Meets World together as a family on Disney +. It really brought Adam and I back to our childhood.

I slept in until 9am, which felt so good. Lilli woke up shortly after still not feeling the best. I convinced her to take a bath and pamper herself a little bit and that made her feel so much better. Adam helped Mike bring the party bus back to Woodbury and then stopped at Celt's for a Bloody Mary and to watch the Vikings game. I took Alexa to duet practice and then prepped the house for her Ramp (aka Homeroom) Christmas party. Her friends Lauren, Amanda, Jake, Corey and Alex came over at 4:30 for snacks and pizza, they did their secret Santa gift exchange and then played Just Dance and Telestrations. Corey's mom, Christa, a good friend of ours stayed and had a couple drinks with Adam and I as we talked about how crazy fast it is that our kids are growing up. The party was supposed to end at 7, but they all ended up staying until a little after 8:30. Alexa had a great time! Her friends were wonderful. Very well mannered and polite.

It started snowing just as I was leaving for work. The drive wasn't terrible, but the snow kept coming all day. Lilli text me that she was feeling so much better when she woke up today and Alexa slept really good too. Hoping the sickies come and go with Lilli! The snow continued all day and the roads weren't the best, but I took the girls to the Burnsville Mall anyways. I was able to exchange a vest I got for Christmas at Macy's and we got Katelyn a Secret Santa gift for NYE. We ate at Lucky 13's and had our usual salad and soup. So good. We got home, Alexa and I took a quick bath to get warm and then we watched some Disney in bed before Adam got home. He worked a Timberwolves game.

The last day of 2019! The last day of this decade! So crazy to have another year come and go. Adam had the day off. I gave him a list of chores to do at home while I worked. He and the girls got our apps for tonight, did the gift shopping, got a car wash and he snowblowed the driveway. Work for me was surprisingly quite busy in the morning. A lot of end of year shopping for some people. But, by noon it was pretty dead. We had our annual NYE celebration at the Budde's with our crew of friends. The kids did a secret Santa gift exchange. Alexa had Katelyn and Lilli had Jack. And us adults did a fun gift exchange as well. Adam and I brought a $25 gift card to Lakeville Brewery & a knife set and we received our Lakeville Brewery gift card back and some Norwex food containers. It was a fun night. We played a fun adult game of "What she said.." and made up until midnight. Everyone brought apps and the kids skated in the back yard and had hot cocoa. Cannot believe it's a new decade! Happy 2020!