momma mommy bwuh

Plan: Thanksgiving Break Camp at the YMCA for both boys on Monday and Tuesday, while Mom gets some work done.

Reality: Thanksgiving Break Camp at the YMCA for only one boy on Monday and Tuesday, as the other was sidelined with a fever and vomiting. Result? Minimal work for Mom.

Bright Side: The YMCA sent Boy1 home with a thoughtful “get well soon” packet filled with Thanksgiving-themed activities. He felt extra special, even with the flu.

Plan: Friendsgiving for the kids on Wednesday, with some work for Mom on the side.

Reality: No Friendsgiving for the kids on Wednesday, and no work for Mom either.

Bright Side: Enjoyed quality time at home with the family, decorating turkey gingerbread cookies!

Despite some plans falling through, we made the most of our time together at home. I had these fantastic Thanksgiving placemats for the boys to use at mealtimes (check out the fall break post for more details). I even found additional placemats at Wondermom Wannabe (post linked here)—because you can never have too many! They kept the boys occupied during downtime, and having several was a lifesaver since they tend to rush through them. We also played a Thanksgiving Parade BINGO game during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (found at The Savvy Sparrow, post linked here). Plus, our November I’m The Chef Too kit featured Turkey Swirls (cinnamon rolls), which we baked together on Thanksgiving morning.

We also celebrated “Family Day” during fall break, marking the anniversary of the day the boys were officially placed with us with the intention of adoption. We asked the boys what they wanted to do, and they chose a trip to Stars and Strikes for bowling and arcade games. It turned out to be a fantastic day filled with fun. Having this special day during Thanksgiving week is a poignant reminder of why we are thankful and the true meaning of the season. It’s a new reason for gratitude, but it’s just one of many that make me appreciate the Thanksgiving holiday before diving into the Christmas festivities.

On that note, the boys’ elves arrived on Friday! A big thank you to Jack and Luna for hopefully making this elf season a bit easier and more creative for Mom and Dad! These kits are truly epic, with incredible attention to detail. I can’t wait for the boys to see all the magical scenes we’ll set up!

We wrapped up fall break (and our weekend) with a festive visit to the Festival of Lights. We enjoyed the drive-thru display, a delightful train ride, roasted marshmallows, a carousel spin, made stuffed animal friends, and even had pictures with Santa. Thanks to our Gold Pass membership with the Charleston County Parks, we get one free admission to the Festival of Lights each year. It was great to tick off this tradition a bit early this year, especially since December tends to fill up with activities so quickly.

Featured image courtesy of DepositPhotos artist: a_bachelorette. Other photos courtesy of mom mommy bwuh.