Oh Savannah!

I'm not gonna lie - I was NOT looking forward to our post-Christmas trip to Savannah, Georgia. Not sure why - just wasn't feeling it. Was a bit worried it would be worried, and we'd be stuck away from home with bored, fussy teenagers, leading to a very fussy mama. But you know what, I've never been so happy to be so very WRONG. It was just wonderful.

For the most part, we just wandered around the very walkable downtown, checking out City Market, River Street, and all sorts of beautiful neighborhoods and charming stores (including my favorite, E Shaver's Bookshop). Of course, following The Sorenson Way, we ate and ate and ate. We also did a couple of tours - at the American Prohibition Museum and the First African Baptist Church. Jack and Ellie left one day early so they could get back in time for New Year's Eve activities, while Jared and I stayed for a date day. And all this was done without a single tantrum, fit, argument, or whine. Oh, Savannah, we love you!

Merry Christmas!

The day after Christmas, per the Official Sorenson Tradition, we got our Christmas tree and Jared built a nice, cozy fire in the fireplace, and Grandmom's Christmas cookies arrived in the mail, and my friends, Christmas was officially in the air. 

As a troubling side note, Mr. Oliver seemed to think that the tree skirt was his new bed, and dragged the now-worse-for-wear tree skirt around the room to sleep on. He also used the tree needles as a scratching point. 

On Christmas Eve, we hit LDS church services in the morning, followed by brunch at Clyde's. Later, Jared cooked a yummy roast beast, followed by Lutheran church services. Christmas morning was nice and chill - presents and lots of yummy food. All in all, a very merry Christmas!

Ski Bunnies

It's been eons since we've been able to make the trek out to Utah as a family, but we at least were able to send 75% of the Sorenson humans out for a quick ski trip. Jared, Jack, and Ellie had a blast, seeing a ton of family (both Sorenson and Candland sides) and hitting the slopes at Solitude and Alta ski resorts. 

Meanwhile, I stayed home with the non-human family members. Yeah, not quite as exciting as the trip to Utah. 

But...I can neither confirm nor deny the allegation that I snuck in some yummy Wonka-themed cupcakes that I shared with absolutely no one. But I will confirm that I am now trying to lose 5 pounds. 

Thanksgiving 2023

 We had a nice, quiet Thanksgiving at home this year. We started out the day with a fun walk put on by one of the local churches. 

The last time we did a turkey trot was way back in 2017, so it's great to get back into the tradition. Even if one of our family members (ahem) chose to stay in bed. 

Then it was back to the house to watch the Thanksgiving Day parade and make some yummy food, including Jared's Famous Orange Rolls. Look at those babies, ready to go into the oven.

And Jared's turkey came out perfectly.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Halloween 2023

It's time for this year's edition of Slutty Halloween Mad Libs. Basically, you choose a person, place, or thing, and find a slutty version of that, and voila, you've got Ellie's Halloween costume. 

This year the person is Buzz Lightyear. (Yes, the toy spaceman.)

I give you: Slutty Buzz Lightyear! 

Meanwhile, Jack chose the non-slutty Halloween option of going to a haunted house with some of his college buddies.

This this awesome guy is NOT one of my kids (he's actually one of my sister's grandkids), but COME ON, this is the most awesome costume EVER.

It Depends on What the Definition of "Clean" Is

Mom: "Ellie, before you go out, did you clean your room and bathroom?"

Ellie: "Yup!"

Perhaps "clean" is relative? 

Still the Big Man on Campus

Jack continues his illustrious reign as Big Man on Campus over at GMU. He's working hard in his classes and making lots of great friends. 

But as always, we're always excited to see him when we can

And of course so is Jack's buddy