Our family has never had Santa be part of our Christmas. From the beginning, Avery knew that Santa was not real, and we told her that he wasn't real. All was working well through her toddler years, and even her Pre-Kindergarten year....not so much this year.

Here comes my dilemma...

With her being in school, her friends are telling her that Santa comes to their houses and brings them presents. They make lists, set out cookies, and whatever else Santa-believers do.

Imagine her 6 year old mind thinking....hmmmm, why doesn't he bring me presents? Why doesn't he come to my house?

Avery told me that she told her friend the other day that Santa wasn't real. I don't want Avery to be that kid....the one that ruins the fun of Santa for anyone...

Which is why the other day was surprising to me. Avery said that she wanted to write Santa a letter....just in case he is real.

Daddy told her that Santa is not real, and that Jesus is. BUT, I suppose we can pretend with her, right? She said that she wants to pretend that he is real....So, I guess we're going to do that? Kind of confusing, but I guess we'll play along...

Not only that, but she wrote him this letter yesterday....

Then she had to place it in an envelope...

And put it somewhere where he will be sure to see it...ya know, for 'pretend'...

Avery came home from school yesterday with a tummy ache and a small fever.

Over the last 2 days the small fever has escalated to an ultimate high of 103.6...scary, very scary.

She went to the doctor today, and has strep throat and a very bad UTI. She was given 2 strong shots of meds and Motrin before we were able to even leave the Dr. office...

It's amazing what a couple of hours, and some STRONG meds can do....she's feeling much better, and the fever has broken....

At Avery's school they have whats called "2nd grade friends" that come and visit them weekly. They do projects together, read together, and get to know each other.

Tonight Avery was telling me about her 2nd grade friend. She said that when her friend reads to her, that sometimes she has to help her sound out words! How funny...the little kindergartner helping out the 2nd grader with reading!

I got a good chuckle out of that one.....

**We're leaving tomorrow for Thanksgiving vacation...a much needed vacation for one of us in particular...

**it will be the first time we will be traveling with our 3 1/2 month old puppy...

**Avery went to the dentist yesterday to have her teeth looked at. I was concerned that the big teeth coming in were just too large for her tiny little mouth. Dentist guy assured me that her mouth looks fine. We won't be returning to the place we went, though. Nurse gal and Dentist guy didn't let me anywhere back in the room that Avery was in. That is not cool with me, so next time I'll be looking elsewhere...

**Avery was also "re-tested" at school for the accelerated reading program that she is in. My little smarty pants tested at a 3.2, which means an average 3rd grader, in their 2nd month of school. Keep it up Avery! We are so proud of you!

**No word from our doctor about when Liv will get evaluated for her speech, so we're still waiting on that. She is still the sweetest busiest little girl ever, and we love her to pieces!

**Have a wonderful and thankful Thanksgiving!

I'm not too great at this blogging thing lately! I tell ya, I used to update multiple times a day with fun photos and cute things the girls were doing, and now....well...now, I have a 6 year old, a 2 year old tornado, and a 12 week old puppy!

Hopefully you all are still with me! :)

Liv had her hearing test today in BIG TOWN. We took Avery out of school and we made a day out of it. Check out the nice note Avery wrote me in the van today...

(Dear Jennisa, I love you and like you. Love, Avery)

Liv's appointment went really well. She cooperated with the Audiologist, and there are no signs of any hearing problem.



She told us that 2 year olds are supposed to be able to say about 200 words. Liv can say probably less than 15, so yup, there's a problem!!! We will be having her begin speech therapy sometime here soon, and hopefully that will solve it!

And, on the way out of the hospital, check out what we saw?



When we left the house today Hubby was all like, "why did you have to bring the camera today?" I'm so glad I had a fun reason to throw back in his face! :) :)

Avery wrote her first letter to a boy this week. Here it is!!!



(Dear Jerett, I like you so much I want a paper that has your phone number. Love, Avery Joy)


Oh, and now Liv AND Avery enjoy the dog kennel....


While Piper prefers her big girl bed instead...