Today was a good day

Today felt like one of the more relaxing days I’ve had in a long time. I got to sleep in. Clair and I made scrambled eggs together for breakfast. She wants to learn to cook. I enjoyed my coffee over a game of chess with Max where he almost beat me, but I managed to hold it in the end. Then we all did chores for about an hour before friends came over to swim.

Robert, Colleen, Peter, Luca, and Cecelia all came over for a swim with us this afternoon. It was gorgeous outside. It was just 78 with a nice breeze and sun. The pool was perfect. The kids all got along quite well and enjoyed each other‘s company as did the adults. 

I made fresh vegetables, fruit, cheese, crackers, and peanut butter sandwiches for everybody to enjoy for a late lunch. The kids enjoyed playing around the yard after lunch as well. Our kids were tired when they left. Ellie continued to swim for a bit and David and I sat out there and had a drink by the pool in our new chaise lounge is watching her swim. Then she ended up FaceTime in granny for a nice chat. Everybody said hi to granny.

I made dinner which was delicious. We had ribeye. And we watched a fun family movie. Everybody got showers and finally got to bed around 930 or so. It was really relaxing, and now I’m off to bed. I just wanted to write this blog down in hopes of remembering days like these. These are the good days. And I am so grateful for them. I love being a mom and I need to do a better job of slowing down and enjoying it more often.

A good night by the pool

Yesterday evening we decided to have a family night by the pool. Gramma, G, and Erika came to hang out. The kids all played nicely in the pool for a while. Then we had an assortment of fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, cheeses, meats, breads and crackers for dinner out by the pool. There was wine. There was music playing. It was nice hanging out and relaxing. After dinner I even got in the pool and played a game a horse with the kids. Ellie ended up winning. We’ve been enjoying our games up in the pool this summer. 

Summer staycation

I decided to take a week off this summer to enjoy some summer activities with the kids that we can’t enjoy while I’m working. It has been a fun packed and busy week. 

It started on Saturday with a Yes Day! The kids actually did really well with yesterday. We establish some ground rules and planning the day so that everybody got some thing they wanted within the day. There was a little bit of pushing for a lot of junk food but other than that I probably would’ve let them do everything they had asked for in one day. The day included adventure Park USA, junk food for lunch, build a bear in Columbia mall, junk food snack, home for junk food dinner and a movie. It was all followed up with a big make your own sundae bar where I was not allowed to limit them. 

Sunday was a bit of a normal day. 

Monday we had a girls spa day followed by shopping and dinner out. The boys shotguns and launch rockets and got burgers out.

Tuesday, we went to Hersheypark. My mom came to. It was a really nice day. It was nice to spend the day with my mom.

Wednesday started with Clair having a play date. Then we went to an open ice-skating event which Max had really wanted to do. During the evening time they went back to skating for their final lesson of the summer. And I spent a lot of time cleaning the house and getting ready for guests that are arriving on Thursday. The kids also helped out a lot too.

Clairs first pedicure. She watched everything they did. 

Ellie choose to have her nails painted black. 

Thursday we were able to relax in the morning and play some games. In the afternoon we get some swimming time in just me and the kids. Finally our friends arrived from North Carolina to hang out for the weekend. We hung out a little bit at the house and then the adults went into town for a really nice dinner. Ellie babysat everybody and did an excellent job. 

Friday we all went to the bottom where national aquarium for the morning and we followed that adventure up with eating out in downtown. We then came home to hang out for the afternoon which included some swimming and late night tacos. Everybody was exhausted by Friday night.

Saturday morning our friends got up to head north and continue their journey. We headed to church to see a wonderful showing of the play the Wizard of Oz. The church production was really excellent.

Saturday and Sunday were a bit relaxing. We did some yardwork. We did lots of swimming as a family. We got to see Erika and grandma. Sunday the kids did their lemonade stand which Clair has been wanting to do for a very long time. 

I wrapped my staycation up by watching the last two episodes of army wives. I really enjoyed that series. I need a new series. Today was back to the grind and I am exhausted and off the bed. I’m thankful for the staycation time with the kids and friends and David.

The wish to play with Pokémon

For the last two hours I’ve listen to Clair go on and on about the desire to be able to lucidly dream in her sleep tonight. Her excitement is untamable. She giggles in between statements. Statements alternate between how to do it and what she will dream about. She wants to hold and feel the Pokémon she dreams about. It’s adorable!

She’s ready for her lucid dreams tonight! Here’s hoping.