The fake holiday*

Yesterday was Columbus Day. A day we celebrate in honor of Christopher Columbus for discovering the Americas. But did he really? We know the Vikings arrived in Canada much, much earlier. And of course, there's Amerigo Vespucci who is rumored to have hit the mainland a year or so before Columbus. Regardless of who hit it first? Was it really something that was undiscovered? I'm sure the Native Americans didn't think so.

But, because we need to give credit to someone, Columbus came out a winner. And so, the girls had a long weekend off of school. They got out early on Friday and headed back in this morning. At first, I was dreading the weekend. How could I keep them busy? How could I keep them quiet (while Husband slept)? How could I keep them entertained?

We ended up having a delightful weekend. The weather was great. Cool, crisp fall morning with comfortable afternoons. Friday, we headed out hiking with friends after school. It was great to be out in the woods on a beautiful fall days. But, since we had friends, it was more of a competition to see who could get down the trail the fastest. So we didn't get to really enjoy our surrounds. Still, it was peaceful.

Saturday dawned just as nice as the day before. We headed to the park in the morning for a bit. I was able to actually sit and read (!!!) while the girls played. They stayed in sight and kept checking back. There were no cries for help on the swings of monkey bars. The only complaint was from Einey - there were no kids her age there and she was bored. Couldn't I call one of her friends? She opted, instead, to grab a book and sat, curled up on a platform at the end of the monkey bars. I just shook my head and let her be. After all, who was I to tell her to put the book down and go play?

That evening, we headed back to the park. Again, I brought a book, but this time I didn't get to read it. They found a friend from school, so they were running all over the place. This little girl, is in the grade between Einey and Meenie, but as I've posted before, their school is so small, the kids have combined time together. And so, they were playing games. Hoping from one place to another. By the time we went home for the night, the girls were exhausted!

Sunday morning - another wonderful day. This time, we took the bikes and scooter to another park. We had to wait until after lunch, but it was again, relaxing. I sat in the grass and watched the girls go around and around on the track (I know, I should have been out there as well, but it was nice to just watch). From there, they joined another friend from school who showed up on the playground. We went home for a bit and then headed out to a friend's birthday party. It was an outdoor showing of "Alvin and the Chipmunk's". The kids had a blast playing and then sitting on a huge blanket with their friends. Of course, there was cake, ice cream and candy. What more could a kid ask for at 7 pm? But again, they were exhausted when we got home.

Monday, we again, packed up the bikes and scooters and headed back to the park for an actually planned play date with friends. We biked (alot) and then headed down on of the paths on foot to the giant rock (this thing is massive) in the middle of the woods, The kids went in and out, around and around and then headed back to the bikes. We rode some more and then went to the playground for awhile. When we got home, we started lunch. I got a phone call from a friend "what are you doing today, the natives are restless". So we made plans to head over and have dinner together and then let the kids watch a Halloween movie. I brought over Dora's Halloween and The Nightmare before Christmas (I know, not technically a Halloween movie). Jack Skelenton won out. I'd like to say that the kids settled down once the movie was in, but they didn't. But all was good. My friend and I sat and talked and the kids, well lets just say, the natives were restless. We went home a bit later, especially for bath night, but somehow, I got all three girls bathed, combed, teeth brushed and earrings changed (which can be a pain in itself) and in bed in a little over a half hour. And like the rest of the week, the feel asleep form exhaustion in minutes.

So, thanks to Columbus for a long weekend. The girls and I had a blast and it was the most relaxing time we've had in awhile. I've nearly forgotten what an empty schedule looks like and am looking forward to more "do nothing" days!

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P.S. I've caught up on my blog posts today, so be sure to scroll down to check out my latest posts. There are a few!

We survived

We survived Christmas and it's aftermath. I swear, if I have to un-box, un-wrap, un-tape and un-twisty tie another toy any time soon, I may go bonkers! Most of the gifts the girls got were locked up tighter than Fort Knox! Do toys really need that much excess packaging?

Husband looked at the dizzying array of toys (in their packages) and was wondering when we were going to start building another play room to house them all. Once they were all un-packaged, they fit nicely in their
proper baskets / on their shelf. Nice and neat!

Wednesday the girls went to see Waterhorse with a friend. It was daddy's day out. Moe and I hung out with the mom and little sister of the friend. We basically hung out at the McDonald's play place for an hour. First time I've done that and Moe had a blast! Waterhorse was apparently good, but not necessarily a kids movie (it's PG). I guess there were a few scene's that scared the girls.

This morning we spent an hour at the local pet store for a "field trip". The girls got to hold all types of animals. Einey has decided she wants more lizards as well as a snake and a hamster. Moe wants fish. Then we went to a pizza / movie lunch at friend's house before relaxing for the afternoon at home. Then we had community service parental volunteer hours at the girls school for a basketball tournament. It's part of the agreement with her doing pep squad - each parent has to volunteer. Luckily, it also goes towards our yearly required volunteer hours! The girls were real good hanging out in the cafeteria area where the concessions were while I manned the admissions area. They did of course devour copious amounts of popcorn, water and candy.

Tomorrow brings a trip to the craft store to pick up make your own party hats and tee shirts for the New Years Eve Kids Bash we are going to and roller skating in the afternoon. And Sunday brings a birthday party. I think I need a vacation from this winter break! Actually, I can't complain as we've basically lounged around the last few days!

Summer Vacation - Day 1

Einey started her first day of summer vacation by sleeping in until 8:30 am. When she woke up, she had breakfest and watched a bit of TV (shows she doesn't get to see when she is at school). So far, she hasn't argued with her sisters once (although they have done alot of whining/bickering amongst themselves).

After a little TV, we headed to the park to see our weekly playgroup friends. It was weird needing to watch out for three kids. I have gotten used to just watching out for the two. Einey wasn't to impressed, because it was mostly younger kids. The public schools do not get out for another week. So even though it was kids she grew up playing with, not being around them for 10 months really made a big difference.

But then, one of her really good friends from school arrived at the park. It was great for Einey to see one of her friends. She acted like it had been forever since she saw her friend and not just yesterday. I definitely need to plan some play dates for the summer with her school friends! They had fun playing on the swings and the monkey bars. Einey really needs to work her muscles so she can do them her self. I may make that goal for her for the summer, if she's willing.

After lunch and getting the two younger one's settled down for nap/quiet time, I had some cleaning to do around the house. mainly cleaning out my oven (yuck!) and washing the floors (again! - every time I wash them, someone immediately spills something on it. In this case, it was juice. And milk. And cereal.), so Einey got out some paint and has been making some wonderful artwork. She really likes to make crafts so I will have to plan some art activities for this vacation.

Days on vacation - 1
Kids - Happy
Mom - Relaxed, Happy
House - Clean