Magic and Mayhem

We had a fun little mini-vacation bringing Victoria up to meet Val & Guy. The hotel was full of very loud little girls (and I’m used to loud little girls!) but the kids got to swim a ton and we couldn’t beat the price (free, from turning in reward points).

We went to a Greek/Persian restaurant for lunch yesterday before heading back to our respective homes. The food was wonderful and the kids really enjoyed the decor and original art. Victoria was upset that there were no “exotic” choices on the kids’ menu (we all heaped an extra plate with samples of our own stuff for her), while Jack and Anna were quite happy to eat chicken strips and fries. Alex munched on pita bread and threw pieces at Daddy.

Anna got to chat with Victoria online last night, and we’ve already had phone calls, emails and chats. She’s having a great time. On the agenda for them– going to the language camp where Guy works at least twice for lunch, a playdate with a friend Victoria met at Val’s church last time she was up, the art museum, the science museum, trying out Wolfquest with Guy, and visiting their library to get even more books out.

The rest of us had a pretty fun day yesterday, too. When we got home Anna called a friend and they played with Jack at the playground across the street. The girls rode their bikes to the park and played until dinner time. Jack and Alex played in the back yard with me while I did some spring maintenance, took pictures and swang with the baby.

Yesterday was Alex’s first real experience in the grass outside. He loved it! He happily dug his fingers and toes in the mud, stood up and hooted at the world, fell down a lot, crawled like crazy around the grass, and pretty much explored everything there was to touch, turn and try to cram in his mouth.

Daryl found Jack an Incredibles costume on Friday and he hasn’t taken it off since. It suits him perfectly! He dashes in every direction and looks like a red and black blur. I may have to sneak it off him in his sleep to wash it, but I do love how happy it makes him.

Alex is sleeping in my arms as I type. Jack and Anna are downstairs watching cartoons and playing with play dough. On the agenda for today– time outside, tidying up and some special one on one time with each of the kids. Oh yes, and laundry. Laundry is always on the agenda at our house!