February arrived like a tidal wave. Our family has been busy and I have been in over my head. After 2 intense weeks, I am finally coming up for air for a few days, but the weeks ahead are full as well. I’m not sure what I could cut out, so I’m just holding on for dear life until things calm down a bit.
During the first weekend in February, Augustus went for a trial piano lesson. He was very excited and asked for piano shaped pancakes that morning. He was very shy during the lesson and ultimately we decided it might be better to wait until next year, but it’s an activity we are considering for him. Xander had a basketball game and we had a full cheering section with Grandma Debbie, Danny and Heather (plus me, Nate and Augustus). After the game, we all went out to lunch to celebrate.
Sundays are for Grandma Debbie adventures. The three of them like to swim, shop, and are always up to something. My mother is the greatest rockstar in the world and literally makes our life possible. The boys adore her and love spending time at her house, and having kid-free Sundays to grocery shop, bake, do chores and catch up is such an amazing luxury.
Last week was an absolute whirlwind. I was baking nonstop for Valentine’s Day and custom orders. I had a long list of organizing and cleaning projects to get our house ready for the weekend. I am also on several committees for the PTA- the auction committee (helping with the big fundraising gala in the spring), I am the lower school lead, a grade rep, chair of the micro grant committee, and I agreed to plan the lower school Valentine party. I love being involved with the boys’ school. I like getting to know other parents, the teachers and the kids. I have visions of future PTA president in my head. But I may have said “yes” one too many times as I have a lot of volunteer responsibilities that are taking over my time.
Xander is LOVING basketball, tolerating karate, and really enjoying swim club. We’re not quite a “sports family” yet, but maybe we will be!
On Friday, the weather was unseasonably warm for February and so we had an impromptu neighborhood happy hour! It was so nice to be outside and not be freezing. It was SO nice to spend time hanging with our neighbors! We stayed outside until it got dark and I am so eager for the spring to arrive! What a great kickoff to a fun weekend.
Our weekend was jam packed! Saturday morning started with Xander’s basketball game. He just LOVES it so much and it’s been fun to watch him every week! After basketball, we had a little time to eat lunch and rest, but then Xander and I headed to St. Thomas Academy for his first real swim meet! There were 3 teams competing. Xander swam in 2 races- 25 yard front and 25 yard back. He went off the blocks for the first time! He was a little nervous, but so cool. He did great and I was so proud of him! While we were at the swim meet, Nate and Augustus were at our friend Harvey’s birthday party. They had a ton of fun playing games, eating donuts and playing with buddies. Xander and I had hoped to make it for part of it, but ended up missing out.
After a marathon Saturday, our weekend wasn’t over yet. Somehow we got nominated to host the neighborhood Super Bowl party on Sunday. The boys spent most of the day with Grandma Debbie, while I finished cooking and cleaning our house. Originally, we were trying to plan a chili cook off, but it turned into a Super Bowl party with chili. 4 crockpots of chili, all the appetizers you can imagine, and kiddie cocktails for the littlest fans. It was SO FUN! I don’t care about football, but I am here for the snacks!
I was exhausted after our crazy weekend, but this week has not slowed down.
Valentine’s Day is a big holiday for cookies, so I had to pack, label and coordinate pick ups for a LOT of cookies. Like all holidays, I am at the “never want to see another cookie ever again” phase. But I really enjoy baking and am happy to have customers who fund my creativity!
The Parents Association hosts a Valentine’s party for the lower school every year. It takes the responsibility off the teacher and is a fun thing for the kids. I was in charge this year. I didn’t exactly want to be in charge, but also, I have 20 years of camp experience- if not me leading this, then who?! The gym teachers had half the gym organized in an obstacle course. Each class came during their gym time and could jump between the obstacle course and my side, which was Valentine activities. I had a craft table, bean bag toss, velcro dart balls, beach balls for keepy-uppy (keeping the ball in the air without it hitting the ground), and a scavenger hunt. Each class came in and I welcomed them and explained all the activities and then let them loose. It was SUCH a fun day. I love my new job, but doing things like this make me miss camp so much. I was happy to have a day of “camp director” and by the time I got home, I was exhausted. We had heart shaped pizzas and heart shaped cherry pies for dinner. The boys went through all their valentine loot. It was a great day!
Wednesday and Thursday are catch up days. I actually took PTO and have spent the last 2 days just catching up on personal emails, errands, etc. We have a BIG weekend ahead (stay tuned) and I needed 2 days to breathe, pack, and get organized before our big adventure begins on Friday.