Last week Kate had the monthly 4H meeting on Thursday night. So far she is still really enjoying herself in this organization, even if she describes the monthly meetings as "those boring ones where everyone just talks". This simply means she is learning to deal with all aspects of participating in an organization, and learning that those boring meetings are necessary to plan the fun events.
Friday morning we woke up to learn that school had been cancelled! Hooray for snow days! We knew a snowstorm was approaching when we went to bed on Thursday night, but were surprised that most area schools were closed with only a 5 inch snowfall. The roads were even clear by about 9:30 or 10. I won't complain, though. I'm sure ours was not the only family that thoroughly enjoyed having a Friday in February off of school.
All three kids managed to play outside for close to an hour each. We finally came up with a solution for Anna's cold hands and she was able to play outside until she was actually tired, instead of just cold.
Ethan rarely complains when he's out in the snowy weather.
Kate and Ethan found a variety of things to do in the light, fluffy snow, but building snowmen was not an option this time around. The snow was just too dry.
Too bad I had been planning a major work day for myself on Friday. But the kids were good sports and cooperated with my various tasks. Ethan and I even did a grocery shopping trip in the afternoon while the girls stayed home. The older the kids get, the more flexible we are able to be.
Saturday morning we cleaned in anticipation of guests in the coming days. Then, while Ethan and Matt went sledding, the girls and I hosted eight kids and four other moms for our book club. This group of kids has come a long way in the last year and a half in terms of their ability to discuss a good kid's book.
This time around Kate chose A Handful of Stars as her selection and she was instrumental in deciding on and asking the discussion questions. Hooray for increased confidence! The delightful story was short, sweet, and packed with good experiences and life lessons. The kids and moms enjoyed the book, discussion, treats, and playtime/socializing.
From the book club, we headed into church for the annual Chili Cook-Off. Although our entry didn't win, we received many compliments, especially from the younger people in the crowd. Kate helped me serve this year, but we were still able to enjoy some fellowship and, of course, the delicious food.
Sunday afternoon we welcomed one of my college friends and her two 8 year old boys, who stayed until Tuesday morning while Alli continued to search for her medical residency location for the coming three years. Having a few additional people in the house for a couple of days definitely raised the noise and energy level in our home, but we loved being able to host Alli and her family.
The five kids (mostly four for the more active portions) got along wonderfully well and I loved being able to catch up with Alli and share some time and space with her for a few days.
Since Alli was scheduled to be gone on Monday afternoon and Anna and I were due to be at her appointment, Matt took the afternoon off so he could take all three boys (Ethan, Zach, and Eyassu) sledding (again).
Here's a few highlights of their afternoon. No one had any lasting injuries from the afternoon :)
Tuesday morning we all had to say good-bye. In the car on the way to school, the kids shared the following with me:
"I think that was some of the most fun I've ever had" ~Kate
"I wish Alli and her boys could stay longer" ~Ethan
"Maybe we should plan a trip to Omaha sometime next summer to visit them" ~Anna
Matt and I were pleasantly surprised at how everyone in the family was able to handle the excitement and activity of the extended weekend. We've all come a long way in the last year, or two, or three.
Now we're working to get back into our routines, even with Valentine's Day stuck right in the middle of the week.
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