First Family Day of 2012

Sunday, after seeing Jerri off and taking Piper home, the kids decided that we should do a big family day rather than have individual dates. We started out by having a late breakfast at Denny's downtown. A fun treat for all! Everest was very wise and didn't get the pancakes that had sprinkles, telling us that he "doesn't need all that sugar in the morning." Well, good for you, buddy!




We drove through downtown and out to a park in Manitou afterwards. The kids played there for over an hour! It was an incredible little playground--all wood with nooks and crannies and surprises around every corner, maintained completely by neighbors and volunteers. Tons of fun. Heath and I chatted and watched the kids and talked with a mom who was there with her daughter, a girl Julie's age.





Once the sun had dipped below the closest horizon and put us in the shade, we took off for another park (which was still in the sunshine). The kids played for another 30 minutes or so there, ending with a little hop around the Julie Penrose fountain. They were starting to get cold and tired by that point, so we headed back home.





We all rested a little bit when we got home, then Heath took off to go rock climbing. The kids and I had a quick dinner of hot dogs, spaghetti, and fruit. We had talked about going to see a cheap movie; Julie even gathered a bunch of change to purchase the tickets. But it was getting late, and everyone was tired. Also, if we go on Tuesday, the tickets are actually only 75 cents, so it would be better to wait. She set aside the money to save for Tuesday, and she will definitely not forget!



After dinner was done and cleaned up, the kids wanted to do a game Julie calls "Wig Down Show Town," where she and Everest wear different wigs and perform dances and songs. I had them get in jammies and brush up first, but later got to watch a few performances. It was rather hilarious!




We played ball on the stairs with Everest's new soft soccer ball from Nana and Papa, then it was at last time for bed. Julie had a little hard time falling asleep, but she finally did give it up. She had to be tired after such a long day.

Heath returned from climbing, only to find some last minute projects sitting in his email. SIGH. So he is currently taking a nap so he can get up in the middle of the night and get all this stuff done before class starts in the morning. I've been happily catching up on emails and blogs tonight. Work starts again tomorrow, and it's magazine week.

Oh, and by the way, I started Project 365 again for 2012.

Parting Shot
Julie had a cat on either side of her, asking for pets tonight. They really do seem to adore her. :o)