Dinner thanks to Chris and Sarah

Tonight's dinner was a real treat. And we have Uncle C and S to thank. They planted the seed while they were here last week to have a sushi night and that's what we did tonight. It was a group effort - the rice making, the vegetable prep, the seaweed rolling. Papa added his own special flair, as always, with an Asian broccoli dish on the side and tempura battered shrimp and asparagus! The four of us sat down after the kids were all tucked into bed and enjoyed a true adult dinner, good conversation and all. So thanks guys! Sorry you weren't here to enjoy it with us.

The last couple of days have been busy yet not busy. I've been battling this cold which has moved down from my sinuses into my chest. I've been taking tablets and snoozing when I can to try and ward it off. I think I'm doing okay, but I fear by the sound of my cough tonight that I may be in for a restless night. The snow seems to have been constant for the last few days, so Papa has spent a lot of time outside keeping the driveway clear. It's made for a great excuse to get the kids bundled up for some fresh air and outside time.

Yesterday was spent trying to juggle the kids around to keep them out of each other's hair. Bean and Cousin I seem to have found a way to frustrate one another so Auntie E and I have been on counterattack. Bean especially with his highly sensitive nature and quick crying reactions has raised my frustration level. So we tried our best yesterday to mix up the kids and keep them out of eachother's way. Auntie E and I took the girls grocery shopping and there was a long period of quiet time in the afternoon in hopes of a nap. Our little family went out for dinner to a friend's house, leaving a quiet house for the DuPonts.

We had a great night out. Our friends hosted a birthday party and invited about 4 other families to come. We all brought food and kids so the house was full of energy. One family had a 12 year old daughter, so Schmoo and Bean were immediately "in love". They spent ages sitting and playing with her. Schmoo was determined to keep up with all the 5/6 year old boys at the party and went out in the snow to sled down their hill. Bean was more content (besides being exhausted) to stay inside with his Mama, but somehow found enough energy to roll around wrestling and tickling the 12 year old. He was in his element. I loved hearing his deep belly laugh as he tried to jump on her back and throw beanbags at her. He quickly lost his steam though and insisted on going home after a short stint outside. Schmoo wasn't as eager to leave, enjoying the outdoors and high energy of tobboganing. We brought them home and they were both asleep in minutes.

Bean's long day and late night turned into a restless night. He was obviously overtired and so we couldn't be surprised when he kept waking up in the night, restless and crying. Both Papa and I took turns going into his room, trying to settle him down. And despite a broken night's sleep, he was still up at 6am, raring and ready to go. Luckily he had a nice long nap today, which didn't require too much convincing.

Today was a lower key day. The DuPonts headed out to spend some time with their friends in the valley and otherthan a quick trip to the mall for an A&W lunch and to pick up a few things, we stayed at home. It was nice just to hang out at home and finally get the kids caught up on some sleep. Schmoo was even kind enough to stay in her room for an extended quiet time, without sleeping, allowing Papa and I to catch up on some sleep as well. The DuPonts returned and the rest of the evening was spent getting the sushi supper organized, bathing the kids and watching a horrifically bad moving "You Don't Mess with the Zohan". We even managed to get all three kids peacefully putting together a craft at the counter after dinner. Papa's back to work tomorrow so I'm hoping to whisk the kids off to a matinee movie.