Ehlana and Ethan:
Happy 37th Birthday, Uncle Adam!
Our day began with a chilly Tai Chi workout by the river – at Aiden’s house; and we love the occasional chances we get for these morning workouts with Naomi and Aiden when it is just the four of us! The hot breakfast that we helped to cook was really great too; and then we split the clean-up time with taking our turns to get ready for church.
While it was still near-freezing when it was time to leave; we – the kids – walked to church because we could; collected some of our favorite adults and kids along the way; and then had some fun with the parental reunions on the way into the sanctuary. The part of the service we were there for was pretty good; the fun level kicked up a few notches during Sunday school while we hung out with our friends; and then we needed to head home right after church because Mom and Dad hosted a family-and-friends birthday luncheon for Uncle Adam.
By then, the warming temperature allowed for outdoor grilling for the meat options being offered with that meal, but it wasn’t warm-enough to take the dining outdoors too. We were drafted for the cooking and dining room and sunroom set-up; went outside to play with the younger cousins and friends until the food was ready; and then Naomi and Aiden helped out with kid control while we ate in the sunroom and the adults and some teens were in the dining room.
Our afternoon entertainment included biking and park play for the whole family – or families – for a few hours, and while we helped with the sunroom clean-up; we were also set free early to help out with the younger kids again until the rest of the adults could join us at the park. We split our time nearly-equally between biking and playground adventures; Emporium and Olde Bakery snacks and drinks were the snack break highlight; and we came home in time to get changed and ready for one final blast of birthday fun for Uncle Adam – dinner at the Inn.
The Sunday buffets still haven’t returned, but Jacob and Jake offered a total of four special entrees to go along with the normal menu; and we earned points for choosing two of those options for our meals – and then sharing them with each other, Naomi, and Aiden so that we at least each tried the special dishes. We loved both; Naomi liked one of them; and Aiden was glad that he still had chicken strips and fries to fall back on when he didn’t really like either taste test of our meals. Don’t take that the wrong way; since Aiden often does like new foods that we try; and this was an exception to the norm for him. As with lunch, we helped out with kid control during dinner while the parents enjoyed roasting Uncle Adam and their meals. There were two birthday cake options; the usual birthday fun like the song, wish, and a few gifts; and then it was time to head for our homes by seven-thirty.
Unlike most nights, Mom ordered bath or Jacuzzi time for us once at home; and even Dad is going to have an early bedtime tonight. We were okay with that plan; are ready for bed now; and are good with the chance for extra sleep after two late nights and a busy weekend. We don’t have anything else to add from here at home, but while Cassie and Michael will be busy with mid-terms this week; we could have a quieter week as we wind down toward our March break. That won’t officially start early for us, but this is our Tuesday-Thursday school day week; so having a home-school day on Friday should work out great for us!
We won’t know that for sure until we get there, but that’s all we have for now, and we really do need the extra sleep; so we’re out of here and off to get started on some quality, early-spring nap time.
This is Ehlana and Ethan Proctor; live from the hidden home of the Magi of the Light – and May the Magi Force be with you!
