Yesterday was a super full day. Full but so good!
Once the kids were down for naps, I headed to moms to help get her birthday party together! For a good couple of hours, we chopped food, organized trays, moved around the backyard, set up a game, put up a sign, and went over and over and over her lists. Then we sat for about twenty minutes, and then got back up and did the finishing touches, like putting drinks in the dispensers, setting out some veggie trays, and building a fire. Guests started to arrive right on schedule, and the party went off without a hitch! Her friends were all SO happy to be there, and visited contentedly around the fire until it was time to start supper. We filled foil packs with potatoes, onions, carrots, sausage, butter, and spices, and let them cook over the fire while the visiting continued. It was really special to see everyone making friends with each other when so many of them didn’t know each other otherwise. Food was flipped and checked, and sure enough, they were all beautifully done. No one’s food burned or was underdone. The potato packs, paired with a few sides, were SO indulgent. Just delicious!
We had planned a game of croquet, but the visiting was just too smooth to interrupt. Mom opened a stack of gifts and cards from the group, and people started to peter out. When it was just mom, myself, and one other guest, we cracked out the croquet and cheated our way through a game. Mom won, as she should 🙂 I wish I had more pictures from her party, but it was one of those times when you just don’t get there, because you’re too busy being in the moment. And sometimes thats best. Mom and I cleaned up a bit more once everyone had left. It was dark by then, but we made it work 🙂
While I was at mom’s party, Brady took the three older kids to the opening night of Family Adventure Week! It started very close to the kids bedtime, so it was a bit of a stretch. But they made it happen, and the kids had a really good time! They sang songs, listened to a bible story, and went on a photo scavenger hunt! This picture even won them a prize 🙂
This was a good one, too 🙂 Happy times.
Meanwhile, Cher lovingly moved her plans around in order to help us out with childcare. Bringing all five kids to the event on his own wouldn’t be a pretty big undertaking. While possible, it wouldn’t have been smooth. Cher keeping the two little ones at home was the best possible option.
Once Solomon recovered from being left at home (“When’s Rowan coming back? Its Rowan’s bedtime!”) he settled in, and they had a really special little date. He doesn’t get to be the oldest very often.
All things considered, yesterday was basically bananas, and I wouldn’t change it. We all had SUCH a good day! Brady and I are in the thick of our colds right now, which is a bit of a bummer, but the general excitement of the busy days helps distract us from the sickness. And really, rather we’re sick now than next week! Round two at Clearcut Coffeehouse is coming at you NEXT THURSDAY!!! Who wants to come?? 🙋