The kids and I went to see some friends for a playdate today. I think the last time we spent a day with them was about two years and three children less. We each had one, and now there are five between us. It was a long overdue date.
Getting out the door to drive there was a bit of an endeavour. Remember how yesterday was deathly rainy and windy and just begging to push every vehicle into the ditch? Today, most of the ice was gone, and driving conditions were just generally better. It was colder, though. So I started the van probably fifteen minutes before I planned to leave, and got the kids all dressed and ready to go.
We all made our way outside slowly, careful not to wipe out on the sidewalk and such. I went to the side of the van that we usually let the kids in, and tried to open the door. And it was frozen shut. The dumbest part of it was that the automatic sliding function that we love SO much makes it way harder to fight with. I reefed on it like crazy, but the thing just clicked. It was basically laughing at me. So I had the pleasure of bringing them all around, putting Rowan in his car seat, and unceremoniously loading Dekker and Laela into the van overtop of his seat, making sure to smack their heads on the roof good and proper on the way in. Mom of the year award? I think yes. Then, for any neighbours already watching me in amusement, I had the pleasure of climbing into the van overtop of Rowan as well. I closed his door behind me in an effort to warm us all up again, and I buckled everyone in. I also pushed the “open” button of the frozen door, and solidly bodychecked it at just the right time, successfully breaking the ice and rendering it useful again! Win!
We did finally make it out the door, once I managed to defrost the windshield enough to use the wipers. It was kind of a mess getting out of the driveway, but I was pleased to see the highways were pretty well clear, and much more comfortable for travel! We made it to our friends place in good time.
We arrived mid morning and stayed into the mid/late afternoon. It was so long overdue, and I throughly enjoyed our visit! Dekker didn’t play shy really at all, and all four of the kids (minus Ro) played beautifully together!! At some points, Laela and her little 18 month old playmate were playing downstairs, just the two of them. It was adorable. We ate well and played well and chatted forever. I certainly hope this is something that can happen more than every two years, because it felt like something I would enjoy much more regularly 🙂 Its so good to catch up with friends, no matter how long its been.
When we did leave, we were not on the road for five minutes before all three of my children were cashed out. We even lurked in our driveway at home for a bit while they lulled awake. They were tuckered right out, but in a really really good way 🙂
And now I am also tuckered out. As per usual, a soak and a snack are in order. And then early to bed, like our new usual. It feels amaaaaazing to be getting extra sleep! Everyone should try going to bed before 10:00 one of these days. I know, I’m a night owl too. Just feels great trying something new!