Well Echo is now just over a week old (as of Friday) and an absolute dream of a baby. We have yet to have more than a day or so of calm, visitor free time so the kids have definitely not settled into a routine that includes having a new baby. That is what THIS upcoming week is for, figuring out what preparation is needed homeschool wise to have the kids occupied during the times Echo needs me and finding enjoyable and QUIET occupations for those nap times that occur.
Nana and Baba’s visit coincided with over 200 fires in BC which meant for MOST of the time we were kept rather close to home to avoid the smoke hanging over the city and much of the province. Nana is an asthmatic and we didn’t want to have Trinity running around when the smoke was at its thickest or Echo breathing in too much. So Thursday was spent indoors for the kids – playing Legos and watching tv and such with Nana and Baba. Ken, Echo and I ran out to do some minor shopping. I managed to get myself a pair of I guess yoga pants from Walmart (17.00) and some needed baby items. It is always nice to get out and about WITHOUT the bulk of the family. The smoke was absolutely horrible, when you went into stores it followed you in and everything was covered in a smog coloured haze.
Thankfully by Friday the air had cleared enough for a family outing. We packed everyone up and headed off to the local Fort and for the first time ever actually SAW THE FORT! With the smoke and it being a week day it really was not that busy. So we started our adventure on the train!
This took us straight to the oldest era at the park and the trading fort. We stuck around for the walk-through and then spent a nice portion of our visit checking out the fort and surrounding buildings. Ken found tons of photo opportunities and the boys and Trinity got excited about EVERYTHING.
After the fort we went on through the eras until we hit a place to buy snacks and then the exit. After 2 hours there we were all ready to head off to home… with a quick stop off at T&T to show Nana and Baba what the boys term the “Chinese store.” Dragon fruit was purchased and we headed back home to enjoy our evening.
Saturday began with an increase in smoke once again which had us grounded to the house until the late afternoon when we ventured out to the nearby park for an hour or so of play. Trinity was instantly shoeless and running around… Emanuel and Nana spent most of their time building sandcastles with the bucket and shovel that happened to be left in the van from our visit to mom’s cabin.
Ken and I took Echo after all the fun was had at the park and got Ken a much needed haircut. It is always a bit of a treat to get to go out without all the kids! Add to that a shaved face and life is good.
Today we said good bye to Nana and Baba as they headed back to Minnesota. It was definitely a good visit and the kids had a blast with their grandparents. We are all looking forward to some down time now. Monday will be our first day of really being a family of 7 and working on a routine that will work. There is still Echo’s 2 week appointment to schedule… gotta love busy doctor’s offices who keep PUTTING YOU OFF! But Ken is determined.
I have to do some shopping again tomorrow – drawers for the gifts Nana and Baba brought the kids – SCHOOL SUPPLIES!
I also get to pick out a belated birthday present from Ken’s folks… so MICHAELS for the win! And the thread store to pick up one skein of metallic floss for a gift for a friend’s mom (I HATE running out). In fact Ken’s folks showed up with a bag if threads for me – apparently Jo-Ann’s had a sale… so now I have to go through all of those (DMC) and sort. What a great gift! (and aida cloth too!) Should be fun.
Today was a special dinner for our family – Chris and Chris came over and made us lasagne! Talk about yummy! AND we got in a nice visit… so win win.
Now with all the kids (except Echo of course) in bed at a decent time my evening is free… I am hoping to get a scrapbook page done for Echo and maybe the 8×10 wall hanging for Trinity’s room – bunny theme I am thinking… but other than that – veg!