I’ve managed to spend a few consecutive days at home! It’s been an enjoyable weekend, one which was much-needed after all the travel I’ve done recently.
I got back from San Diego early Friday morning. I had decided earlier to work from home that day, so that’s what I did. It sure was nice being close to the family, even if I couldn’t play the whole time. Miracle of miracles, both kids – each of which is on the mend – slept soundly through the night. It was the first time Kelly has had a full night of sleep in days.
I went to a talk Friday evening, getting back home around 10:30. Another good night of sleep followed. I gave Kelly a break from parenting so she could run errands. The kids and I watched the sleet and rain fall from the comfort of the playroom. After taking Travis up for a short nap, Hallie and I made a loaf of tasty bread.
I did some work cleaning up my desk and computers before getting ready for my dad’s birthday party. It was our first night leaving the kids with a hired babysitter and things couldn’t have gone more smoothly. We were surprised to hear the babysitter had them settled a bit earlier than we could have done it ourselves. The kids seemed to like her, too.
Dad’s birthday party was a lot of fun. My sister and her family came up from Shelby to take part. The conversation was filled with wisecracks and jokes. The food and wine were excellent, too. We had to cut short her celebrating in order to relieve the babysitter. With Kelly at home, I drove the babysitter home and then went to my parents’ house for the “after-party.”
For Dad’s birthday, many of us had prepared some sort of tribute to him. My brother Al recorded a catchy song for the occasion. My neice wrote a charming poem. I wrote a little toast of sorts. Everyone enjoyed the performances! I was amazed to have left after midnight, as there was still so much energy. Good thing birthdays come every year.
Today was a typical Sunday for us, except for the chilly weather outside (19 degrees at sun up). The kids were in happy moods as were Kelly and I. After breakfast, we headed back over to my parents’ for more visiting with my sister’s family. Hallie and her cousin Victoria had a blast chasing each other around the house. Travis wasn’t quite as mobile, though he enjoyed taking everything in. It was nice seeing my sister again. We just don’t get together often enough.
After getting lunch, the family and I took a quick, chilly walk around the neighborhood. Naps followed, which were then followed by more organizing the home work area. Kelly cooked a tasty meal for dinner, after which we horsed around with the kids until bedtime. Man, its good to be home!
Tomorrow I stick around home while Kelly runs a few important errands. Then I’m back to my desk at the office – a strange place to find me as of late.