Busy, Happy Times

Where to begin? I'll start with my birthday week. (Yes, I said week. Most people have a birth day, but those of us who really love our birthdays claim a whole week.) Our niece celebrated her first birthday on Monday, and that means Colin is now 14 months. I still remember bringing him to the hospital to visit Bridget, and meet his new cousin. Colin looked so big on the bed next to Laurel. How quickly the time flies. I caught a yoga class with Danielle on Tuesday night (finally!). On Wednesday, I attended a dinner meeting at the corporate office. It was very interesting listening in to all of the behind-the-scenes decision making. Colorectal surgery does not run on auto pilot! Thursday was my birthday, but the celebration was put on hold until the weekend. I actually ate leftovers (which if you know me, you know how shocking that is) and we caught up on some TV.

Friday was a vacation day from work, and Mike, Colin, and I met Mom and Dad at Birchwood Cafe for brunch. It was a nice day off, although I didn't really do anything remarkable, other than just enjoy being away from work. I did pick Annalise up early from school and we went on a school tour, where she'll be attending FIRST grade next fall! I enjoyed seeing the classrooms, lunchrooms, gym with climbing wall, and media center filled with brand-new Macs. Annalise was excited to hear that kids can go ice skating and sledding during recess!

Saturday was Laurel's birthday party at Bridget and Steve's house. Laurel got a ball pit (with 150 balls!) and it was fun to watch the kids enjoy being buried in the balls. Saturday night, we had our 13 year old neighbor come over, and we went out to eat with my birthday buddy Becky, and her husband Christopher. It was my first time at Wildfire, and we all really enjoyed it.

On Sunday, Annalise and I attended a Pump it Up party for a classmate, and then joined the boys at E's house for some football and turkey chili. E and K are always the host and hostess with the mostest, complete with beer, Vikings eye black stickers, and art projects for the kids. I enjoyed the absence of that "it's Sunday night, and I've got to get ready for work tomorrow" feeling, as I took Monday off from work also. The big kids were home from school for MLK, and we didn't do anything out of the ordinary, but I did have a few appointments to keep up the temple that is my body. The kids have been playing so hard lately, and usually their best ideas include not the brand-new toys acquired at Christmas, but with common household items.

We had to call off a playdate with the Three Kings, as the eldest highness was not feeling his best, but I did get to play with the queen of the castle on Monday night. Thanks again, Danielle for a fun birthday dinner and drinks at PF Changs, followed by a screening of Up in the Air.