I did not see this one coming!

Two weeks ago:





Shane tells me he has a surprise for me. In December.





I ask for hints. He says "No" he'll tell me the day before we leave.



OK. So we're going somewhere.





I ask what I'll need to be prepared.





He says he'll tell me what to pack the day before.





A few days later he says he'll tell me on the way to the airport. For now, just have my passport and bathing suit ready. He says he's already arranged for the kids. So we're flying and will be gone at least over night.





I think,' we did a trip already this year'. Either my kids aren't as difficult as I thought, people are crazy, or just really, really nice. Or all three. Any way, thanks to everyone for making this possible and way to keep a secret. I guess he's been planning it for awhile. Though apparently he did not disclose location and even let out some misleading information in the event of a slip up.








I rule out New York. He knows I don't like the cold much. I think maybe Hawaii- we still had a credit for the messed up flight on our way to Palau.








Then I think of Mexico. That would be warm too. He gives me two hints. Its not Mexico. Its not Hawaii. I think maybe the Carribean, but don't say anything. Then I also think any place with a hotel could have a hot tub. Requiring a bathing suit. And it would be like Shane to give me crazy misleading clues.





I ash him how long we'll be gone, and if I'll miss a cooking class.





He says 6 days. And yes. I'll miss a class. He says he doesn't want me to think or worry about anything. Just plan on a relaxing time.





I immediately think of planes crashing, orphaned children, snorkel kinks while night swimming etc. Then I think I need a new suit as my other one is not that comfortable.




Shane can't help himself and decides to show me some edited pictures. I get a three second look while he covers up the side bar and URL. I take in more than he thought I would, but still don't guess it. He covers up even more of the pictures. I get to see three or four, but they are all of insides so there is no geography to go on.





The insides are paneled walls and have a sort of NorthWest feel. But that would not require a plane. If we really are going on a plane.





Finally, Shane can't take it. He usually gives me Christmas presents early because "you might like to have it now". And he was agonizing over some of the decisions he needed to make and couldn't ask for my input. I know Shane is a bit extreme, and when he says he thought of a cool vacation, and then thought even cooler, and then took it to the extreme cool and came up with this ,I was still floored.





Then I was scared and running through all the bad scenarios- Hungarians are ridiculous I tell you-and Shane was wondering if he should have told me. But after a good night sleep, and some good tea time at Tirzah's, I felt better and was able to embark on fine tuning some of the details.





Shane would like to go para sailing. Together. And do a snorkel on the ocean side. And maybe a helicopter tour. Oh, and jet skis. I was sort of surprised sky diving was not on his list.





I did some reading and put this on our list. Generally they recommend a 3 month advance reservation. But I called our hotel and she said she could arrange something. They only have 6-8 tables and only serve that many couples an evening. I said we'd like the 11th but will take any night they have available. Maybe I'll need a new dress too?





I got a new swim suit. I remembered an article where the woman said she had a terrible time trying to fit into the fashions of Audrey Hepburn that were all the rage. Until she realized she was more of a Sophia Loren type figure. Well I'm kind of a shorter, stretched and saggy version of Audrey Hepburn, so I decided to go with something that doesn't try to re-shape, prop up, or pretend something is there when its actually somewhere else. I still have to do some tailoring but I think it should work.





And I even took a swim lesson for some practice and tips. He said as long as I didn't panic, I'd be fine. But when I swim at night, in deep water, far from the shore- I panic. Luckily the lagoon is 4-8 feet in most places and I'm not sure we'll do much night swimming. Just after one lesson I was ravenous for hours. I'm afraid with my terribly inefficient metabolism I'll have to go on the Michael Phelps diet for a month. And practice mindful eating. Meaning be mindful that I EAT. Lots and often. I can easily get distracted or busy and then by dinner I wonder why I feel exhausted and grumpy and don't have energy to work out or vacuum, or be nice to anyone. That's why I prefer weights to cardio work outs. Which I should work on for the next few weeks.





And get the Christmas plans going too. I did some shopping on Sunday and got the kids their Christmas jammies, the girls dresses, and a couple extra things. Hooray for Amazon. I'll just find all the art supplies we wanted and get it ordered. Soon. Last year we had such inclement weather it disrupted deliveries. It has been windy here lately, but I'm sure its nothing Mr Postman can't handle. I did order sunscreen so that it would come in time.





And I've got to keep the kids on track so we don't get behind in school stuff as well. And I guess I should clean out the fridge before Thursday. And while I'm at it, I'd like to find some jeans that don't try to turn me into a Bratz doll. But right now I think I need a snack.



I did do weights with Shane, after he did the cardio without me. And then I slept really well, woke up early, and am looking forward to doing another work out tonight. He has the P90X work out DVDs, which are nice because they are varied and I can use lighter weights or do less reps and we can still work out together. Unless its cardio. Or anything with jumping. I have a hard time not migrating into him or the bookshelves if I do jumping jacks. So weights really are safer for me. And Shane. I should have a snack to get prepared for it.

Guess Who's Swimming?

Kateri and Pippin have been asking every week, when they can sign up for swim lessons. Well we missed some lessons because of colds and I was told I could use them for for any registered swimmer. And since you only pay registration for the first two swimmers, I went ahead and registered the other kids.
They were so excited on their lesson day. Pippin was madly tearing the house apart looking for his Curious George swim shorts. He couldn't find them and settled for his plain blue ones. Kateri found her suit and put it on right after breakfast, though lessons were not until 3:45


Pippin tried on the different goggles while Kateri had her lesson. Kateri loved it- shocking- and fearlessly jumped in from the side and put her head under water. Pippin said he didn't like the swimming part because his face got wet. But he did like the "black float". I think for now they will just pick up the other kids missed lessons. I'm not sure I can get a regular spot for them and arriving at 3:45 was too early. The parking lot was jammed with buses and parents picking up their kids. We were almost late just because of parking. But the big kids are learning a lot, and it wears them out. Cyril asked if we could stop at QFC and get a whole chicken for dinner after lessons. We stopped. And got two.

Our Newest Member

This is Draca. At first she was Draco. Then the kids did some reading and investigating, and found out "she" is a girl. I didn't ask for details but they changed her name and now they are plotting to get a Draco so they can have little Dracettes. We're thinking she is a little young yet.

The kids were thrilled when we brought her home. Cyril- whose room she stays in- was sure he wouldn't get any sleep that first night as he's probably have to get up a lot to check on her. She has shed once already and seems happy in her new home. She is pretty low maintenance, aside from having to buy and feed her crickets. Its more difficult to keep the crickets alive. But the kids are happy with their pet. I'm happy she doesn't bark, shed hair, or need a litter box. Pippin is a little upset he doesn't have his own gecko. I'm sure this will just be the beginning of the pet years, but so far so good.

Surprise Vacation

So Shane took us on our surprise vacation last week end. I was very good and did not tell the kids where we were going, once I figured it out. The morning after Shane got home, and the day we were leaving, he asks if they are all packed to go to Leavenworth. They might have figured out on the drive anyway. But they were ready and excited.
The cabin was a little ways out near a little town called Plain. It was a pretty drive and the leaves were turning and we had brought everything we'd need for a cozy fall week end. We stopped in Leavenworth and ice cream, pet a horse, listened to some music, and tried some not so great wine. Although first we had lunch with some tasty Icicle Ale.

We stopped and got two decks of cards and the kids used them all week end. I went down to check on them in the morning and the three older kids were sitting up on the top bunk playing "Go Fish". I love when they all can play together.

There was lots of silliness too.

And hot tubbing.

There was even some snow for the boys to drive their new trucks in. Shane had brought RC trucks for both boys from "New York" or more like the hobby store down the road. He said he couldn't find anything on his trip for them. He did get the girls some jewelry. One of Kateri's ear holes grew over so she can only wear one earring. But the look kind of suits her.

We had a great time and it was very restful once I got some sleep. The first night I was nervous because the three big kids were downstairs in the bunk beds and you just wonder when they are going to wake up and forget where they are so you sleep lightly waiting for a sound. Sure enough,first I heard them calling. Then I heard them crying. Both times I jumped violently-Shane who was sleeping says-and then got confused with the lock on the door so Shane had to get up and do it for me. And both time it was still and quiet on the other side of the door. Or on the outside of my head.

The second night was better as I was exhausted from the first night. Luckily, I had Kateri to help with the cooking. She is really, no surprises here, amazing. We unloaded all our things into the house and when I came in to the kitchen to unload the cooler, found Kateri had already done it. She helped cook too. One night we were playing go fish, boys against girls, and I decided to add a penalty. Losers had to do the dishes. Kateri cheerfully piped up,

"I'll do the dishes!"

The boys cheated first. We won. And I did the dishes.

All in all a good time.

Another Birthday

Audrey turned 11 on Sunday. It's hard to believe she is that old. We're almost in the teens!

I'm guessing she wished for a horse or a dog. A Husky, as that is her favorite lately. Although she likes wolves too. She has decided Jack London is her favorite author, for right now, and has been reading his books. She thought it was really neat when she saw a wine at QFC with a wolf on the label. It was called Jack London. I'll have to get it some time just so she can have the empty bottle.

She did get webkinz husky from Grandma and Grandpa, and Shane surprised her at the cabin with another stuffed dog. Poor substitutes for the real thing, but a lot cleaner and quieter.

The kids. Kateri's hair has not gotten any tamer- or smaller. I think she might be due for another thinning.

We had a great time on our vacation and we have lots of pictures but I'll post those later as I'm a little behind on my day right now. It's always hard adjusting to coming home.

Auditions

The ballet studio was holding auditions for "Clara". Kateri didn't really get what auditions were and thought of it as just another ballet class. I left Shane and the kids home and we headed to the studio. She was excited it was just two of us. I had brought my book and she asked if I was going to come in. I said I'd like to see her dance. She paused thinking of how to get rid of me,

"But you could just drop me off. Because that would be more, like, realistic. Don't you think?"

Maybe realistic in the sense she's probably told the other girls she drives herself to ballet. I did go in, but, as it turned out parents were not allowed to watch from inside the studio. So I took my book, Ender's Game, and went next door and had taquitos while I finished it. It was quite nice. She had fun and tried to explain all the things they had the girls do as she finished off the taquitos I brought for her. She doesn't really care about the part, I think, but is just excited to be in the Nutcracker. Kateri, on a stage. I think its going to be amazing.

She's been keeping up with her studies along with her dancing. If I am not available when she is ready she gets out the phonics material and sits, filling her page with letters. She is pretty good at remembering the sounds and because she's loved writing since forever, doesn't need any encouraging. I could probably sit and do phonics with her all day and she'd be happy.

This is my latest obsession. That and cambazola. I finally ordered a box of tea from Amazon as I can only find it at PCC which is not too convenient a trip for as often I would need to go. The kids like it too. Shane was a little surprised the other day when Kateri offered to make Pippin some and he said he liked it, but wanted the blue kind right now.- English Breakfast. We have the blue kind, the pink kind, and the green kind- peppermint. All with cream and sugar, please.

As Kateri and I were practicing reading- mostly her just copying me at this point- she felt the need to use each word in a sentence. I thought some were pretty funny.

"BAND like "Hi, my name is band, what's your name?"

GUTS like "Someone fell down and got hurt and I saw their guts, do you want to come see?"

OLD like "Oh no! You're really old!"

She's pretty fun to work with.

It's been cool and very fall here. Luckily I decided to mow the lawn and clean up the yard on Sunday- our last nice day- and generally get ready for winter. Shane left for New York and I generally pass the time when he's gone on projects. He says maybe he should leave more often. But he's coming home tomorrow and I am excited to put the projects on hold for a bit.Besides the yard is all done and I got the entire downstairs floor washed. So I feel good about it.

He went to New York for an architecture convention. Computer architecture. He was excited because "Grady Booch" was going to be there. I could hardly contain myself when he told me. I do feel sorry for him in that most of the time when he talks about his work I'm sort of like a deer in headlights. As far as computers are concerned I am just happy if my printer and email work. Anyway, along with eating at some tasty French place, shopping, a little walk through Central Park, and the convention, he actually got to meet Grady Booch. So I guess it was a success.

He decided to celebrate his homecoming by taking us all to a cabin near Leavenworth for the week-end. Or as his announcement said,

"Have the kids bags packed and ready"

I asked him for clues as to where we were going but initially all he would tell me was we didn't need our passports, and to pack cold weather clothes and swim wear.

The kids were excited by the riddle and every day he would send more clues. Audrey was a little bummed when he sent a picture of a castle and said 'we won't be staying in a place like this"

But she liked the bunk beds he sent saying they would be sleeping there. I liked that there were only four bunk beds as that meant "I" would not be sleeping there. They have a queen bed as well.

It was good to figure out where we are going to be so I can start planning the menu and shopping. It is also Oktoberfest so there should be lots of fun things to see. Although I'm inclined to stay in and enjoy the fire and hot tub too. But I'm sure we'll go on some Alpine treks and visit the river. Which will make coming in to a cozy fire all that much more enjoyable.

Hope you all have a lovely week end. I have to start packing and get Pippin out of the toilets. He loves to use the clorox bowl cleaner thing, mostly for the blue sudsy bubbles it makes, and will wash all the toilets several times a week. He can do it pretty well and its one less thing I have to do. Oh, and I hear Kateri using the mixer so I'd better see what concoction she has cooking up. Hopefully it's dinner as I didn't have a plan for tonight yet.

Down Time

Well, we seem to be having our first cold of the season. So far it doesn't appear to be the Swine Flu, but there are sniffles and coughs and general malaise. So we will be spending as much time as possible sleeping, resting, reading, and tea drinking. With some Benadryl shots all around.

The big kids had to miss art class this morning and I cancelled swim lessons tomorrow. I have to say I am tempted to stop everything for awhile. But we'll give it another go next week and see how it goes. I had to run to art class this morning to do my job and pay tuition but luckily Shane was able to stay home for a bit so I didn't have to drag the kids. I do kind of enjoy having an excuse to stay home and be cozy. But if it drags on too long I'm sure we'll start getting stir crazy. I'm guessing Kateri will not be over it in time for ballet on Thursday. Audrey has decided to stop ballet so I was able to move Kateri to the morning class, thus avoiding the weekly dinner's at the Mexican restaurant. Which we enjoyed, but two hours with three kids who can only eat and color for so long before getting fidgety did get tiring. Sometimes Cyril and Pippin would get bored and come up with crazy ideas. Like 'see if you can eat with your arms pulled into the body of your shirt and just you hands sticking out'. They could.
Last Thursday I was fortunate to have brought the camera as it turned out to be parent's day. They had chairs set up for us and we were allowed to take pictures. I enjoyed watching the lesson and loved to see Kateri focusing on her feet and copying the teacher. I'm afraid my camera is terrible with the flash off, but I did get some video and was able to show Shane. But still they don't capture the joy and emotion of watching her stretch her arms and point her toes, completely focused on the steps and oblivious to everything else. Until she catches Cyril or Pippin army crawling in the back. Then she flashes a big smile and waves. I have to say it was one 0f the best performances I've been to and I was pretty much near tears the whole show.

So there won't be much to report this week. But I'm ok with that. I'm glad I stocked up on the Ruby Chai and half and half. Maybe we'll make some bread or something warm and tasty to make our quarantine more pleasant. Hope everyone out there on the other side is well and we'll catch up soon.