Weekend Redo

I was given a second chance at a long weekend. And for a second time, I was asked to come in on Sunday. This time, even they felt bad about asking and immediately said to not worry about it. So I didn’t. Well, not too much.

I devoted my first day off to rest. At 8:00 AM, I drug myself out of bed. I NEVER sleep that late, but having gone to bed between 1 and 2 AM the previous 4 nights, I was tired. I worked out to TV shows I’m not used to seeing, and ate breakfast pretty close to lunch time. I spent the rest of the day chillaxin’, and only took a short break to play with my new vacuum.

Saturday was used to replenish the pantry and fridge. The kids, bored from being cooped up all week, cleared out the food entirely. Once it was stocked, I tried out a few recipes I wanted to make last weekend. Homemade granola (yum), oven “fried” pickles (yuck), and Greek chicken (deelish!)

But the best part of my weekend, was today. Today, we celebrated the New Year as a family. Finally. Every year, we try to do something a little different. Before I began working in a hotel, we used to welcome the New Year in different locations – Gatlinburg and Table Rock Lake to name a few. Then we began doing things we’d never done – ice skating, laser tag, and today….

snow skiing.

Chip

Amp

Mario

Mario and Chip

Amp, Chip, and the hot girl?

Amp and Chip

Mario

 

We couldn’t have asked for a better day. The temps were in the 60s, allowing Hubby and I to watch without freezing. The kids were able to ski without wearing too much bulk. In fact, they were shedding layers with each trip down the hill.

The snow here is all brought in, although I’m sure some of the snow we had this last weekend helped build it up. And for beginners, they did very well. Chip took one hard spill, scratching up his head and face on the icy snow. (The one time he chose to go down without his helmet…..) and Amp took a horrific spill which I’m thankful I didn’t witness. It knocked the wind out of him for some time, and his chest and back are a little sore, but I think he’ll be alright. In fact, he’s quite proud that he “bit it”.
.

Near dark, we came into the lodge to warm up a bit, and grab some grub. The kids were starving and were anxious to tell their tales, often talking over each other. I tingled from head to toe listening to how happy and excited they were. I was so happy to have had this day.

The hour and a half ride home was very quiet, the exhaustion finally settling in. I’m quite sure their muscles will be screaming tomorrow, but I know they’ll say it was all worth it.

A terrific start to the New Year, even if slightly delayed.

Amp, Chip, and Mario

 

 

 

It Wasn’t the End of the World

I’m so glad the world didn’t end today.

For one, I wouldn’t have been able to finish these.

Melting Snowmen

Or these.

North Pole Cupcakes

I baked the cookies and cupcakes yesterday, but decorating them today was SO. MUCH. FUN.

This was also the day our family had planned our annual Christmas Family Outing. Originally, we were going to go out for lunch, then hit the ice skating rink.  But it was so cold and windy, and Amp has been quite sick, so we opted for Plan B.

Getting there was going to be a challenge.  Since we rarely travel together, none of us have cars big enough for six people.  It was decided the girls would take the Mustang and the boys, the Acura, and off we went.

We arrived together at Peel, a wood-fired pizza joint, for our lunch.

We ordered four different types of pizza and two types of wings, and managed to finish most of it.

Why has it taken us so long to try wood-fired pizza?

L to R: Chip, Amp, Link, Mario, SR300, Hubby

With full bellies, we headed off to Edison’s Entertainment Complex.

And boy were we entertained!

Having never played Laser Tag before, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  Two rounds of 15 minutes didn’t sound like much, so we opted for the unlimited Laser Tag and Bowling package.

I’m so glad we did!  We played three rounds in a row before we were all so incredibly sweaty and thirsty that we needed a break.

We hit the bar for some waters and headed straight back for some more rounds. By this time, our legs were wobbly from crouching, our clothes and hair were wet with sweat, but we continued on, fighting for our respective territories.

Armed and Ready

Sibling Rivalry

Caught!

We played round after round until the little kids showed up.  I’m all for them having fun too, but it changes the game when you have little ones who just follow you around and shoot you as soon as your lights go back on.  And there were so many of them, that we always had someone just following us. No chance to strategize, no chance to sneak up on the opponents, no chance to duck behind walls.

We endured them for a few rounds, then decided it was time to bowl.

Most of us are used to our own bowling balls and shoes, so it was fun trying to find a ball with finger holes that fit somewhat close.

ShadowRun300? Not today.

Amp did fairly well considering his thumb didn’t fit.

Chip had a case of sticky thumb and shoes.

Mario was the professional today and beat us all.

After tripping over a little kid in laser tag, Link fought through the pain in his knee so as not to miss out.

So yeah, I’m grateful we were able to have this day.  And if the Mayan’s were off by a day, and the world ends tomorrow…..

at least I won’t have to go back to work.