We had tickets to the last Virginia Symphony Peanut Butter and Jam series concert for the season. This time, we made sure to get there in plenty of time to take advantage of the instrument "petting zoo" and the craft sponsored by the Norfolk Public Library. The kids had a great time picking up all the instruments. RJ was hesitant at first, but after he played the cello, we had to get in line to do it again--he was enamored. Was it enough that he is ready for some instruction? I'm not sure about that. But instrument-playing Mom and Dad are encouraged!
Then it was time for the concert. Today's theme was space. We heard pieces from the Jupiter Symphony, the Planets, and the kids' favorite, Star Wars. During the two pieces from the Planets, they showed photos provided by NASA of Mars and Jupiter, which was fun for adults and kids.
Although the kids were a little fidgety by the end, I am so grateful that they are respectful of the musicians and the audience members and can sit relatively still and quiet. A child behind us was having a terrible time today, and his poor mom tried everything she could to get him to be still and quiet so at least his sisters could enjoy the program. But, he wasn't having it, and they ended up leaving early. So, yay for RJ and Ryleigh having a good day and saving their grumpiness and meltdown (Ryleigh) for the ride home.
The rest of our week was quite routine. We did our usual BrickHeadZ. And, once the snow melted and the rain went away, it was warm enough for the kids to go outside at school and after school.
This week should be a relatively normal one. Jip has duty twice this week, but then it is over with for the month. RJ and Ryleigh's school is having a Valentine's Dance on Saturday. The parents had to buy tickets, but the kids are free. They are having a silent auction of themed baskets put together by each classroom. There are two I'm interested in, but I have no idea what to expect for the bidding. I'll let you know how we make out next Sunday.
As I had hoped, I am able to write a post titled "Wet" this week. We were lucky enough to get enough snow on Friday that school had an early dismissal. I had intended to pick up the kids at 12:30, but everyone and their grandmother was heading south at the same time as me. So, I arrived at 12:45. We then headed home easily (no one was heading north). The kids wanted to go outside while the snow was falling. It gave us a chance to try out their new long underwear and boots. They had a great time, and it was made even better with Jip getting to come home early.
Friday night it rained. And the wind blew. And then it REALLY rained. Then the wind blew more. There was a slight pause Saturday morning, just long enough for Jip to get in a run. Then, it started to snow again. It was not a good day to be outside. So, Jip and I worked on a puzzle. The kids played with Legos. We made crazy colored cupcakes.
Sunday morning, after a windy Saturday night, we woke up to a very icy driveway. So, the kids decided the backyard would be better. Before they even had breakfast, they threw on the winter clothes once again and enjoyed the little bit of fluffy stuff before the sun melted it all away.
It's supposed to be a cold night, so we are expecting black ice in the morning. We will all take our time getting where we need to go in the morning and get back into the swing of things.
Even though we've had a little bit of rain here in the last couple of weeks, it is still just DRY. You can tell it is winter. The static electricity is wreaking havoc on laundry and Ryleigh's hair.
Jip is currently working "tropical hours" on the ship. So, their day starts at 6 am and ends for a lot of people around 2 pm. That has allowed Jip to be home shortly after school gets out. This week, Jip was able to meet us at Brickheads. He tagged in to play while I tagged out to go home and make dinner. It was a win-win for grown-ups and kids alike!
On Saturday, Jip had duty. But, the kids and I kept occupied with a birthday party and dinner at our next door neighbor's house. The theme of the birthday party was "mad scientist." I had a great time making a card that fit into the theme.
The kids loved the presenter. She did a few things to make them ooh and aah, like making water disappear by sneaking an absorbent powder into the cup and lighting flash cotton (magicians use it) on fire. The kids got to touch the plasma ball, play with soap bubbles made using DRY ice (they were a little cold and hard according to RJ) and got a DRY ice (aka carbon dioxide) shower.
As soon as got home from the party and RJ ate a very lunch (if he would eat pizza, parties would be sooooo much easier!) and then we headed next door. Once again, the kids completely wore themselves out. They probably sat down to eat their dinners for about 10 minutes before they were playing and running and just enjoying well past their bedtimes. Needless to say, they slept well that
night.
We had rain and a few flakes of snow on Sunday. Weather rumor has it that we'll see a decent amount of snow (for this area) on Friday. Who knows--maybe it will be enough that next week's post can be titled "Wet."
We hope you had a good first week of January. The kids and I used ours to find our routines again and Jip used his to ease back into work on the ship. We were so grateful to have Jip home Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Ryleigh was so tickled that he got to go to her ballet class!
The kids showed Jip the fun indoor playground at Chesapeake Square. The place added some space and equipment since the last time we were there. We paid a little extra for the kids to have five minutes in the bumper cars.
The kids also enjoyed a few turns on the rope and ball carousel.
On Wednesday, Jip took the kids to BrickHeadZ sans Mom. They had fun, and I enjoyed my few hours at home and preparing dinner in peace. :)
We used to go on long drives in San Diego to give the kids a chance to nap and a chance for Jip and I to have some quiet time talking and listening to podcasts. One of our favorites to listen to was a podcast of the radio show "A Way with Words." On one particular episode, the hosts were discussing that while there are many words in the English language, sometimes there just aren't the right words to concisely describe certain situations. One example they used is the word "friend." Without using texting abbreviations or long drawn-out definitions, it is sometimes hard to describe the different types of friends we all have. One of the hosts said she has a phrase she uses to describe those friends who you can reconnect with after a long period of time and it be like no time has passed at all. "Anyway friends." She calls them that because they tend to pick up on their last conversation with, "Anyway...".
Where am I going with this? Well, in addition to a couple of "anyway friends" from college, the Navy has given us a few of those anyway friends. On Sunday, we welcomed our oldest Navy anyway friends, as John, Patti, and their boys joined us for lunch. Despite having kids now of varying ages, we all can sit at a table and it is like the conversation is picking up where it left off when we first met in 1999. We devoured some killer BBQ from a great BBQ joint Jip and I discovered earlier in the week. Their boys so graciously played with our kids. Three hours flew by. It was a great way to cap off our week!
This week should be pretty low key, as well. Jip has duty again on Saturday, but the kids and I will pass the time with a birthday party (finally for someone in RJ's class and not Ryleigh's). The rest will just be the normal school, ballet, gymnastics, and probably a little BrickHeadZ. As always, pics to come.
We had a great few days doing Disney with the Downey Family!
Jip had to work on Wednesday, so he took a later flight. The kids and I made the most of the Mom and Kid time by hitting the pool and playground at our resort that afternoon. We then joined Grandma and Grandpa at the resort food court for dinner. By the time we said our hellos to the Linnenburgers and got ready for bed, it was after 10:30. But, poor Jip didn't get to jump into his bed until about 2:00 am thanks to delays in Norfolk and in Baltimore, delays getting luggage, and a very circuitous bus ride to the resort.
On Thursday, we headed to Hollywood Studios. The kids got a few autographs. We enjoyed the Frozen Sing-a-Long and a car stunt show. We had fun at the Disney Junior puppet show. Ryleigh got her face painted and she found the perfect ears headband for herself. RJ was fascinated with how everything worked, from the fake fire for the stunt show to the projection and lighting for the various shows.
Thursday evening we braved the crowds at Disney Springs to enjoy dinner with Brad, Danika, Mia, and Jack. The food was good, and the company was great! Afterwards, we headed to the Lego store to pick up a couple sets.
Friday was Magic Kingdom Day. We decided to take advantage of Magic Hours for people staying on Disney property and showed up at the park at 7:30 am. It was early, but it was worth it! The kids got more autographs and we got to ride a bunch of rides before it got too crowded, including Mom and Ryleigh doing the tea cups and RJ and Dad driving a car. RJ just laughed and laughed when Jip declared him the worst driver ever. We made good use of our fast passes for a fun Buzz Lightyear ride and to meet Anna and Elsa.
Although Magic Kingdom is pretty big, we bumped into Grandma and Grandpa and then Brad and family. Amber, Eric, Mackenzie, and Maggie met up with us in Fantasyland in a secret play area inside the waiting area for the Dumbo Ride. We enjoyed some air conditioning while the kids played. Then it was off to our other fast pass, the Mine Train. RJ liked it, but Ryleigh loved it.
Friday evening, the whole family met up to eat dinner together. We enjoyed some good food and shared some good laughs.
Saturday morning, we were up and at 'em bright and early again in order to all eat breakfast with Mickey and friends. The buffet was delicious and everyone enjoyed getting more autographs from the classic Disney characters.
Then it was off to get a few hours in at Magic Kingdom. All 14 of us got to go on the Safari together, in the same truck. That was a blast! We also enjoyed a Nemo musical with large puppets, much like The Lion King stage show. The kids got to burn a little energy stored from waiting in lots of lines in a huge play area.
After some atrociously long security lines at the airport and a delay, we finally found ourselves back at the ranch just after 10 pm Saturday night. It was a whirlwind trip, but a great and memorable one. RJ cried because we had to leave. They both are already asking when we can go back. Many thanks to my parents for a great family reunion. Next time, we should wear the buttons or get matching t-shirts, okay Downey Family?
