Smoothies

Eric makes a fresh smoothie in the blender almost every day for him and the kids. Full of green leafy and whatever else we have. Usually with berries to hide the vegetable flavors. Today he did a whole pineapple, bananas, cherries, blueberries and strawberries. Jia came and looked before it was pulverized and said "oh, there's no spinach...I'm NOT drinking that!" Things you think you'll never hear! Then I said if there's no spinach I'll take her share. Too funny. It was yummy. Jia and I shared.

Always Preparing

This week has been all about getting ready for the weekend and Friday.

Friday is our 26th anniversary. Four months ago we booked Rathtrevor for the weekend. The universe once again has other plans. Kids fun fair. Lili is working. And we're still going camping.

Today Eric spent the bulk of his day baking cakes for the cake walk. Then he helped Jia and Luk decorate after school. Kai preferred to pick sprinkles out and watch Dad decorate. I'm just soooo thankful that crafty Dad took over. I was thrilled to see the cakes all done and wrapped when I got home today. All I did was tape on their slips for judging.

Eric is at the school now helping set up.

We're so tight for time this week that I did an online grocery order for Eric to pick up after dropping the kids at school tomorrow. It took me so long to complete the order that I'm not sure it saves time. I was able to order a few days early. So at least saves time on Friday.

Mom is coming to fun fair to help with the boys. Fei and I are volunteering to work the event. Jia will be on her own with a handful of tickets. Eric and the boys are leaving early to set up camp. Girls and I will be late after we pick up Lili and get the dogs.

We will all wake up at Rathtrevor and go to bed there. One whole day. Our family in one spot and no need to drive anywhere. A rare event these days. Sunday the big girls and I have to come home early. Lili has friends coming to work on a project. Then both girls work.

Jump rope.

Jia is trying to teach Luk to jump rope. She is so patient and encouraging with him. It's painful to watch. I'm holding my breath and waiting for disaster. She runs skipping around the circle of the driveway in flip flops. All graceful with long legs leaping. Luk is following her with the rope up over his shoulders. Not skipping but he thinks he is. Then they stop and he flips the rope over and steps over it and Jia tells him how great and confident he looks skipping. I'm not even comfortable with him walking on the pavement never mind running or playing with a tripping hazard. Kai has rejected the idea of playing outside tonight. It's becoming quite the effort to get him involved. We can force him outside but it seems counterproductive to force someone to have fun.

Big, bigger, biggest.

Kai's observation about our shadows yesterday.

Taylor Swift

Eric and the girls all report that her show was beyond amazing. A seriously good time was had by all.

Seattle

Eric took the girls to Seattle to see Taylor Swift. Big event. They managed to do a lot in a few days. Easier without me and the boys there. They did the space needle, market, arcade, parks, Chinatown, old town, the port, went to the gallery district, they used the sky train, a taxi and the underground. They ate at Seattle's oldest restaurant. They had Chinese in Chinatown that was amazing. According to Jia even the veges tasted good ;) Their hotwire hotel was within walking distance of everything and the breakfast was good. So they were pleased with the trip. They all had a good time. Nice to hear all the happy stories last night.

I tried to do some special things with the boys while they were all away but overall the boys rejected my attempts and wanted their normal routine. Jia wanted to know if the boys missed her. Honestly, I'm not sure they realized much was different. As long as the food kept getting set out they were happy campers.

Crazy Hair Day

Kai said NO. Not surprising. He rejects most fun or silly stuff. Even rejected having a picnic dinner in the back yard with Luk and I last night.

Luk was all in. Not a lot to be done with a crew cut. Unfortunately I didn't factor in how long the color would take to dry. So we're at physio with wet blue paint.

Jia is missing it. She's with Eric and sisters. They've gone to Seattle to see Taylor Swift. They're coming home tonight.