It’s the close of a lovely day. The house is quiet (except for the hum of the washing machine and dryer and music playing in the kitchen), the boys (including Tim) are in bed, and the girls are off with Mamie and G’Dad at the hotel. I cleaned the kitchen this afternoon so that work is all completed. I need to pack a lunch for Tim, finish this blog and then go to bed myself.
We had a very relaxing day. No one seemed interested in heading out on an adventure or field trip so we stayed home and played games for most of the day. We started the morning off with Citadels which was lots of fun. I can see why Tim and the three older children have all been begging to play it again. [They played it for the first time on Saturday while I was gone.] Dad worked on his laptop while we played. Sarah and David busied themselves, coloring in the dining room. It was a contented crowd all around.
David and Sarah managed to convince Grandad to come and play Rat a Tat Cat with them in the living room. I think they played several rounds. Sarah sat by them, watching everything and cheering them on.
While we were busy finishing up our game, the little ones decided Grandad was bored (since he wasn’t playing with us) and should come out to the garage (brrr, it’s cold!!) and watch a movie with them. It was probably too chilly for him to sneak in a nap so he was forced to watch at least 30 minutes of Duck Tales. Now there’s some real movie substance. Lol!
They look like a snuggly group!
After lunch we decided to squeeze in one more game. Joshua and I really wanted to teach Mamie and Grandad Bang so we begged and pleaded and fussed until they gave in. Or something like that – I think everyone was sitting around waiting until Tim said, “Okay let’s play” and we all gathered around the table. Bang is a favorite with our crowd and the children have taught several of their friends how to play. It helps if most of the group already knows how to play – things move along fairly quickly.
Tina – this is one you should definitely think about for your group. It’s fun – Western theme (maybe we can get Tom and Casey to play), card based, doesn’t take too long, etc. Come home and we’ll teach you. Sniff, sniff.
Tim was incredibly kind and said he would take the children swimming at the hotel while Mom and Dad snuck in a quick nap. I stayed home and worked on things around the house. It was lovely having a little time to myself. The kids were still going strong when I joined them at the pool (except for Daniel who was out, taking a break).
We decided to go to East and West Cafe for some Thai food. It was absolutely delicious!!! Thank you, Michelle, for the recommendation. I think I oohed and aahhhed over my food with almost every bite. The meals are reasonably priced and the atmosphere is pleasant. The parking lot looked full but the restaurant did not feel crowded. I will DEFINITELY go again. Tim loved his entree until he accidentally added in some chili paste sauce that he thought was sweet. Oops! He does NOT like things spicy. Gotta watch those unmarked sauces in Asian restaurants!
We returned to our house for some Rocky Road ice cream and a showing of Nanny McPhee. We didn’t finish the movie – time for bed, especially for those on Michigan time. Tomorrow Tim heads back to work. Not sure what the rest of us will do – some school, more relaxing and game playing, and maybe a few work projects.
I’m trying not to think about how short this visit is. We’ll see everyone in June so I’m clinging to that – always important to have the NEXT visit planned.
Kathy
You went to the East West Cafe without ME and my 5 children? What were you thinking?? Wasn’t there room at the table? Hee hee!
I love reading about all your fun!
Ooh, I want to know, what did you eat? What was Tim’s dish that did not start off spicy? You know, even after eating it nearly everyday for almost 5 months now (can you believe that!) I still love Thai food. OK, not all of it, there have been a few things that I will probably not order of my own accord again, but in general, it is so yummy isn’t it?!
Tina
Tina, the noodle dish I enjoyed was Mixao Mem on this page: http://www.eastandwestcafe.com/dinner-noodledishes.html. The noodles were very skinny, almost angel-hair (I actually prefer the wide noodles) but the ginger sauce was very flavorful, just as promised. There were only a few troublesome mushrooms that had to be discarded, and it was a very yummy meal (until I messed with it).
It was a great day, but we would have enjoyed Jennifer and her children eating with us at the East/West Cafe.
I had a great time with the kids at the pool — spent some of it watching each of my children in turn and praying for them (with my eyes open). David very much enjoyed being watched during his ‘turn’ but it made Rachel nervous to be the subject of such a fixed regard.
Kathy, you made good use of that time in finalizing your goals … good job, I’m proud of you for putting them in writing!
Thanks to Mamie and Grandad for treating for dinner!
Love seeing pictures with the Moores enjoying the Egrens! Am I wrong, or has anyone else noticed how much Rachel looks like her Mamie?
Love,
Joyce
How fun to see the menu from that restaurant. I noticed the last item on the page was Pad See Yu. We love that one. Very authentic. It is one of the kid’s favorites. We ususally do not have broccoli in our though. They use a green that I think is actually morning glory leaves and stalks. Everyone eats it, so I do not tell them what it is.:)
Tina
Yum! I love Thai food. In fact, I love all Asian food. What did you end up eating that night?
Emily–I had the Panang Curry with beef and brown (although I think it was red) rice. Delicious! I also ordered a side order of steamed veggies. The Panang comes with so much sauce that there was definitely plenty to share with the veggies. I love leftovers.
I LOVE Rocky Road ice cream!!! Good choice.