·:[ The Healthy Mom ]:·
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On the West Side Moms forum, there was a thread about being disappointed in Mother’s Day - some moms even hate the day because their expectations are not just unmet, but crushed.

I know I felt that way in the beginning.

In a dream world, for Mother’s Day, I would leave the house for the day (weekend!) and spend it at a spa.  No kids, no husband, maybe a girlfriend who would consider this her dream mother’s day as well.

Over the years, I have slowly changed my thinking to not expect anything from Doug - I’m not his mother.

Now that the boys are getting older, school gets them ready for mother’s day with cute stuff and the idea that they should be nice for Mother’s Day.  They are excited to make cards for me and pick out flowers.

I went out to lunch with my mom and dad yesterday, along with Zander. We went to PF Chang’s. Sadly, Zander did not like any of the food there (except rice and the banana spring rolls), so I won’t be going there with him again. But other than that, it was a nice lunch. Mom and I shopped at Ulta afterwards.

She’s in Evergreen with Berni and her family there today.

I did get to sleep in this morning.   Well, first Zander snuggled in with me around 7:00 AM.  Then he got up.  Around 7:45 AM, Zevan crawled in with me.  Then Zander wanted me to get up - after he gave me “a few more minutes” I finally got up sometime after 8 AM.  I spent a lot of time fiddling around in the bathroom, using a exfoliation scrub and peel, while Zander impatiently kept asking me when I was going to be finished.    Finally, I came upstairs, and Zander had “decorated” the dining room and kitchen with hearts and stars he (and dad and I) had drawn earlier in the week.  Little signs he wrote “HELO MOM” and “HI MOM”  He was very excited.  It was super cute.

Doug made me breakfast, and even cleaned the kitchen to the best of his ability, and I appreciate that.  I just wish his idea of cleaned up didn’t mean that there were a bunch of dishes/pots/pans in the sink.  Sure, they are mostly clean (I would use more hot water) and air drying, but my idea of a clean kitchen means that everything is put away.

A short time after breakfast, I grabbed Zevan and got back into bed with him.  He’s my snuggly boy.  We had a nice snuggle for a short time…  Zander came in, too and I snuggled with them both.  That was nice.

I would so love it if I didn’t have to do any cleaning or cooking on Mother’s Day.  But that’s impossible.  We missed chores yesterday, so today was chore day.  So Zander and Dad cleaned the main level, and Zevan and I picked up the other rooms and took out all the trash.  If it were not mother’s day, I would have done much more, but I wasn’t motivated.   

We split up for lunch and the afternoon.  Zevan chose to have lunch and run errands with Dad, so Zander and I had lunch together and went shopping.  Zander and I went to Taco Bell for lunch.  Then we stopped at Bed Bath and Beyond (where I bought Doug some bath towels and mats for his bathroom).  I stopped by Ross and bought Zander some summer pjs and a bigger denim jacket.   We went to Cold Stone for ice cream, only to find that it was SEIZED and closed for business.     So we went over to Baskin Robbins and each had a cone.  Then we went to Target.    I got a new blender (our current one has a crack that sometimes leaks when I make my smoothies) and a new pair of running shorts to try out.  And more PJs for Zander - on clearance!

Now Doug’s at the comic shop, the boys are downstairs playing Lego Star Wars and I’m online posting.  It’s not romantic or lavish, it just is what it is and I’m okay with it.

We will go out to dinner tomorrow night because we hate overcrowded restaurants on the actual holiday.  I get to have crab legs at Red Lobster on Crab Crackin’ Monday. 

I knew that getting into the West Center Summer Blocks program was going to be difficult.

I filled out my form 10 days ago, printed it out, and hung it on my TO DO folder.  I made a plan to go over there after dropping the boys off at school.

And this morning - I forgot.  Totally spaced it.

I took the boys to school, planned a run with Candy, worked a little bit, then drove to MVP to meet with Candy. I got there early, snuck in a half mile before she got there…  We went along for another half mile, just chatting and catching up and then…

“CRAP.  I gotta go!”  I blurted something about the class, she took the stroller from me and I took off running back to the car.  I figured that everymoment counted, so I skipped going hom and went straight to the West Center.  It was 9:30 AM.

And the M/W/F class was full.  With someone already on the waiting list.

My happy, now unrealistic, façade of control, organization and planning just came crumbling down in an instant.

It was all I could do not to cry right there on the spot.

I was cheerfully informed that I could put them in the T/Th class, and on the wait list for the M/W/F class.

Numbly, mentally berating myself, I mustered up a smile and agreed.

In an out of body experience, I filled out the registration forms and went through the process.  The women who work there are just so friendly and warm - I’m glad for that.  It gave me the energy to not just totally fall apart for forgetting to do something so important.

We finished up, and they were just as sweet as sweet could be - and it was so genuine, that I couldn’t slip into my usual grumpy resentment of niceties.  I went back to the park.  And cried, just a little, on the way there.

I caught up with Candy for a short time.  Then I realized I wouldn’t have enough time to finish up my goal of 5 mi today.  But I made it to 4.8 mi, so that’s something.

And now I’m desperately trying to make the best of things. 

It’s better that it’s T/TH, because I have grandparent coverage on M/W/F, so now I will have some time to myself every day.  It’s better because it’s $28 cheaper per child.   It’s better because now I can maybe take my mom with us on Monday field trips to Denver and meet up with my sister and nephew.

And I signed the boys up for the first session of swimming at the AFC, which is every day at 4:00 for the first two weeks of June.  So, maybe just having summer school twice a week is better for them in the long run.

Clearly, I need a better system for organizing tasks - I need to work on that.  This is my wake up call. 

If you made it this far, thanks for reading.  I’m trying hard to do less berating of myself and be more proactive on making things better.

Sigh.

Day 44
May and I WALKED 5 miles today. If either of us tried to run, we would just cough. She’s coming down with something, too

I met with Lois of Avanti Organizing today. We worked on updating her website, and in trade, she’s going to help me organize my mess of a home office.

I took the boys to swim lessons yesterday, and Zevan refused to get in the water. I am so irritated by this. He kept asking about the “other pool” I actually looked last night to see if we could get on the last half session, but of course the Pro I class is full

Zander really had a good time. I was a bit nonplussed by the use of noodles and kickboards, however. I thought they’d just be working on the bobbing (station 1 of Swim America).

Day 45
I had a bad coughing night last night when i went to bed. I tried propping myself with 3 pillows, but once I laid down, it was just over. This is pretty frustrating.

This morning I did Back & Biceps/Ab Ripper. I need to buy my 20 lb and 12 lb dumbbells! I tried to get some this weekend, but I couldn’t find any plain hex metal dumbbells at Big 5 or Target. I need to try KMart.

Today I totally burned out my biceps - yowza. That’s going to hurt later…

I’m so tired right now , waiting for ArtSports class to tire out the boys.

Tonight is climbing night. Turns out May has some kind of flu type thing (fever & chills), so she can’t climb. I might just end up bouldering by myself tonight before meeting Candy for eats.

Day 40 - I did Legs & Back and Ab Ripper X today. Then we had lunch at Poor Richard’s. I had NO voice today. I ended up writing notes and Zander READ them. That’s right, he can read. REALLY well, I might add. I’m so proud!

After lunch, we went over to Thorndale Park for playdate. Still, could barely talk. It was a great playdate though. Everyone was there - people I haven’t seen in months, I think.

We had to bow out early so I could go to the doctor about this head cold. Turns out it was not a head cold. A sinus infection. Lovely. I got an Rx for Amoxicillin and Flonase. And coupons for Mucinex and Delsym.

The boys have been great through all this. Amazingly great.

My cough is worse. And at night - it’s now coming from my chest. Great.

Day 41 - I feel like crap. I dress to go work out, but my head is pounding and I feel awful. 10 minutes before I’m supposed to meet May for a run, I call and cancel. And you know how I *HATE* to miss a workout. I’m afraid it will cause me more harm than good. I have a small thought that I might do Kenpo X later in the day. I don’t. I sleep.

Mike & Candy come over to watch BSG with us - we’re 4 weeks behind! We watch 3 eps. Holy crap. Good stuff. The later it gets, the more I cough. Lovely.

Day 42 - rest day. Doug takes Zander to skate lessons and Zevan and I attend a mass with the bishop recognizing my dad and his class who are studying to become deacons. Zevan is *really* good during mass. Clingy, but well behaved. After mass, we see that Doug and Zander arrived during mass. We hit the reception and afterwards, have an indulgent lunch at Phantom Canyon

The rest of the day, I’m fighting this infection. I nap. I cough. I lay on the sofa. I cough. That night, Doug and I watch The Day After Tomorrow - now that’s a spectacle of a movie. Entertaining, for sure. We play 2 levels of Halo and head to bed. And I’m coughing.

Day 43 - My voice is coming back - something must be working. The coughing is less painful. We have breakfast with the grandma & grandpa Scott, Georgiana, Tom and Jesse. When we come home, we all have a few rounds of Uno. Zevan beats everyone! It’s a pretty lazy day.

I feel good, so I decide to do my scheduled workout. Chest, Shoulders & Triceps plus Ab Ripper X. My triceps seem weaker, but my chest/shoulders feel stronger. Interesting. Can I say how much I hate Fifer Scissors? UGH. I need to get some 12 lb and 20 lbs dumbbells today.

My food choices have been bad. I need to get back to a clean diet - pronto!

First, my computer is working. Kevin saved the day (Thanks Kevin!) by disconnecting and reconnecting the cables to the hard drive. Whew!

Second, Zander has been an AWESOME kid since we got back from Dillon. Really helpful, super sweet, cooperative… it’s been great. Zevan - not so much.

Third, my food choices have been TERRIBLE. I went on a carb binge - sugar, bread, etc, etc… It has not been pretty.

Finally, I’ve done a decent job with my workouts.

Day 10, Tuesday, I did Back and Abs. It was late in the day, and I almost missed the workout, but I got it done! Since I did Ab Ripper X the day before, I did not do it again that day. Since my family was visiting and no one was interested in going climbing with me, I didn’t climb in the evening.

Day 11, Wednesday - we went on a 90 minute hike around Garden of the Gods in the morning. After lunch I took the boys to Art Sports for open gym. When my brother and his family left town, I left the boys with my mom and spent 2 hours cleaning/doing laundry to get our house liveable again. Then I put in a hour of work on top of all that just to get all the fires put out. With the hike, housecleaning, and work I was far too exhausted to even think about doing Yoga X. So I didn’t. And I didn’t do Ab Ripper X either.

Day 12, Thursday - after fixing the boys breakfast, I worked for 2 hours… THEN I finally popped in the DVD for Shoulders and Arms. Ah… my favorite one. This time I used dumbbells instead of the bands and got a tougher workout. I followed up with Ab Ripper X. Now I’m back on schedule. Then we headed to the park for playdate.

That evening, I actually went climbing to make up for missing it on Tuesday night. Ow. Shoulders and Arms the same day as climbing - it was not a pretty sight. Normally I am a solid 5.10 climber, but last night I only climbed one route at 5.10 — the rest were 5.9, 5.9+, and I think one 5.10- Yowza. Now I know it was a good idea to swap those workout days. If only I was actually on that schedule.

After climbing, we went to Shuga’s and I indulged myself. The Brazilian Shrimp Soup and Chicken Curry salad were good choices, but the almond butter cake and almond kiss drink were not.

That brings us to today.

Day 13, Friday. This morning I did Kenpo X first thing! There were a few pauses in getting the boys breakfast, but I did the workout in its entirety. Love it! I had a quick bowl of Oatmeal Crisp with walnuts and Craisins. For lunch, I brought an Amy’s vegetarian lasagna to Doug’s parents house to eat while the boys ate McDonalds.

In the afternoon, I had a protein bar snack and a handful of yogurt raisins. And Doug just went out with Zander to pick up some Yakitori chicken and Miso soup for my dinner. Definitely getting back on track.

I’m simply not going to be strictly by the P90X nutrition book - all that denial gets me primed for a binge, as I experienced. So, I’m going to go for a balance of BETTER choices and live with that. My focus is on getting more protein, more protein, more protein and staying within my calories.

Since I introduced it last week, we play Uno! every day. The boys love it. When they come home from school or their grandparents’ house, it’s “Can we play Uno?”

To make it friendlier, and finish up quicker, we have been starting with 3 or 4 cards (instead of 7) and we have been taking out the Victory Lap Wild cards, +4 Wild cards and yellow cards.

It’s by far my favorite game to play with them.

My guys actually love workbooks and worksheets - particularly connect the dots and mazes, which is helping hone their skills with a pencil. Anything where you have to draw a line to match things or circle a specific choice is great, too. The dollar store has LOTS of workbooks for $1 each.

Board games have been great - Chutes and Ladders has been great for counting/math type stuff. They actually figure out what spin they need to get to a ladder and what number they don’t want to get to hit a chute.

I’m thinking they are ready for Uno, which is one of my fave card games.

We love the library, of course, it’s just so nice to have all those books. We pick out 3 at the library, check them out and those are the bedtime books for the week. We started getting the audio books from the library as well for listening in the car.

We recently started giving the boys an allowance. They earn it with a combination of good behavior during the week, and then by completing Saturday chores with Doug and me.

This has given us a great opportunity to teach them about handling money…about lending/borrowing, and saving up for something. I even introduced the concept of matching contributions. They’ve been wanting a Game Cube, and they are $30 used. So, I said if they each gave me $7.50, I would match their contributions to help them buy it. They are still considering it.

They’ve been really frugal with their money, which is pretty cute to me. When we go out, and they really want something, I ask for it out of their allowance. 9/10 they decide that they really don’t want it that much. This summer, we are going to the bank to start an account for each of them. I’m trying to find a super kid-friendly bank close by to do that.

They love to help with cooking - cracking eggs, pouring ingredients…

We just renewed our zoo membership, and I really want to do some treasure hunt type stuff at the zoo with them this year - where I make a list of things for them to look for, and when they identify it, they get a sticker/stamp.

We use our screen time judiciously. Educational games, pre-approved tv shows - usually 30 minutes per day, or up to an hour if I have to work. On the weekends, they get to play video games purely for entertainment.

I’m doing pretty good this week - eating less (there’s nothing in the house right now, and I haven’t had much time to grocery shop), and I’m making decent choices and controlling portions.  Of course, Tuesday night I missed climbing because of that BAAC meeting, and then we went to Ruby Tuesday where I had salad & burger - along with  fries and hot chocolate with whipped cream and buttershots.    OH, and a piece of chocolate caramel, thankyouverymuch.

Anyway I ran 7 miles on both Monday and Wednesday (Candy totally blew me off on Wed!    that’s right - I’m calling you out right here, woman!)

 
And today…

I did calisthenics type stuff.  I did 150 (3 sets of 50) of those low quick squats, plus a ton of other exercises, one set of 25 reps for most (only 10 push ups - the real ones, and only 12 shoulder raises with the Billy Bands)

I did dips, push ups, leg lifts, leg raises, kickbacks, scissors, single leg stretch…

I did the plank, shoulder bridge and side plank

With the Billy Bands, I did curls, press, flys, tricep extensions…

All in all, it took me about 20 minutes - with very short rests between every 4-5 exercises.

Whew!

Last night I watched You: On a Diet, and it was alarmingly inspiring.  While we won’t be totally cleaning out our pantry of all the evils (hydrogenated, enriched, hfcs), we will moderate those foods and look for other alternatives.

Now I’m going to enjoy the chocolate that I got from all my guys for Valentine’s Day - in moderation of course.  This afternoon, Doug and I are getting a couple’s massage at Tuscany Day Spa, which finishes with champagne and chocolates…  Can’t wait!

So, there is discussion about a proposal for Buena Vista Elementary to become a magnet school.

And it seems to be going forward rather quickly and suddenly. Now, I’ve been avoiding any kind of parental involvement, other than volunteering in their classrooms, until they are both in school full time.

But I felt a need to find out more about this whole magnet school deal and why it was happening so urgently all of a sudden.

My intention was to sit in on the meeting for an hour, then go climbing, then meet the girls at Ruby Tuesday.

Not so much.

While I am satisfied now with, and even agree to, why it should happen quickly, it took longer than an hour to get all my answers. Mostly because the principal didn’t seem to get my questions clearly answered the first time I asked, or even after clarification. It was kind of odd - kind of like talking to a politician, but I guess really, like speaking with an administrator.

They are looking to enroll *40* more 3 and 4 year olds next year.

Oh, and they are offering full day (8:00 AM - 2:30 PM) preschool for the 3 and 4 year olds next year - $500/month for full day.

We’re not taking advantage of that, though. 

So I missed climbing

And somehow am on a committee with Johanna to come up with the marketing part of the proposal. With Johanna and Eva. By Tuesday.

So it begins…

So, I get to school, and my dad tells me that my mom has dental appt at 2 PM. Crap.

*I* have an appt for a facial at 12:45 PM until 2:15 PM. So there’s half an hour there of overlap. My dad was going to see if he could leave work early for that time. But it annoyed me that my mom just let us both know that this morning. So then I spent a lot of energy being irritated and wondering if I needed to cancel MY appt.

May, Candy and I met for a run today. Candy turned around earlier because she had a coffee date with Lindsey, and May and I went to the over pass. And yesterday I tried those crazy fast low fast CrossFit squats, and my inner thighs are ACHING. Ouch.

It was fine when I was running, but whenever we stopped or slowed down - ouch.

May suggested that my mom take the boys to her appt, and then I could pick them up from there. Okay. It’s across town from my appt, but better than having to cancel.

My mom said okay, but that my dad was still waiting to hear if he could get off work early.

So i went to my facial and enjoyed it, but in the back of my mind, worried about the whole situation. I got out at 2:15 PM, and headed towards my mom’s dental office. I called my dad’s cell phone, but there was no answer so I figured he was still at work.

I got to the dental office, only to be informed that my dad picked up the boys and took them to school with him. WTF? And no one could have left me a message to let me know?!

So I went home and worked, irritated that I missed half an hour of billable time when I’m so busy right now.

Sigh.

My dad brought the boys back at 4:30 PM, so I was actually able to work a few hours. When I asked him why he didn’t call me, he said that he *thought* that he had already told me.

Sigh.

I know I sound ungrateful, but my mom was the one who wanted a regular day with the boys, and I need to be able to know that time is time I definitely have. The facial was a rare treat - a Christmas gift certificate that took me 2 months to take the time and get an appt.

Okay, rant over.

Back to work.

So, I fell asleep on the sofa last night after catching up on a lot of shows - GH and the pilot of Lipstick Jungle.

Sometime in the wee morning hours, Zevan came downstairs and cuddled in with me. I only woke up briefly, cuddled him in, and felt right back asleep.

When I was waking up this morning, Zevan’s face was right next to mine, and I could feel his warm breath on my face. When I opened my eyes, I saw his little face grinning at me. I got a tiny little smooch, and then he moved down to put his ear to my belly.

I love mornings with Zevan. He’s just all quiet and cuddly and totally lovey. He tries all configurations of getting his bare skin on my belly. His hands, then his feet, then his ear, and then all over again.

It’s rare we get this time alone together anymore. This morning, I just felt like I need to cherish the feelings and the time.

He’ll be 4 in April, and I’m not going to get this kind of quiet devotion for much longer…

On the whole, I think I’m fairly strict when it comes to parenting, and that’s where I want to be.

I just want to be more rationally strict, than shrill strict. I’m working on that.

I do find that if I plan the day, however loosely, and describe it to them at the start of the day, things are much easier to manage.

Consistency is definitely key. Things always get better for us when I “tighten the leash” which happens because things get out of control - as a result of me not being consistent and slacking off/checking out for a while. It’s a vicious cycle. We’re on a “tight leash” cycle right now, which means things are pretty good. I can’t seem to keep it up indefinitely, though.

Being consistent is hard work. Between work and running and climbing, I don’t have the energy to always be exhaustingly consistent.

This is where I get to choose my battles/priorities. My kids already accept the rules that I have been consistent with.

• Vegetables with lunch and dinner.
• They ask to be excused from the table when finished eating.  And they clear their plates and cups to the sink.
• Family Chores on Saturdays.
• Video games only on the weekends.
• Screen time can only happen (tv, computer, video games) after 2 PM.
• Screen time is EARNED, not a privilege.
• Screen time only happens if their toys are picked up and put away.
• Tantrums/disrespect result in loss of privilege or allowance (their choice).

If nothing else, I have these things.   

We had an informal playdate today - I was watching Paxtin for Megan, and then Shanyn called me to say that no one showed up at Thorndale Park so I told her to come on over. Then Megan and Alexa joined us after their appt.

So it was the Doans (including Jeff ), the Carusos and us. While there was the usual amount of refereeing involved (between Alexa/Zevan and Elijah/Zander), it was actually quite manageable. The kids even played outside for a bit.

I was a little pre-occupied because I had Tillie to work on. But I think I was able to stay present and sociable.

As soon as everyone left (around 3 PM), I offered the boys a movie so I could work. I didn’t feel TOO guilty since they didn’t have any screen time during the day and got to play with their friends. They chose Madagascar, and I set them up in their room while I got some work done. I could hear them laughing at the movie while I worked. The movie only bought me about 90 minutes of work time, though, which wasn’t quite enough.

I worked hard to disengage from work and interact with them after the movie (and a few extras) were over. It’s tough, but I’m really trying to balance.

http://www.gazette.com/articles/buffet_32575___article.html/pizza_biggs.html

Smaller portions for kids at Biggs?
Obesity concerns lead fun center to end all-you-can-eat pizza buffet
By BILL RADFORD
THE GAZETTE
January 31, 2008 - 7:15PM

With children’s waistlines expanding, Mr. Biggs Family Fun Center in Colorado Springs is eliminating its all-you-can-eat pizza buffet in favor of more healthy alternatives.

“There’s nothing right about selling kids all-you-can-eat pizza,” said Steve Bigari, coowner and chief executive officer of Mr. Biggs.

So even though the $4.99 buffet has been a success financially, Bigari said, it will be replaced in the next month or two with a line of “healthful, low-fat, greatvalue options.”

A salad buffet will remain and cost less. There will still be pizza, but it will be sold by the slice and will include a whole-wheat, low-fat pizza. Kid favorites such as fries will be available but sold in moderation, alongside new options such as turkey burgers and panini sandwiches.

Bigari, a former McDonald’s franchisee who sold his dozen McDonald’s restaurants in 2006, said the decision to end the Mr. Biggs buffet is a bad one from a business standpoint. But with childhood obesity labeled a growing crisis, he said, “I don’t see that I have a choice.”

I am disappointed in this decision.   

Have you seen the pizzas at the buffet?  They are small, maybe 12-13″ diameter.  The slices are kid-sized.   

How much are they going to charge per slice?  Do we have to buy by the slice only or will they also sell whole pizza pies - hopefully for less than the cost per individual slice times the number of slices.

Their arcade prices are already expensive,  their party packages are inflexible, and now they are going to make their restaurant charge more as well?

I wish he wouldn’t couch the decision under the guise of being healthier.  He simply wants to make more money, period.

Kid favorites such as fries will be available but sold in moderation

What does that mean?  Will we only be allowed to order one serving per child?

I think he needs to spend more time fixing the broken laser tag equipment and the problem of people having to wait in line for 30-40 minutes for attractions on a 2 hour pass.

My kids are active, high energy kids who can eat 2-3 slices of pizza and still remain at a healthy weight.  They even eat vegetables along with their pizza.

If this decision were truly based on concerns of childhood obesity (and I don’t believe that it is), I feel that the parents who do make good choices for their children are being penalized because of parents who let their children overeat and don’t encourage their children to be active.

If he was *truly* concerned about childhood obesity, then perhaps he should also discontinue the arcade games, Go Karts and Battletech and replace them with more calorie burning activities.

If we decide to go there again, we’ll just eat lunch at home before we go. Or at McDonald’s

Want to read how the West Side Moms feel about it?

…and it was actually okay.

I picked them up and we went to the Starbucks at King Soopers for vanilla steamers. I read a book about Arctic and Anarctic animals to them, and we did some grocery shopping.

Then, we headed to Chuck E Cheese. When we got to the parking lot, I didn’t recognize any cars. And Zander was giving me attitude. So, I said, fine, we’ll just sit in the parking lot until you feel like you can be nice.

And we did. Poor Zevan REALLY wanted to go inside, but I held my ground, and Zander finally decided to turn his attitude around. He still claimed that he didn’t want to play any games, which I was fine with. He brought in his Spyro maze game instead.

Of course, once we got in there and had lunch, he really did want to play games. In fact, we played the Bug Safari game (no idea what the real name is) together and finished the game. That was fun.

I did tell the boys that once we used up the tokens that I bought, if they wanted more, they would have to give me some of their allowance. It didn’t come to that, though.

I’m torn at the moment.  My boys don’t deserve Chuck E Cheese today.   Yep, already, before 8 AM. 

We may stay home.

Last day of the trip. We had a big breakfast, trying to eat all the food we had left over. Pancake batter, eggs, milk, bacon, croissants, juice…

We packed everything and loaded up the cars. We checked the rooms, and then checked them again. We let the kids watch TV (SpongeBob!) as we finished up.

Then we all headed out. Jennifer was headed back to the Magic Kingdom, then the beach. We were going to check out Downtown Disney for a few hours before we had to head to the airport.

Much hugging and promises to not go so long without seeing each other again…

Sigh. I miss Jennifer!

We drove to Downtown Disney, following the signs. We parked and got out. On the opposite side of where we wanted to be. So… we headed back to the car and drove to the other end of Downtown Disney. Where parking was scarce. And where all the fun shops were.

We shopped for souvenirs at the World of Disney, which was basically like a Disney Department Store. We shopped there for a while. The boys picked out a Christmas ornament, a drinking cup for the bathroom and Mickey Mouse light saber flashlights. I bought myself a new WDW visor.

Then we headed over to the LEGO Imagination Center. Outside were these large, elaborate LEGO creations - a lifesize family of four, a sea creature scene, an airplane, a large Transformers type robot - and in the water was a huge Loch Ness type monster - all constructed entirely of LEGOs!

The boys played outside where they had LEGO tables and build their own creations. I went over to the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop and bought myself some chocolate.

We had lunch at the McDonald’s next to the LEGO Imagination Center. After lunch, we stopped by the Once Upon a Toy Store where they had a huge display of Mr. Potato Head parts and pieces. They even had a computer kiosk to make your own Mr. Potatohead.

Then it was time to head out to the airport to check in and catch our flight.

Which was delayed. Nearly an hour. Which meant we had about 25 minutes to catch our connecting flight. We requested seats up front so that we could get out more quickly, but I think Doug and I both were feeling like there was no way we could make our connecting flight. Especially when Zander got sick. And then when we found out we would have to go from the farthest end of the B concourse to the opposite end of the F concourse. Things were not looking good.

I explained to Zander our situation. And how much I wanted to go home tonight to sleep in our own beds. And that if we missed the flight, we’d have to stay in another hotel room in Chicago.

When we landed, we were ready to go. I was carrying Zevan and our 2 bags, and Doug carried the other two bags, with Zander running along side us. We really did run. About 5-10 minutes, Doug helped me put Zevan in the Ergo, and then we continued running through the terminals. Zander was a trooper. He kept right up with me, despite still feeling bad from the plane ride. He was really awesome. As we finally arrived at the start of the F Concourse, he said, “We’re never going to get there.” I assured him we would, just a little big farther. About halfway down the concourse, we were in the clear and slowed to a more comfortable but still quick walking pace. We made it! And I have to say that I was so proud of Zander. He did so great. He could have had a big tantrum or bad attitude, but he didn’t.

I grabbed some snacks and drinks for us and we boarded right away. Whew! Poor Zander threw up on this flight (it was a tiny prop plane). And then after my dad picked us up at the airport, he threw up in the car. I knew he was going to get sick, and I was desperately looking for a bag or something for him. At the last second, I picked up the tissue box, pulled out all the tissues, and he got sick in the tissue box. Poor little guy. At this point, he simply said, “I am having a REALLY bad day.”

We got home, safe and sound. And slept in our own beds.