day at home

no camp for r today. so i kept k home today too. both kids slept until and then snuggled -- we did not get downstairs until 10:30. everyone helped make pancakes and then r played with the dishwashing soap in the sink. probably used up an inch of the bottle. k got to put chocolate in her pancakes. she was content.

then everyone did mazes and handwriting. both were motivated to sit and work for a short bit. they even stayed on task while i went to take a shower. of course, by the time i washed my hair, both kids were hanging out in the bathroom. despite a little squabbling, my the time i was dressed, both had disappeared into r's room and were listening to music. i overheard r teaching k the finer points of star wars music interpretation: "when the music does this, the bad guys are coming. vader's special friend died so he is sad in this part." then i missed something. the next thing i heard was k crying and r saying "sorry k, sorry, sorry -- are you ok?" and giving her tons of kisses. apparently in his anger that she broke his building structure, he bit her toe. [cue the music!] they then reported that they were making snail houses. they dragged my yoga mat out of the closet (glad someone did) and placed rocks all over it.

after a few more grumps, we went downstairs to do some computer time. just about then, auntie amy arrived to pick up her slug-cat. her cat had stayed with us the past 3 days. we think the little bundle of fur is part slug or perhaps sloth as she barely moved. but she was very sweet and adorable. the kids talked with auntie amy who is amazing with them and then tried to do their computer work. no luck as the internet was uncooperative. as the crankiness knob increased, it became clear it was time for lunch. everyone including the cat went outside for lunch and then some soccer.

mom had planned some time at the yw pool for the afternoon. yesterday's adventure at the kiddie pool at the park had been fun but made me realize that they are too shallow to enjoy thoroughly. so we packed up and headed over. we stayed in the pool for over an hour. it felt good to go and splash around. everyone just felt more buoyant and relaxed. the noodles were a big hit for floating everywhere. swimming, of course, is good for the appetite and we headed over to longfellow grill afterwards.

on the way to dinner, we heard a message from nana. r liked it so much that he listened to it twice. he said that it made him feel so good and that he wanted to call nani and nana. we said that we would skype soon if the internet cooperates.

while we waited for a table, the kids climbed around outside. at dinner, r tried ranch dressing and declared that it was awesome. k enjoyed her meal and tried carrots. at home we watched cloudy with a chance of meatballs. we figured that both kids would like it. and despite their hesitancies, they did. r, of course, hates anxiety and suspense. but there were no evil villians here so it was not scary. the fact that it was a quirky kid who liked to invent was the main draw. and it worked, it pulled him in without too much fear. we are trying to help him enjoy the films without being overwhelmed. at the same time, we want to respect the fact that he might not enjoy it. this was a good film for both of them though i wish the girl character had more of a part that was dynamic and central.

now we have happy and exhausted kids. it was a good day. in many ways, it was perfect. while they had a few squabbles and moments of drama, i was not at all irritated today. i think it was because there was nothing we had to do. since it was all optional and no stress, it was possible to help them through their moments without feel pressure. yeah for everyone. we need more days like this.