Plans change

Friday was another packed day with all the dominoes perfectly lined up - and then they didn't fall quite as we expected.

Becca had taken the day off to enjoy Mr. 4's preschool Christmas pageant and to spend with the boys but had to give a presentation at work so was up bright and early to finish preparing and get in by 7:30.  When she left at 6:45, the boys were all sleeping (except Mr. 2 who is up with the dawn).  Mr. 4 had looked a little glassy-eyed at bedtime but we were hopeful he was just in need of a good night sleep.  Unfortunately he woke feeling a little warm and saying he did not feel good and did not want to go to school.  David texted Becca at work, called the preschool, and gave Mr. 4 ibuprofen.  Unfortunately the cleaners were due to arrive at 8am so the headed out for breakfast at the local diner while the house was cleaned.  During breakfast Mr. 4 started to perk up and was now very sad at the idea that he would miss his program.  Becca made it home from work and we decided to give the program a try - after a call to the preschool to make sure it was okay to bring him in.  Mr. 4 promised to cover all his coughs and since it was such a short time with other kids, they agreed to let him come.  Everyone met back at home to discover the cleaners had not arrived.  No time to spare - we packed up into the van and headed out.

Aunt B had been here with Cousin K for the past 2 weeks and unfortunately her flight was at the same time as Mr. 4's program.  The plan was for David to drop us all off (minus Mr. 2 who has been questionable at sitting still recently) and then run Aunt B and Cousin K to the airport and then try to catch the end of the program.  He dropped us off at the school, Mr. 4 joined his class already lining up, and the older boys and I found seats.  Five minutes later, David shows up with Mr. 2 - turns out the flight was delayed so he came back.  Aunt B decided she'd rather do a bit of Christmas shopping (likely a wise move given a tired Cousin K).  I took Mr. 2 up in the balcony while David took over the camera and we watched Mr. 4 sing and smile and generally have a wonderful time.  We gathered up the crew right after the show and headed home for lunch and naps and a trip to the airport.  

And still no cleaners.  After lunch, David headed to the airport with B and K and then into work.  Becca got Mr. 2 and Mr. 4 down for naps.  Of course the cleaners show up 30 minutes later.  Where to go on a winter day with four kids, two still half-asleep?  Why, CVS of course.  To gather last minute supplies for our homeschool Christmas party (which Becca was in charge of) and to get a snack.  We shopped and then stood outside eating popcorn where the older boys discussed crime - what were the worst crimes they could think of, what is high treason, what does it mean to plead not guilty.

And then it was time to head downtown for the party on the train with all our supplies in tow.  It was a fun night of house building, snowflake making, pizza eating, chatting with friends.  Mr. 4 seemed a bit low key but insisted he felt fine.  We didn't get home until almost 10pm and were so happy to come home to a clean house and no hockey practice in the morning.