A day in our life

This was our day yesterday:

Jack woke up at his normal time of "sometime before 8."  I was shocked that Violet was still asleep in her crib by the time I woke up, around 8:00.  She stayed asleep until 8:45.  I think she knew what a big day we had ahead of us.

After getting through our morning routines and running a couple of errands, we headed to the ballpark for Jack's Little League Closing Day ceremonies at around 11:15.  The kids had their last "machos" and "big pop" (a popsicle) of the year from the snack bar.  As a first-time T-ball parent, I didn't really know what to expect from the closing ceremonies.  Now I know: they are looooong.  And pretty boring.  It's not unlike a graduation.  The kids were all hanging out on the field, waiting to get their trophies, as the Little League brass made speech after endless speech.  I really do admire and respect what a well-run organization it is and feel that all the many (many) thanks that were given were very well-deserved.  However, I thought it was a bit much for them to expect so many four- and five-year-olds to sit still through such a long ceremony under a hot sun.  But in the end, Jack got a little trophy with his name on it, and we got to say goodbye one last time to our team and our coaches, so it was worth it.

Immediately after the ceremony, the kids and I headed to a birthday party of one of Jack's preschool friends.  This was one of the smallest and low-key birthday parties I've ever been to, and, I have to admit, there is something to be said for it.  If I thought I could reasonably get away with celebrating with only five families without hurting feelings, I'd be seriously tempted.  And it was pretty cool to know that this little boy considered Jack one of his favorite friends. (When we first got the invitation, I had to reply "Maybe" because I didn't know if the closing ceremonies were going to conflict.  The birthday boy's mom e-mailed me almost immediately saying that she really hoped we could come, because Jack was actually one of the first two kids her son mentioned when she asked who he wanted to invite to his party.  Awww.)

We came back home after the party so that Violet could get a nap in.  She is such a good girl.  She has an almost uncanny ability to know when I need her to wake up from a nap so that we can get to our next event in time.  She slept for about an hour, which was perfect.  Then we set off for a beach bonfire to hang out with much-missed friends who were in town for a visit.

The kids had a ball eating s'mores and other junk food, playing in the sand, jumping off a (low) lifeguard platform, running up and down hills, and listening to campfires stories.  I think Jack and Violet were both thrilled that they got to stay out (much) later than their bedtime.  They were sandy, smoky messes by the time we had to leave, and they both fell asleep in the car on the drive home.

I love how full and busy our lives are.  I know it's not for everyone, but I love having lots of places to go, people to see, and fun to enjoy.  Yesterday was admittedly busier than most, but we had a great time throughout.

Next up: today Tom is taking the kids to Legoland, while I get a break and the house to myself for a few hours.  Whoo hoo!

Happy weekend, everyone!