Monday, January 29, 2018

Daddy-Daughter Dance 2018

The Daddy-Daughter Dance was on Thursday night last week from 6-8 pm at the local high school.  Steve made it back in plenty of time from his work-related trip to Mexico (whew!) and the girls were excited to dress-up in their chosen ensembles taken directly from their closet, complete with jewelry, fancy shoes and painted nails. 

It made for a very interesting day though because I received a call early that morning from the elementary school informing me that Sophia wasn't feeling well; her head was "squishy," a normal sign for her that there is sinus congestion.  I advised them on what she could take for medication and said that if she wasn't feeling better soon, that I would come and pick her up.  After just a few moments, I called the school back and told them that I would just simply check her out of school.  She likely needed some rest and I didn't want her to miss the dance, if we could avoid it.  She had been looking so forward to it.

After a long afternoon nap, she seemed to be doing much better.  I gave her some extra medicine and the girls posed for a quick (and cold!) picture outside before leaving with Steve to head to dinner.



Meanwhile, I was back at home having some Momma-Son time with the boys.  We had an easy dinner together and they were playing while I was working on some crafting (we have two special birthdays coming up for James and Sophia next month).  I received a text message from Steve half-way through the dance informing me that Sophia was a "sick, tired mess." 

I asked if he wanted me to come and get her and he said, "yes."  I quickly put the boys in the van and drove the short distance to the school to pick her up.  It was clearly the best choice because she really was feeling horrible.  My hands were full when I got home between getting her into the shower and into bed (more meds, heating pad, cleaning up a mess of vomit after she smelled something that turned her stomach) and getting the boys down for the night too. 

I ended up keeping her home from school the next day and she continued to recover over the weekend.  With the exception of the isolated vomit incident, she ran a fever for a day and then dealt with sinus drainage and coughing.  No flu that I know.

Now, fingers crossed that the rest of the kids stay healthy.  In the meantime, I am disinfecting my house and doing more laundry than I care to ...!


Friday, January 5, 2018

Polar Plunge 2018

On New Year's Day at high noon, Steve, Samantha and Jack were complete daredevils and participated in a Polar Plunge at one of our neighbor's houses.  They have a bubbler put in to create a hole in the ice and invite anyone down to join them as they run into the freezing water and run back out.  There is a hot tub to warm up in afterwards and hot chili inside with all of the fixings.

This was the first year that we headed down there (the neighbors have been doing this since 2005 but we just now heard about it) and I couldn't believe that Sam and Jack were willing to do it.  Sophia was planning to join them, but opted out at the last minute.  I don't blame her.

The water was measuring a COLD 36 degrees, but I hear that it was completely invigorating.  Maybe next year, I might join.  Maybe.

Most of the willing participants, right before they disrobed and ran in:



I'm not sure that Jack knew what he was in for, but that boy never passes up an opportunity to do something with his dad.



Sam trotted right in, ponytail swinging.

 

She ran in all the way up to her shoulders and ran back out.  Mission accomplished.



And then it was time for Jack and Steve.



Jack held Steve's hand the whole time and didn't hesitate one bit.  He was the youngest participant to date and everyone was cheering him on!



After running in up to his shoulders, Steve scooped him up and carried him out.



He was a true champ!



What a great start to the new year ...

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