Let's Go Fly A Kite!

Ian watched Mary Poppins for the first time tonight.  I've wanted to get the DVD for him since Charlotte's memorial service and I finally picked it up from the library tonight.  Ian was excited to watch it and sat there glued to it for all 139 minutes.  He laughed when they children, Mary Poppins, the Uncle, and friend (can't remember their names) were having afternoon tea while floating near the ceiling.  I haven't seen the movie in years and didn't get to watch much of it with Ian since I was chasing busy Miss Ruby.  After the movie was over and I was doing the bedtime ritual with Ian and we started singing "Let's Go Fly a Kite" and he said, "Mommy, you need the words."  He was right, I was really messing up the lyrics.  But it has such a catchy tune that I'm struggling to get it out of my head, wrong words and all. 

Speaking of kites, the wind is crazy here.  I sounds like it's going to blow the house away.  It poured rain early this morning but then it was warm and sunny during the day and started raining some this afternoon/evening.  Of course, the asphalt guys were here today to dig out some of our dirt/mud to repair our driveway issues.  The builder of the house thought it would be nice to have a nice driveway that was narrow torward the bottom and widened on the way to the garage.  Well, that hasn't worked.  The grass next to the driveway is always driven on and makes a muddy mess.  Plus, there's a big crack in the asphalt that needed to repaired so they are digging that out too.  But, hopefully when it's done it will look nice and be more user friendly. 

I enjoyed a nice walk around the capital this afternoon with my coworker, Marty.  She and I have been motivating each other to go for a walk daily.  Today was very pleasant and now they've taken down the temporary bleachers from the inauguration so you can actually see the beautiful capital again, you just have to look past the really messed up sod. 

I needed a walk because this morning I learned that a 2 of my coworkers are retiring within the next 6 months and my boss, who is battling a serious pulmonary illness, now is using oxygen at work (and home).  All 3 of these people are/were the core of the organization and were there when I started in 2001.  So, although it wasn't a surprise, I was sad and wanting to throw a tantrum (see we're all just socialized toddlers down deep).  I am happy for them to be able to move on and find life past "serving the children of the Commonwealth".  It kind of depresses me that I have 30 plus years before I will be talking about retirement.  Seems really far away but I'm sure it will pass like a flash. 

We had a great weekend full of fun.  I was off on Friday and enjoyed my day.  Ian was sick on Thursday so there was a moment that I thought I wouldn't be alone on my Friday off but by Friday morning he was dressed and ready for school before I even woke up.  Chris had worked from 3pm to 6am on Thursday night/Friday morning so they could work on their big project so he came home and did a run to McDonald's for breakfast.  Ian and Ruby then went to school.  I took the Pilot in for it's inspection, oil change and tire rotation.  Seemed simple enough...$547 later, it was good to go.  I guess it's worth it to keep my trusty Honda running nicely.   While the Honda was being worked on I walked across the big street (Rt. 1) to my optometry appt.  I've set up as many doctors, mechanics, dentists, possible within walking distance of my house and it worked out beautifully.  After my appt., I just walked home since Chris was sleeping.  It would've worked out nicely except I left my house key with the mechanics so I had to wake him up to let me in the house.  Best laid plans...  I then ran errands in the other car and worked on decluttering and purging baby stuff.  I have a coworker that is having her 2nd baby in March so I'm sending a bunch of things to her.  I also had a bunch of baby gear to tackle in the garage and I was pleased that I made a dent in that.  I've posted to Richmond Mommies to try to get rid of some of it. 

I had set up for a babysitter to come Friday night since I thought Chris would be working.  Shira was scheduled to come and was looking forward to hanging out with the kids.  I figured since Chris ended up being off Friday night that we'd just take advantage of having a sitter and go to dinner together.  Shira arrived with a roll of cookies to bake with Ian.  He was so excited I don't think he even noticed us leaving!  Chris and I then went to Ruby Tuesday's for dinner.  We had a nice time.  Then he went to see Avatar at the movies and I went to Wine Night in the 'hood.  We both enjoyed our outings.  Wine Night is always so much fun.  I love seeing my neighbors and we're able to complete our sentences since there are no children around.  Plus we laugh A LOT!  I had lots of fun and lots of wine.  I got home around 1:30am. 

Saturday, my dear husband took the children to the mall and to Romp 'n Roll so that I could nap/rest in the morning.  Then, when Ruby woke up from her nap, the 2 of us (Ian was still sleeping) went for a long walk and to play at the playground.  We had a great time.  She's just exploding with language.  It's so cute.  She says, "All Aboard" when she hears a train.  She loves going "outside".  She will try every word, she's just at the cutest age. 

Later, Chris went to the gym and when he returned I headed out for Girls Night Out at Pizza Fusion.  I met Whitney and a few other ladies.  We had a nice dinner and it was good to catch up.  I then took advantage of being near Trader Joe's to pick up some groceries. 

We had planned to go to Wintergreen for tubing with the Helsleys on Sunday but since the meterologists were calling for rain, we decided to postpone the trip.  Instead, Chris, Ian, Ruby, and I took a chilly bike ride/walk to the playground on Sunday morning.  It is great that since Chris got a bike, he and Ian can ride together.  It seems like Ian seems to be riding a little better (obeying the rules of the road) since he has Daddy to model.  And I feel better since I'm not running after him w/ a stroller screaming "STOP" or "BRAKE" like a crazy lady.  We then enjoyed  watching some great football later in the day.  The Vikings/Saints game was a nail-biter. 

Off to bed.  "Let's go fly a kite..."