The last few weeks have been rather out of character. We've had snow about seven of the days, plus Christmas and New Years, so we're definitely out of our routine. As I type it seems that we're getting a new batch of snow, with about an inch on the ground so far!

Last Monday Grammy took Kenzie to see the Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker. They had given her the book, so we read it the night before. I was barely following the strange storyline, with seven-headed mice and a dungeon of rats, but Kenzie kept right up and was ready for the show. Cindy drove them in so they could avoid parking (and, let's face it, directional) challenges. After the performance they hopped the monorail over to Westlake, where I met up with them and drove them home. (I do think the monorail was a highlight of the day.) On the way home Grammy offered to take both kids through the New Year (three nights!). Before she could change her mind we had their bags packed.

I can't really tell you how those three days went, other than to say that every time I called I heard the same story, "they're perfect angels." I know that they are many things, but perfect angels are not a description that could be held of them for three straight days. So, unless Grammy or Grampy confesses, I can't fully report. But I have heard them say things like, "Mason never stops," "boundless energy," and "Mason, what do we throw in the house? You know this...only paper airplanes."

It seems that our routine will continue to be challenged. I am heading out of town for a couple of days this week, then again most of next week. Thank God for grandparents who continue to pitch in to help us keep our streak going of only paying for one babysitter, ever. Grandma (June) has been with them several weeks while Cindy has been working. Grampy is coming up tomorrow, then back to Grandma on Tuesday!