A Weekend of Fun and Friends

I am currently working hard this morning reclaiming my house after having an incredibly fun weekend. My house basically went to the pits as I was out and about having a swell time with family and friends. Caleb's schedule also went to the wayside but oh, it was worth it. Let me tell you about it.

Friday night we had Chris' company employee appreciation picnic. During the day I worked hard to get my chores and errands done because I knew the weekend would be busy and I wouldn't have a chance to do anything after about 5 pm, Friday. It was HOT on Friday. I usually try to put myself together a bit to run my errands and that usually means putting on jeans and a nicer shirt instead of wearing shorts like I do at home. Anyway, it was so hot that I didn't even bother putting on pants and I ran my errands super casual. I asked myself as I sweated inside my house because the AC system was struggling to keep up why Chris' company was having their outside picnic that evening. Ick! I was thanking the Lord when the storm clouds rolled in and dropped the pressure and made it feel more comfortable. It didn't even rain but it was more comfortable.

The picnic was loads of fun because there was plenty of food and games. I didn't play any games because I was watching Caleb the whole time. A good friend was there with her 6 week old baby and we had a good time catching up. Getting together has been a struggle ever since her kidlet was born. I met several of Chris' co-workers and friends and many people got to meet Caleb for the first time. Chris won a gift card to Applebee's!!! Yeah!! We have a fancy date coming. For people who are being super frugal to get out of debt and usually go to Taco Bell for a date, Applebee's is FANCY! I was thrilled. Then my friend with the baby and her husband won a gift card to Applebee's too. I said Chris and I could babysit so they could go out alone but they said why don't we both get babysitters and we can have a double date. How fun!! After plenty of good food, much better weather, and tons of conversation we took out tuckered out little boy home. He got to bed 2.5 hours late.

Saturday was a super busy day too. We went to a friend's house for a few hours of game time. The men in our circle of friends like to get together to play games. The women generally aren't really interested in playing those games so we just hang out and gab. Caleb plays the whole time. Chris and I went prepared to put Caleb down for his nap this time. We put the porta-crib in a back room. Caleb slept for about 1.5 hours. Once he woke up we all took the party to another friend's house for a surprise birthday party for my friend who I mentioned above (the one with a new baby). It was so much fun surprising her and making her feel special. I know how much that means to a new mom. The whole day was spent surrounded by friends. What a blessing!!!!

A special treat was when a good friend came into town for the party. He has been gone for awhile and we all miss him. He spent the night at our house. So, we got to catch up on all his news while he was here.

Sunday morning while I was sitting with Caleb as he drank his morning cup of milk Chris' parents called to ask if they could kidnap Caleb for the day. What?! A whole day with just my husband to do what we want to do?? Yes! You may kidnap Caleb!! They came over within 20 minutes and swooped him away for his own day of fun with Grandma and Grandpa. Chris and I then enjoyed our remaining time with our friend by talking and eating lunch at Zaxby's. We came home and took a long nap. That was so refreshing!!

Finally, Chris' parents said they were ready to give Caleb back and were heading our way to drop him off. Caleb was completely zonked out when they got here and was laid straight into his crib. His schedule was royally messed up. I profusely thanked them for the lovely day and off they went.

The spell of the weekend was broken when Caleb woke up. He was G.R.U.M.P.Y!!!!! I even called Chris' parents to ask what they did to him (lovingly, of course). We spent a couple of hours trying to calm him down. It wasn't until Chris let Caleb "play" piano that he turned into a cheerful boy. We played with him until bedtime. Once Caleb was down Chris and I enjoyed watching an ENTIRE movie together. We brewed some decaf coffee and ate a big bowl of popcorn. After the movie we got into bed and enjoyed remembering our weekend.

Now, we are back to normal and I am reclaiming my house that looks like it exploded. I have to say, though, that all the extra work today is quite worth the joy we had this weekend. I am thankful to the Lord for all the wonderful friends we have and for blessing us with a wonderful time with them. I am also thankful for times like this to remind me how great quiet days can be.