After our big 'weekend' (which turned into a week of fun!) of Hayden's birthday, and Asa's graduation, we were back home, and down four visitors, as Cort was back home with his family by Sunday afternoon. But, the Hannifin's had come back from Disney and to Land O Lakes to keep on visiting for a couple days. Unfortunately, now that home schooling isn't just up to me- Calib still had school work to cram into all the fun (and Peyton is learning right along with him- so he had to keep going as well). Luckily, grandma was here to help with math (or really just teach whole math lessons) at every available second.
Hayden, meanwhile, got an early Spring Break so he could visit a bit more.
After a morning of lessons and Asa working, everyone (minus Peyton, who had enough of going out and about) headed out to the beach. Honeymoon Island isn't quite as close as it used to be- but it's still one of my favorite Florida beaches, since it's less touristy than a lot of them around here. The water was cold, but I brought my Costco inflatable frog and Bridgette and I got on and made the boys push us around.
Eventually, though, we had to come back in- as the sun went away, and it was getting really cold- and my frog was taking on water. It may be the end of my $10 frog- but it was so worth it. I'm going to try and patch it- but if not, I'm totally cool buying another if they come back around this summer.
Even if it was a little cloudy and a little chilly, the Hannifin's didn't mind. They were missing the worst snow storm in Seattle in 70 years! Not to worry, Bridgette's brother Tim and his wife Emily were keeping us updated in cousin chat. There was ice, and empty bread isles and concerns about getting out of the house (that's Asa showing off Tim's pictures to everyone on the beach).
Overall, a super fun trip to the beach.
Even if the clouds prevented us from having a really pretty sunset.
That night Aunt Patti and Uncle Emmett took us out to dinner at Ford's garage. Bridgette was flying out the next morning, and the, the rest of the Hannifin crew were headed to the Atlantic Coast, so it was our last dinner together. The boys were even treated to milkshakes.
Bridgette did offer to take us to breakfast before her flight, but it ended up that we made breakfast for everyone. I don't do a lot of food well- but I am good with a taco bar and a waffle/breakfast bar- both of which we had when our Seattle family was visiting.
Tuesday Asa was back at work, but Calib, Hayden, mom and I were headed out to enjoy the Florida State Fair.
Aunt Patti and Uncle Emmett decided to meet up with us there after they dropped Bridgette off at the airport, since it was on their way out.
We visited Cracker Country.
Saw all the cool art/crafts/plant/aquarium displays.
And we saw some animals, including the CUTEST baby pigs. I brought my small purse, though, so I couldn't bring one home.
And of course we fed all the animals!
We said goodbye to the Hannifins at the Fairgrounds as they were off in search of better weather for their last few days in Florida. It was awesome to have them visit and be part of the celebration. We really appreciated them coming.
Just like that we were back down to six.
And the math went on.
In fact, there was a problem stumping grandma as we headed out to half-price Top Golf on Tuesday night after Asa got out of work. She just *had* to figure it out, and there she was doing math in our bay. You can see how excited Calib was at the prospect. (They did figure it out, though!)
The good news, being burnt out on math can easily be fixed with a little golfing and injectable donut holes!
I underestimated how busy Top Golf would be on a random Tuesday night, and there was a huge wait for anything but the first floor- so we opted to play down there. I don't mind it so much, it's like extreme putt-putt down there! And then you don't have to worry about Hayden's uncoordinated self dropping anything off the upper floors! Top Golf at night is always a hit- no matter the floor- so it was a nice way to wrap up a whole week of celebration!
Asa and I thought we'd sleep in on Wednesday, but we had one more visit to get in- with mom's friend, Jane. She had just gotten back to Florida where she lives part of the year. We usually get a visit in with her while mom is down, but we just didn't have time to fit it in. But Jane was willing to come all the way down to Land O Lakes, instead of our usual half-way meeting place to fit in a meal with us before Asa had to work, and mom had to leave for the airport. Calib was the only kid willing to get up early for a trip to First Watch.
We got home just in time for Asa to clock in, and mom to teach a little more math before she packed up and headed back to the airport. Before she left though, we took a picture in the back seat of the van to show how much space they had! Since we still didn't (and still don't) have the Fit back, mom drove herself to the airport in the rental van. (Supposedly, we're getting the car back today- but I've heard that one before). Shout out to mom for everything she did for us that week, it was SO MUCH FUN!
And just like that, we were back down to five. There was laundry, chores, and school work waiting for us all.
We did celebrate Valentine's Day with our annual fondue dinner.
And Asa, who has said for years, he was just getting a Master's Degree so he could get an Xbox One X, had his dream come true.
Hayden missed some usual birthday traditions since his day was so crazy. So, we had his 'fake birthday' where we had grilled cheese and tomato soup, played some of his favorite board games, and of course fit in a game fo hot lava. I let everyone cannibalize each other until it was down to just me and Calib- and then he grabbed my foot and forced it into the lava.
We've been getting back into the swing of things- but life is different now with Mug N Cheese and a toaster oven (not together, of course).
Oh, and in some other little odds and ends, Asa finally got some tomatoes off his plant that he trimmed up and brought back from the dead.
Speaking of produce, Aunt Patti brought us a flat of strawberries from Parksdale Farm market, and while we all really enjoyed them- Delano really liked his treat.
That's it from here. I probably won't be back for awhile. Asa is actually on call two out of the next three weeks, since he had to push his last one (when Jake was here, and then for graduation), so we won't have too much to report.
Also, here's hoping it cools down again. We're nearing 90 for multiple days in a row, and it's FEBRUARY! Like, is this it? Is it summer now? Are the doors just staying closed all day?!
Next Up: President's Day! True American! And I hear we might actually be getting the car back.
