back to routines.

The last few days of winter break were spent soaking up all the family time we could get. We aren't really into big NYE celebrations. Our kids don't sleep in, regardless of when they go to bed, so the thought of keeping them up late to wake early the next morning and deal with cranky kids all day is never too appealing. Plus, let's be honest, I'm not staying up until midnight either unless I have a few extra cups of coffee! So, we opted for an earlier day party at one of our favorite jump places in town. The kids ran and played and then had a countdown to "midnight" (aka 12pm!) with balloons, noisemakers and glowsticks. Fun!

 All the noise from the party scared Simon a bit. Poor guy!

 We put the kids to bed at their usual hour and then had a stay in date night watching the ball drop in NYC. I still can't believe we get to go there in only 5 weeks! So excited! I made Matt a simple warm spinach salad with prosciutto and fresh rosemary garlic rolls. I got these recipes at one of my previous cooking classes and he loved it!

 The next morning we went to the sports fields for some soccer/baseball/football time. We played kids against parents, let Simon run all over the place and started the new year off with some good exercise.

 And then school began the next day! The kids were so happy to see their friends again and I think we  were all ready to get back to our usual routines. But, let me tell you...Friday night was rough! After spending 2 weeks relaxing, snacking, playing and reading it was a big change to be at school ALL day. Add in some basketball practices and playdates and these kids were exhausted. Lucy even skipped most of family movie night to get to bed early.

 Yesterday was the big kids first basketball games of the season. It was a bit crazy trying to coordinate schedules with 2 games, assistant coaching, team pictures and a partial work day for me but we made it work. And the kids both played well and had fun. Simon is bummed he can't play yet but wore his sportiest outfit to fit in. They both have great teams and lots of friends to see and play with. It should be a fun 8 weeks of games!