Post Halloween Recovery Days

To say that we were all a little fried after Halloween would be an understatement. With my trip to the principal's office, too much candy, too little sleep, and projects due, we were all needing a break! We called off dance and swim for the week, Parker was gone, and we cleaned and tried to get organized for the weekend. MCO was a welcomed respite and the kids and I listened to Matilda while we drove. 

I pulled the kids out of school early on Friday and took them to Disney for a much needed magical day. Parker came home on Thursday night and wanted to stay home and play with his racing stimulator thing, so it was just the littles and me.

Ray was outstanding but Jack and Ella each had their fair share of bad behavior. They each cried a few times and had random breakdowns. I blame the sugar and lack of sleep. I was patient with them, though, and despite the struggles, we had a wonderful time.

Ray, Jack, and I all got to talk to Crush during Turtle Talk. Ray showed crush a magic trick and Jack made everyone laugh.

Jack is in his "funny face" era which is hilarious and slightly frustrating. Ray found a lucky penny and showed every cast member she could find a magic trick. We stopped by the Magic Shop on Main Street and it was so cute to see how into the magic tricks the kids were!

On Saturday, I really wanted to go to Laguna Beach again. I NEEDED it. We did chores and left Parker because he had work. Tanner made me cry on the way there but I guess it was my turn to get overly emotional (even though he really WAS being ridiculous). We grabbed some In N Out (for freeeee) and after that, I felt much better. We headed back to the library and poor Ray and Jack did not have a note from the fairies. Ella did! So we wrote some more notes and left them in the magical mailbox. 

We then walked to Peppertree Lane for some cordials at the Chocolatier. Yummmm. We sat on the beach and the kids played in the white wash as the sun went down. The kids played at the playground and a mother came up to me and complimented me on how sweet and kind Ella was to her child. It was just what my soul needed. I pray every day and wish on every star and manifest constantly to the universe that we can move to Orange County and be closer to the beach. I'm so grateful we live as close as we do. But my heart yearns to be closer to family and friends. 

We walked down Forest listening to live music and enjoying the impeccable vibes. Tanner spoiled us all with a shopping spree at the Quicksilver store and Ray was enthralled by one of the galleries. She asked the curator a million questions and was so cute and inquisitive. The curator told her she seemed like a very bright little girl and complemented her passion for art and willingness to expand her mind. I know school is a challenge for Ray right now, but someday, she will see the exquisite fruits of her labors. She is an extraordinary girl and nothing will stop her from becoming a star!

Riley, a sweet girl from Ray's class, wrote her a sweet note and I cannot tell you how much that simple act of kindness touched my heart. Never ever hesitate to act on a prompting to do or say something nice.

After an extra hour of sleep and a morning of church, followed by feeding the sister missionaries some chicken n rice and watching Matilda after finishing the book, we are doing much better. The house is clean-ish, the bills are mostly paid, we had a good meeting about Chip and what the expectations are of him, and started Ray and Jack's school projects. I'm hoping for a less chaotic week and looking forward to Friday OFF!

Note to my readers: If I'm feeling overwhelmed/sad/stressed, take me to the beach and feed me chocolate and I'll feel all better. 

Also, Christmas music.