Swimming at Poppy Nick's

Hi All-

We had a great day yesterday! We decided to go up to Bellingham to see some family and because Mama had to be there for work anyway. So early in the morning (kid time, so way later than I am used to leaving) we piled in the minivan and headed on up. Aaron and the kids dropped me off at the Cap and took a quick tour of the offices. It was cute and funny and they love the leather chairs! Then Aaron and the bambinos took off for Baba Marta's house and Mama got down to work. The market was not helping anyone feel all that cheerful but we all took it in stride. :)

Baba Marta couldnt hang out too long with the kids because it was Yom Kippur and she had services to attend but they got to play at her house all day anyway and they also hit Whatcom Falls, Bloedel and Cornwall parks in the afternoon (ambitious park schedule due to Papa not being sure what to do next apparently) and then we all rendevous'd (sp??) at Poppy Nick's at around 4:30. The kids were super excited to see the indoor pool and agree whole heartedly that swimming in Poppy's pool is far far more civilized and all around better than at the local community center- warmed towels, big bathroom, bedroom with the biggest bed ever seen-perfect for jumping on naked after a shower and before putting your clothes back on, fluffy robes, no other kids splashing- I think I may have ruined them for our pedestrian lifestyle down here.

After the swim we all went down to the main house for dinner which was yummy chicken and mac n' cheese etc etc etc. The kids chowed down and Ana especially enjoyed the chocolate cupcake Elizabeth brought her for dessert. The kids had never had cupcakes before and she LOVED it. Then we changed the kids into their PJ's and loaded them into the van, covered them with beautiful silk blankies borrowed from Pop and E. because we forgot ours and headed home. The kids were asleep 30 minutes into the ride and here is the best part- they actually stayed asleep during the transfer to the house and bed and slept ALL NIGHT! So, the key may be to run them super ragged at several parks and then with a swim, feed them crazy amounts of food and then forgo the bath? Who knows, but it was very exciting to us.

Now it is back to work and to watch the market fall some more. Ugh- maybe Em was right and I should be out stockpiling precious metals?? I guess I just need to take the LONG TERM view here- the money will come back, it just will take a while... I need to keep telling myself that and all will be fine. :)

Later Skater-
SKB