Laying Low

 Since we were feeling bad about essentially ignoring the kids, Dennis and I last night decided to make today a "kids pick" day, and made up a list of things the kids could choose from: the science museum, a hike in the mountains, a trip back to Google...  The kids are still feeling poorly, though, and their pick was to stay home, reading and drawing and playing card games.  So that's what we did today, after waking up at 10:45.  (The jet lag--it's been tough.)  While the kids played a little and Dennis went out shopping once again, this time for supplies to install our lights, I assembled their beds, night stands, a dresser, two little couches...these big white rooms are starting to look like a home.

Alex, putting all that cardboard to excellent use.

Dennis ended up getting the wrong screws and had to head back out to the store once again--this time he took the boys, who were starting to get a little squirrely.  After all the bother, he finally got one light (in the dining room) installed before dinner, but hey, that's so much better than the last several nights, when we were making do with the very few preinstalled lights in the kitchen stove and bathroom, and three little flashlights for the kids that their Grandpa, with incredible foresight, sent them for Christmas.

It had already gotten dark by the time he was installing that light, and the kids, bless them, had resorted to reading a comic book together while curled up in the shower, the only bright place in the house.  Ella was doing a great job entertaining her brothers, reading aloud to them and using ridiculous voices to make it more entertaining.

I know it's a very small victory (especially since it was just spaghetti and tomato sauce), but I did feel victorious, nonetheless, after serving the first hot meal I'd managed to cook here. I only scalded myself once. Ella had some scrambled eggs, too, at lunch, and she and I were both surprised to see how bright orange the yolks were.  She proclaimed them the best eggs she'd ever eaten.  With that wonderful ice cream, and with all the good bread and butter we've been eating, she's decided that all the food is better here.  I'm...withholding judgment.

Getting used to the new kitchen

Tomorrow is a big day for Dennis--his first at work.  I think I'll try to walk the kids up to their school, so that they and I can start to learn the way.  There's a wonderful long slide there--if it isn't too cold and wet (it snowed today a little) maybe they'll feel up to playing there.  I think Joey and Alex are just about over their colds.  Ella was last to get sick, so I'm sure she'll follow soon.

Slowly, slowly, we're getting there.  If only we could find a coffee pot to speed us up.