Life on an Island

I just came back from 6 days in the interior, an amazing trip through the landscape of coast, mountain forest, dry and wild ranch country, northern forest, and back.

After 3 days of driving through very rainy and grey landscape, the fourth morning was brightened with sunshine and was the most wonderful and cheerful day. It really makes a big difference -- if it weren't for the three full rainy, cold and grim days, the sun would not have been SO much more appreciated.

The kindergartener made 3 welcome-home cards for mommy ^_^ The 2nd-grader read through 6 volumes of Harry Potter when mom was away.



What everyone hopes for family members:
Mom:
For daddy -- take a deep breath and have quiet time before dealing with things and kids that frustrate him;
For 2nd grader -- take a deep breath and use smart brain to solve problems and make good choices of finish duties;
For kindergartener -- take a deep breath and use smart brain to make good choices and solve problem by first looking at problem/face in the eyes;
For self -- take a deep breath and be organized with work and daily life.


2nd-grader:
For daddy -- not scream; give him quiet space when he's frustrated;
For mommy -- get done with homework soon and play with me; (mommy: play what??)
For kindergartener -- not to annoy me when I'm doing homework or something I like;
For self -- keep calm.


Daddy:
For mommy -- get more exercise, relax about job;
For 2nd-grader -- listen to daddy, finish work before reading;
For kindergartener -- solve problems without crying, and not to annoy and irritate others;
For self -- follow heart to work and plan for future, less temper.


Kindergartener:
For daddy -- not scream; take a deep breath, and not to bite my nose;
For mommy -- you can do your job and don't get frustrated with job (Dad: when and where did mommy get frustrated? Kindergartener: because I don't know what to say)
For 2nd-grader -- don't yell at me like today;
For self -- don't cry and take deep breath when frustrated.


Next weekend, what we want to do together:
2nd-grader: ride bike, mountain hiking, and read books; go to library to check out books;
Kindergartener: nice weather go to Goldstream, take a walk, look at magic show in Inner Harbour;
Daddy: watch basketball together (Kindergartener: yeah! chimpanzee. Dad: no! Championship game.); nice weather take a road trip (not if there's a game on TV);
Mom: take an oceanside stroll.

Last thing to add before going to bed:
Kindergartener: add to wishlist a playdate with Noah.