I noticed on Wednesday that our van was doing weird things when switching gears but in the 30 minute period we were in the car in stop-and-go traffic, I honestly didn't notice, THAT much. Well, on the way to the airport Thursday morning (30-45 minutes away and you can actually go a decent speed if there's no traffic), I realized that yeah, something was definitely wrong with the car. Jason drove on the way home so he could see what was wrong and he knew pretty quickly that something was wrong with the clutch and/or transmission. (I have no idea what I"m talking about here....). Not wanting to take away at all from our day, I told him not to worry about getting it fixed in the short time he's home. The girls and I would be fine with taxis, and I would see if someone could help me get it to the shop. Well, our van had other plans. When we were on our street (thankfully!) about 100 yards from home, it completely gave out. Wouldn't go a bit. We walked the rest of the way home which Anabelle especially loved and Jason arranged to have the car towed the next day. (funny side story- at breakfast this morning, I mentioned to Maddie that I would arrange a ride for her from band practice on Monday and to please not let me forget since the car would still be in the shop, and Naomi pipes up saying, "Mommy, I thought a toad got our car". Stinker!)
Anyway, so Anabelle liked her walk so much with Daddy (i.e. she pitched a screaming, crying fit when we walked in our apt yelling "wak wak wak") that he took all the girls back out for a walk to the neighborhood dikan (Arabic for corner convenience store that literally has EVERYTHING you could possibly need in a space the size of some American walk in closets- it may be piled to the ceiling and require a ladder to get to, but you ask for it, they get it). So the girls and daddy went for a walk which gave me a chance to clean up a bit from the hurricane that hit our house that morning when we all overslept and then realized Daddy's plane was arriving 30 minutes early- definitely a good thing!
My plan for this day was to not have to do TOO much in the kitchen since we were planning a family fun day which in our house involves lots of games, but we couldn't go out either due to protests and the occasional riot in the city because of fuel prices and other issues (oh the fun of living in the Middle East). Anyway, I thawed one of my frozen crockpot meals from my recent freezer cooking attempts, and we got to smell cilantro lime chicken all day while we played.
After pita pizzas for lunch, we started with the games. First up was spoons and then Sorry in order to include Naomi.
Next, since Anabelle essentially didn't take a nap (thank you ear infecton #984) unless you count 30 minutes in bed where I'm not entirely sure that she even slept, Naomi and Anabelle watched Max and Ruby ("Mac and ruuree" in anabellese) which Jason and I played Settlers of Catan with AJ and Maddie. If you don't know this game you should check it out- so much fun!
Jason had a few calls he had to make so while he did that I finished throwing dinner together. I found this recipe for homemade whole wheat tortillas. The first time I made them for buritos for the girls and fish tacos for me (earlier this week), they were really good, but I think the whole wheat flour I used was a bit too coarse or something this time. Although the flavor was really good, the texture was not quite right, and the shape was, well, awful. Would still recommend the recipe, though- pretty sure my problems were due to user error.
Anyway, while I cooked and Jason got a few things done, Maddie and Naomi crafted. Here's a look at some of the beautiful candles Maddie and Naomi made with some glass jars I had sitting around...
Abbey and Anabelle played AB's new favorite game-"high seek"
We enjoyed our yummy Mexican feast. I also threw together an apple cake for dessert. I've been dieting and decided this was a cheat day and I wanted to bake for my hubby during his one day home. Here's this amazingly yummy and quick to throw together recipe. It's made from stuff you probably already have on hand.
After dinner it was time for family movie night! This can be a challenge when the movie viewers range in age from 6 to 13, but thankfully (after a somewhat LONG process), big sisters were gracious and let Naomi do most of the deciding.
The original Parent Trap- classic.
Naomi got our movie viewing area ready with lots of blankets and pillows. My big girls have taken after me in that they can't really sit and watch a movie without doing something else. It drives Jason somewhat crazy that I can't just sit and watch the movie. I either iron or cross stitch or play suduko or solitaire or SOMETHING. Not tonight though- I was too worn out from my week of single parenting! Abbey is playng games on her iPod, Maddie is sewing and Naomi is simply enthralled with the movie.
It was a way quick 19 hours, but much fun!
What are some of your favorite family day activities if you are staying inside?
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