It. Was. A. Good. Day.

It was a good day.

In some ways it was typical in that I found Caleb (more than once) like this ...

But on a day like today, where I was really able to enjoy my kids, it didn't ruffle any feathers ...

Today was the kind of day that is full of sweet times with sweet boys, fun friends, and family.  The kind of day where you can take a deep, contented breath at the end of the day, knowing that you made some happy memories with your children and your house is still clean shortly after they are in bed.  The kind of day where you got a lot done ... but not in a stressful kind of way ... but in a fully present, appreciating the moment kind of way.

Today was Grandparents Day at the boys' school.  I was so happy my parents could make it to spend time with Jared and Will and see all of these things that are so important to them.  As I left the school this morning with Caleb, the Principal was exhorting the grandparents to really take the time to get to know their grand-kids and invest in them.  How sweet is that?

Caleb and I took advantage of the time with the boys at school to run through several stores at Desert Ridge and pick up some things for the house.  Granted, Caleb has decided that he hates his stroller and battled against it just about the entire time despite my best efforts to pacify him with a steady stream of snacks.  I bought the last of the fabric to complete Caleb's duvet and pillows that I think my mom will have time to work on this weekend (Yay!).  And - after checking out several stores for pillows, I finally bought two new embroidered pillows for our couch.  Not that anyone really cares, but here they are...

They make me happy.  Funny how a simple purchase like this well saved and planned for can bring such satisfaction.

The boys had some excitement at Grandparents Day as there was a burglary in the neighborhood and the school went on lock-down for about a half hour.  All were safe, but it made for some good stories later.  Jared couldn't wait to tell his Daddy about the "Code D".  Ha ha!

After we finished our shopping, Caleb and I met up with my parents and the big boys at the new rental house before heading to a quick lunch at McDonald's.  You know why young kids are awesome?  Because a quick date to McDonald's with their Poppi & Gigi matters.  Like, a lot.  They each had Happy Meals.  With Chocolate Milk.  Trust me when I tell you that that was a big, big deal.  :-)

And ... as if that wasn't enough happiness for one day, the Riccio's came over after to play and make Valentines.  PRECIOUS.  Lisa and I had time to visit and catch up while her girls and my boys played happily in the backyard and created some treasures for their teachers.

 How I love these kids!  :-)

After a restful afternoon, Daddy came home a little early and we went for a family date at Moon Valley Grill.  This was the first time we had tried this little neighborhood joint.  The food was good, and the place was loud (love that!).  Brief and amazing were the words to describe this fun family date.

Afterwards, I put a tired Caleb and Will to bed while Jared and Daddy had a much anticipated date night to Target.  Jared spent his allowance money to buy this fun sports set and is looking forward to tossing his new football with his Daddy in the yard tomorrow.

My life was a little simpler at the end of the week than at the beginning, not only because Caleb seems to be feeling much better, but also because we made the decision to not add another dog to the Barrett family at this time.  As cute and loveable as this little King Charles was, he just didn't add to the peace, order, and cleanliness.  Three things I am REALLY trying hard to strive for as we prepare to add another life to our family.

Oh Happy Day!  And ... although Caleb may or may not have pooped in the tub while taking his bath tonight, it was minor in light of such a fun, full day.

I should note that I spent time earlier in the week, trying to map out our evenings to make sure we had a mix of Barrett family dinners, date nights with kids, time with friends and extended family, plus our own family dates.  It's working out well and that also makes me happy.  What a blessing to be deliberate with such a precious resource as our time and not just take things always as they come.