Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Hanging in!

We've been struggling a little through the past week, as we've had the flu run rampage through the house, and I'm still waiting for everyone to get it;  Malcolm currently has quite a bad cold, but I'll take that any day over that flu.  We had our flu shots this year, and while the included strains aren't a good match this year, apparently, we still get a little boost of immunity.  I cannot imagine this flu at full strength - it's a four-five day high fever, splitting headache, chills, runny nose, cough and if you're really lucky, you end with pneumonia like me.  

In any case, last week was a write off, although Edward and I did manage to get out for dinner on Valentine's Day courtesy of Jane, who was visiting and who was happy to babysit.  That was lovely!   The rest of the weekend was a little tortuous, as everyone was tired and grumpy and sick to some degree, but Edward took all four kids by himself to the Museum of Nature yesterday and I got to ooze around at a glacial pace trying to tidy the house a little.  My secret cleaning weapon (well, my secret all-round weapon, to be honest) is my mother, but she too is bedridden with this nasty flu, so the house was looking a tad unkempt. 

But life goes on!  

Malcolm, like Colin, is a water baby.  He's happy to play in the sink while I wash dishes.


Last Sunday, Edward and the kids made a chocolate loaf.  Why yes, we allow our small child to lick a knife.  What could go wrong?


Perhaps a little safer...?


Sink playtime aftermath.  


This Saturday, Colin and Evelyn wanted to break out the playdough.  Here they are with their master cake creation.  The toothpicks are candles, and the yellow bits stuck on the ends are flames.


The end result.  Colin and Evelyn played so well together; it warmed the heart.  It isn't always like that, obviously, but they really do enjoy collaborating with each other.