The low down on weekends

Sometimes we have really crappy weekends - honestly! We really can not be the only ones to sometimes miss the wonders of  what a weekend is supposed to be.  Too much to do that are chores, too much to run around with. No real fun. No real rest.  Kids that decide to be unpleasant is some way or another. Weekends where you actually wish it was Monday. Do you have those too?

I know that one has to make a conscious decision to enjoy moments and to make the most out of it. And to plan for happy things. But I am also convinced that sometimes the stars align for a great one, and sometimes a monster invades the kids and hands you a bad one.

This weekend however was a great one. Thank goodness. The heatwave was at its highest point.

This was Friday evening!

Part of what made the weekend great was the start. I took the kids for horse riding on Friday afternoon and although it was very hot and dusty there is a peace and tranquility at the stables that always soothes the soul. We then stopped at the closest movies to see Hotel Transylvania - enjoyed by us all. The rest of the evening was spent around rugby on tv and take aways.

Saturday morning the kids and I set out to do our Santa shoebox shopping and a few more chores. Luck was with us and we bought almost everything at two shops opposite each other in the same shopping centre. I was delighted to find these plastic containers for only R33 to use in stead of shoeboxes. I have always wanted to do this as it is so practical but can not spend a fortune on one. We did our Santa shoebox shopping early this year as the kids and I are camping this weekend.

We also picked up photos at The  Parkview shopping centre - I hate that centre but sadly the photo lab I use has moved there. Totally out of my way so I make a plan to stop there if I have a Saturday that affords me the time to do it. After being such troopers and carefully shopping for the Santa shoeboxes for "their friends" (we choose a same aged child for each kids to shop for) I reasoned a milkshake or ice cream was in order. Eds easy diner is close and boy, Mr L enjoyed a huge sundae! I was totally astonished at the ice cream capacity he has. The other two had more moderate milkshakes. I ordered nothing as I knew I would have to help finish milkshakes and ice cream.


Saturday late afternoon and evening was spent with good friends, a bit of great wine, an almost too warm pool, rugby and lots of laughter.

We slept in a bit on Sunday and then we went to do my moms' shopping and complete our Santa shoebox shopping. I had these "bats" and ball toys in mind for a while after spotting them at Dischem. I also bought a set for us and the kids played with it for a long time. One throwing, two catching - I hope our shoebox kids love them too.

Then there was afternoon naps for most of us! After checking school bags etc we ended off the weekend with a swim and Sunday dinner - early enough to have a good nights' sleep in preparation for the new term.

So - how was your weekend?