weeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!

• Busy day today!  Jane and Katie, you and I went to Playland with the Piper family (except David...he stayed with daddy and the babies).  Thankfully, the temperature was much cooler than the predicted 35 degrees.  It wasn't busy and we pretty much walked onto every ride we wanted to go on.
• Katie, I was so proud of you today.  You conquered your fear of rides, and even went on the wooden rollercoaster and Atmosfear.  I know it was hard for you to take that leap, so I appreciate your willingness and courage to try.  You had the biggest smile on your face all day.
• Thanks to Auntie Becca and Uncle Dan for grabbing my camera and taking photos of me.  I love having the photos with you, as well as photos of me having fun.  The pirate ship is my favorite.  I scream and laugh uncontrollably.   I promised myself I would do one ride that scared me.  I asked Uncle Dan if he would go on the Hellevator with me.  He said "Hell ya."  (Dad joke).  I survived.  I hate that sensation of falling.
• Val was the only one brave enough to go on the Beast.  It swings back and forth and spins faster and faster as it swings higher and higher.  I'd puke if I tried that.
• Of course, we got mini donuts.  The highlight of Playland for me.  They're so warm and fresh and tasty.
• We came back to the house to chill for a couple hours before heading over to Uncle Luke and Auntie Claire's place for dinner.  We stopped in at Save-On Foods to pick up a watermelon.  When I tried to start the van, my key wouldn't go in.  Whaaaaaat????  I had just used my keys to drive there a couple minutes before.  I called daddy and he went to the store to get some graphite spray.  I was super impressed with you guys while we waited for daddy.  It didn't phase you at all.  There wasn't even one complaint from anyone.  I have my "mom kit" in the van, so we got the chalk out and started drawing.  Jane and Katie, you had books and drawing supplies, so we sat in the parking lot and waited.
• Once again, we were recipients of kindness from strangers.  There is some construction happening around Save-On, and one of the workers saw us sitting there.  He grabbed a bunch of cones and blocked off an area of the parking lot so you could run around and play.  It was so nice.  Little things like that can make such a difference in someone's day.  I have experienced more than my fair share of kindness.  I don't know why or where it all comes from, but I'm really grateful, and I feel very motivated to help others in any way I can, even if it seems inconsequential.
• We finally arrived (quite late) at Uncle Luke's for dinner.  It was loud and crazy...and awesome.  We went out back to play in the field behind their house.  Jane, your idea of playing was drawing beside the basketball court.  I love you kid!
• Katie, we celebrated yours and Andrais's birthdays.  His birthday is the day before yours.  Auntie Claire got you a massive apple pie from Costco.
• George, after cake, you went downstairs to play TT's drums.  I decided to play the piano while I was down there watching you.  Before I knew it, Andrais joined me on guitar,  TT started drumming, and all the kids came down.  We sang our hearts out.  My favorite was "To Be With You" by Mr. Big...or maybe  "Let it Go" from Frozen.  We rocked those songs like nobody's business.  It was awesome.  A perfect ending to a busy day.