Yesterday we had a snow day which was the last straw of a pretty crap week. Beckett has had some kind of illness since last Saturday that has made him lethargic and whiny and achy and occasionally acutely ill. Today I took him to the dr who shrugged and guessed it was viral. If he's not better by Tuesday we'll do some blood work. Reed developed croup Wednesday and after a scary night Jeff took him to the dr Thursday, so he was on a short round of steroids to help with his breathing. Now he "just" has a nasty cold which makes him tired and snotty and clingy.

Of course this is Daddy's bro weekend with Uncle Jon in NYC so I'm on my own. This morning Grandpa Stu came up to rescue the children and bolster my spirits. He played Clue and Guess Who, fed most of his own breakfast to Reed, and helped get us ready to go play in the snow. By the time he left, my patience was restored and I felt like I might be able to handle the last 24 hours of my single parenthood with 2/3 sick children by myself.

This is from Beckett's first day home from school on Monday, when Reed was also home and wanted to go outside but wasn't happy playing in the snow by himself. So Beckett summoned the energy to suit up and go out to play with him.

An energetic game of Guess Who with Grandpa Stu today.

Mama and Theo Clue time.

The snow and temperature was perfect for snowman building (and then punching said snowman in the neck).

We took a leisurely walk around the neighborhood looking for found accessories for our snowmen. Reed likes riding on my back these days and since it hurts my back to have him on the front, this is a much welcomed arrangement. He was feeling pretty crappy but enjoyed the cold air.

Lots of opportunities for snow mountain climbing.

And also polar bear impressions by Theo.


When we got home the boys had a rare extended quiet time coloring and drawing and writing together.

After dinner of smoothie and popcorn (our go-to when Daddy is not home), the boys shared a long bath made more exciting by my pulling icicles inside from the second story windows and giving them to the bathgoers, which inspired an icicle duel.

Quotes from tonight's icicle bath:
"I'm dying!"
"You're dying?"
"You're my brother, don't die!"
"You can't die that quick."
"Here's a rescue potion!" (Reed pours water on Beckett's head)
"Stop, I don't like the potion!"