weekending

i was so happy for ted to be home for the whole weekend.

i planned an impromptu pizza night at casa wags because i knew everyone would want to see him.

i ordered salads and meatballs from one place and pizza from another...our family favorite parlor, lisa's.

i picked up wine and lit candles, but before long the night went from very good to very bad.

it's true that the holidays bring out the best and also the worst in us.

and while the disagreement didn't involve me, i wasn't able to bite my tongue long or hard enough for it to pass.

the night ended quickly and sadly.
regretfully i got involved.

no one was on good behavior.

thankfully the kids were already out with friends.

i'll be thankful if we can all sit around the same table together on thanksgiving and i really don't care where.

saturday i was up early after little sleep for a long walk with candace.

we doubled our loop because i needed to clear my head.

her company, the cool air and the miles worked miracles on my mood.

so did the crack glazed croissants she brought.

teddy was out and about all day with friends.

he came home in time to head out to another fam fave for mike's belated birthday dinner.

we opted to go to hooligans for all things wisconsin: cheese curds, mozz marinara, chicken wings with blue cheese and butter burgers with double cheese.

it was a light and healthy meal.

we came home to open presents and hang out.

it was a much better night than the night before.
amen.

the kids slept in sunday, but in the afternoon we made reserves at the cat cafe.

we were googly eyeing the cats in the window after dinner the night before so the kids and i decided to check it out.

i am surprised that we came home without a new family member or ten because we certainly could have.

ted chose mac and cheese for sunday dinner.
yes, more cheese.

i tried a new recipe from the magnolia cookbook i read with my coffee that morning.
it was a make again.

mike decided he would also grill a rack of ribs.

i steamed a huge pot of broccoli and cauliflower for good measure.

i also made jo's after school banana bread from the book and i think it's better than my favorite tried and true recipe.

everyone i shared it with agreed.

after dinner, ted and i curled up in my bed to watch some true crime drama and it was my favorite part of the weekend.
i slept like a baby that night knowing my four were all safe and sound and together.

monday morning came before we were ready.

i sent ted back to school with a duffel of clean laundry, his boots since winter has usurped fall, a breakfast burrito for the bus ride and a large fruit salad for later in the day.

he'll be home in a little more than a week and i'm already anticipating his return.