Fun and Frustrating weekend.

We had a great weekend -full of fun things to do and lots of family time.
However, the kids behavior - not so fun - more frustrating. I guess it is that time of year.

I hate that my kids can't deal with changes in schedules very well, and I hate that they get up so early regardless of what time they go to bed...but really - I hate this for mostly selfish reasons - so I need to just get over it I think.

We went to my mom's on Friday night to bake cookies and had lots o fun. We bolted somewhat early because if my kids don't stick to a schedule and get some down time at home before bed - bedtime is a fight.
Then they got up at 5:10 am Saturday. Ugh...our admonishments, threaths, coaxing, and begging just doesn't change the fact that Ainsley has to pee at 5:10 am every day and wakes the whole house up doing it.

We had a nice time running errands Saturday and then I deserted the family to go make "fancy schmancy" cookies and drink wine with the girls at my friend's house for a few hours. (Bliss).
Even baking and crafting impaired me made some pretty decent ones with their stellar directions and supervision!

Matt had forced the kids to do naps in preparation for a big departure from our norm Saturday night! We went to a neighborhood Christmas party, with the kids, and planned to let them stay up very late and eat lots of junk and just have fun for a change. Spontaneous, non-scheduled, fun. Fun was definitely had by all and we dragged Ainsley out kicking and screaming at 9:30pm! 2 hours past her normal bed-time! Crazy people!
And oh -did we pay for it Sunday. They still got up at about 5:40am, Church behavior (thanks to the bribe of a donut) was not bad, but the rest of the day behavior was awful. Two very cranky, very tired kids...make for two very tired, very cranky Parents. It just wasn't worth it.
I wish we could be those parents who could let their kids stay up late on the weekends, eat lots of sugar, and go with the flow - but our kids have proven once again - it just doesn't work for them. I wish it would work, because then I could stay out late and party and play poker and chat and drink like the other parents. But it just isn't worth it the next day.

So - if you invite us over and we leave early - please don't feel offended or think "putting our kids to bed" is an excuse. It's just how it is right now - honestly. either that - or your party is really lame. j/k ;-)