Great day, not so great end to the day

Last Saturday was a great day. We woke up to about 3 inches or so of bright white snow. Andrew really wanted to go sledding but we don't really have a place for that. Last year there was a very large mound of dirt on a near by lot from when they dug our basement and our neighbor's. But now the dirt is gone and a house is in it's place. So I suggested we go out and have some time outdoors...me clearing the driveway and the boys "helping" & playing in the snow.

After that we got ready for the rest of our day. We had plans to go into Columbus for the day. There were a few more Christmas gifts we needed to get. We also told the boys we could go to Recreations Outlet for some play time, if they were good while shopping. The boys and I had been there one other time with our friends Renee & Emmett. Well we should have called first. Imagine two little boys who have done some shopping (who don't like shopping), who have been promised they could play, and then we are told that on Saturday & Sunday play time is for members only. What to do! The boys both had their shoes and coats off ready to run. So we became week and now have a membership at the Recreations Outlet! The time we were there with Renee & Emmett, it was "pay to play" time - we payed $4 a child to play as long as they wanted. They also have a free play time too. The boys had a great time! And now every time we go to Columbus we will be stopping at Recreations Outlet to make up for paying for this membership!

For supper we met Chad's parents at North Star Cafe. We had eaten at one of the two restaurants they have this past summer. This time we ate at the one north of campus. It is a great place to eat. I enjoy the atmosphere and love knowing that our food is good quality food. Be sure to read their philosophy. Here is the menu.

We had also thought about going to the zoo lights but decided it would be too cold and perhaps then not too much fun. On the way home we debated about driving through some Holiday Fantasy Lights at Alum Creek. But Carson fell asleep and since it cost $15 per car load, we decided we wanted to do that when both Andrew & Carson could enjoy it. We have driven through the Festival of Lights in the town I grew up in and they both loved it! Carson was amazed and said some great phrases like "Gracious!" and my Dad's quote "Hokey Dina!". But instead we headed home.

We were about 20 minutes from home when a large deer decided to cross the road. We didn't see it until it was right in front of us. There was a car coming from the opposite direction and not much for us to do, except hit the deer. We had to have the car towed, Chad thought the steering wasn't quite right and could smell coolant (I think that is what he said but maybe not). Thankfully we got a hold of a friend from church who was able to come get us and take us home. We found out yesterday the estimate on the car and that we won't get it back until Jan. 8th or the 11th. Chad had been hinting at hitting a deer but not with this car (our 2004 Volkswagen Passot wagon) - with his car (1997 Honda Accord) - which would give him a reason to get a different car. And thankfully we are all fine! We had a very kind police officer stumble upon us and help us out. He even drove me back to a gas station, after I swallowed my pride and asked him to, so that I could use the bathroom. I think Andrew was a bit jealous that I got to ride in a police car!

So this week, we have only had one car. It has been fine. Andrew didn't have preschool this week due to Christmas break. And the other activities the boys and I are in are on hold due to Christmas as well. I have run some errands in the evenings once Chad is home - which is actually really nice to do without the boys! And I'm OK with being home - it takes a lot for me to get stir crazy - but I might by Jan. 8th! Plus I've had enough to keep me busy!