Snowy Sleepover & Grilled Cheese Debates

We woke to soft snow drifting down — not the dramatic storm they warned about, and not terribly cold at -6… though the temperature did start sliding as the morning went on. I made coffees and delivered them back to our warm nest where we did our usual parallel scrolling — me on Instagram, S on X. Two coffees in bed today. Zero regrets.

Looks a lot different than last night's photo

Protein challenge day three (I think?) kicked off properly while I finished and published yesterday’s blog. S made his trusty porridge and relocated to the couch with his book — routine is comfort. 

Since Renn was coming for a sleepover, I got my Pilates done early, followed by a neck/back/shoulder yoga stretch that felt so good it launched me straight into vacuuming mode. Stairs done. Kaylin & B's rooms done. Shaina’s room… well… vacuumed from the door to the bed. The rest resembles a climate-controlled storage facility. Shaina had text this week asking if I had kept their chaps from Grandy & Gran.. of course.

Kaylin and Renn arrived just after noon — roads good, no Calgary snow drama yet. I whipped up grilled cheese for lunch and tried the mayo-instead-of-butter trick. Verdict? It’s fine. But salted butter still wins. Even Renn ate half, so we’ll call that a success.

Renn and her Harley

getting her some toys

of course she always needs at least 3 toys in her mouth at once

Snow picked up again after 1 as Kaylin headed back to the city. Renn was in full entertainment mode all afternoon. We made a pan of puffed wheat squares together — she enjoyed the process more than the eating. Tough crowd.

checking out the Renny frame :)

I thought chocolate and sugar would have had her loving them

I had a pot of hamburger soup simmering for supper — absolute perfection for a winter day. Renn had cheesy noodles and only 1 bite of Grandpa's sausage which she usually likes. By then it had dipped to -11. Renn was clearly running on early-morning fumes according to her parents. After supper, ice cream, teeth brushing (she firmly declined a bath despite already wearing her swimsuit — she did have to open the door to see why no hot tub swim), we snuggled into bed with a couple Dr. Seuss books. Lights out by 6:40. She sang me a little song, chatted for a few minutes, and was asleep in about two. Fingers crossed for an 8 a.m. wakeup… but I’m not betting money.

Alternate hot tub swim plans

All day she wanted to get to my water jug, finally she had success. It is as big as her.

I was upstairs making tea when B arrived before 7. I sent her home with a puffed wheat squares for the road and a hot bowl of soup — sick-day care package style. She says she’s feeling a bit better, but I suspect the weekend off will help even more.

this was date night - golfing in the snow :)

Once S emerged from his soak in the bath tub, we watched two more episodes and finished season one of The Last Thing He Told Me, pausing between for a yogurt bowl intermission (obviously). Then lights out — hoping to bank some sleep before Renn decides dawn is a suggestion.

Winter days feel softer with a little one in the house. Even if morning may come very, very early.