Murder Mystery at the English Inn: Pheonix Protocol

For Christmas, Billy gifted me tickets to a murder mystery interactive theater at the English Inn, and I gifted him a night at the English Inn.  = )

Sadly, my mom was out of town, but Sarah stepped up, to sleep at the house with the kids (and was able to slip away first thing in the morning, since it was a Sunday-Monday night stay, but the kids were out of school for the week.)

I was able to reuse the hat that I bought for my murder mystery birthday party and wear my Grandmother's pearls.  I did buy a special dress (that I've since worn again!)

It was so nice!  The food was fantastic, we were each given a pin and pen to commemorate the event. The actors were soooooooo good.  They rotated through the tables and we were able to interrogate them!

I was so excited! We totally guessed the culprit, but got our sheet in too late, so we weren't the 'top team' but we had so much fun.  In fact, we came home and signed up for the next one, in October!

The October theme is a masquerade!  I'd never been invited to a masquerade before, and picked out a mask on the internet that I *loved* but was waiting to buy it.  However, the next Tuesday, while Emily, Grace and I were at the thrift store, we found a fancy mask for Billy (and it was only $4.50!)

I found a dress that would match the mask that I love and since it was only $10, I didn't feel bad about buying the mask in time for Jessica's birthday party (especially since I know I'll have one more occasion to wear it!)

So many murder mystery events lately have me feeling like I am just living my best life! = )

later days

edit: written 6-16-23 backdated for continuity.

Life in the New Year

We've been going strong in our routine, and now have 2 weeks of school under our belt already!  Billy is still working from home.  He only has to travel occasionally, so it's been nice having everyone all tucked away during these cold winter months!

William's final Christmas present finally came in (Jan 16th) and I ordered them December 13th! = 0  I knew the wouldn't arrive before Christmas (I'd missed the cut off) but I thought they'd be a couple of days late, not over a month! He did like them though, so I guess that was a win.

One of my Facebook friends posted about these adorable little among us necklaces that her daughter had made and was selling.  Since I've not been shopping like I used to, I was trying to think of something that would be special that I could get for them.  Since 4/5 (not Alice) are really into Among us right now, I thought they would be perfect!  I made up the cards and added the necklaces. = )

For his birthday, my mom and Sarah were set to watch the kids.  When I made the reservation, I was unable to find where to make the dinner reservation that would accompany the room.  When I went out the Monday before, they were book solid! = 0  She offered to move the room to the following weekend, so that we were able to have dinner in the conservatory too.  This change interfered with Sarah's work schedule though, so my mom held down the fort alone.

No piano this time. 

We could see one of the conservatories from above!  I was rushed in my picture taking, because we were 10 minutes late for dinner when we arrived, but they served us just the same. = )

They had two heaters in each conservatory.  A table top one and a larger one (I got the lucky spot!)

I decided a few weeks ago that we would be homeschooling next year, but sadly they were out of stock when I attempted to make my purchase!  Since the decision had been made, I checked daily or every other day and they finally had 12 in stock!  I happily clicked away, and am always excited when they arrive.  Now I just need to make the time to sit down and see what books we will actually use next year, and what books we have that I can sub in.  = )  

Uno is quite popular these days.  They like to play with the reverse card during free time too.

Grace: "mutti look! Canadian hair bows"  (We actually bought them on our St. Louis trip, but they do resemble the Canadian flag.

On the day that the $enate was confirming the electoral votes from the +rump/13iden election, there was much chaos when dozens of American citizens entered the Capit0l forcing the $enators to take cover and then escape.  Many have been arrested since then.  From what the news says, they are taking precautions at all 50 state capitals in the says leading up to the election.  Lansing has closed down all the roads in the immediate vicinity of the Capit0l building (Jan 17th) until further notice.  People online are very unhappy, they've started deleting accounts and shutting down websites.  I don't know if this is the beginning of a big change or just a small blip on the radar.  I am hoping for the latter.

For his 39th birthday, Billy requested a Grand Traverse Cherry pie.   Since the downtown location ahs been closed since November, so I drove all the way to Okemos just for pie.  = )  I also bought a chocolate pie that most of us had for breakfast that morning. ; )

I don't recall what we were watching, but the twins were happy to snuggle with daddy!  This was sadly the night before his kidney stone made for a rough weekend and lonely trip to the ER!

The twins were working on a money unit, and really enjoyed holding the coins in hand during the lessons.

Emily's simile made me smile. 

Alice did not care for drawing with the new drawing pad that we bought her for Christmas, but she does use it during math!

Juliet wanted to try something new, so I flipped her ponytail. Her hair looks just like Alice, back when she would let me style her hair.

Birthday Celebration

My birthday fell on a Friday this year, so I got to celebrate on my actual birthday!

My mom's gift to me was watching the kids for the evening and next morning, so that Billy and I could go stay at the English Inn.  We'd been on a dinner date there a few weeks ago, but staying the night is even better!

We were late to our dinner reservation, since our car starters took much longer than anticipated, which put the whole day behind, and we were still working on homework when my mom arrived.

They staff was so great though, we were able to check in to our room, drop off our luggage, and still enjoy excellent service.

We intentionally ordered different dishes than our previous visit, and everything was phenomenal!

After leaving the restaurant we checked out the pub, which is well done.  It reminds me of many of the pubs in England, low ceilings, small dimensions, but fewer accents. = )

Our room had an electric fireplace, which was actually really pleasant up here!

The next morning we went to breakfast, which is a full service ordeal, and the only way you can enjoy it is by being a guest! 

We had time afterwards to pack and lounge around in our room until check out. then we did a quick, cold tour of the grounds. = )  They hold weddings here, and I can see why, it is so pretty, even in the winter time!

We came home to happy children, and Emily completed my Birthday card pile with a special book. = )

Alice made me the 3-D Tardis, Emily made me the card and book

It was a very happy celebration, and we only have to wait until Saturday to celebrate our next birthday: William's 5th!

later days

Bonus: a video of the big kids singing me happy birthday that morning