extra! extra!

We have lots of new news to share. Valentines day was wonderful. The boys each got an extra-special book and some heart-shaped truffles and Sean and I enjoyed a night out with friends, indulging in some rich food and drink for the first time in a long time.
Friday the boys had a day off of school, so we took them all to the Centre and played basketball in the racquetball courts. Sean and I were even able to sneak in some workout time while the boys ran crazy on the courts. Blake is getting better and better with a babysitter, and Sean and I are taking full advantage. Friday night we went to the Croswell for the dueling piano show while the boys stayed with their favorite sitter, Tanya. They convinced her to bring her Nintendo over and had a Mario-playing competition.
Saturday brought another round of basketball games for the bigs. Ashton had a rough time and came home early, fortunately his coach is wonderfully understanding and we will try again next week. Mason played his little heart out this week, he is a joy to watch. He plays a game within a game, trying to run circles around the court to shake off the opponent who is guarding him. I can't help thinking of the family circle cartoon and the crazy dotted-line trails Billy leaves all over the yard/neighborhood/house. That's what Mason's path would look like on the court if you could track it.
Today we all went to Trader Joes, Whole Foods and Zingermans together. It was nice enough to eat outside in the tented picnic area, the warm sunshine and good food was the perfect end to our afternoon outing. Ashton is my little foodie buddy, and he and I snuck off to taste-test the spring gelatos and gourmet chocolates while Mason and Blake chased the birds around the picnic area and Sean packed up.
I almost forgot- Blake pooped on the potty! I didn't go so far as photographing it for his baby book Kate-Gosselin style, but I did "save" it for Sean to see when he got home from work (is that gross?). That's the top headline at our house this week!