Vacation craziness

ok, so my kids have been out of school since last friday ( they had a half day) and its been and has always been a challenge to try to keep them entertained and unbloodied for the entire day. What makes it even harder is that most of their friends are still in school until today so playdates are hard. We usually make 1 trip to the ER during this time but so far so good. Its also a challenge to get all my workouts in while the kids are home as well ( daddy leaves early and is home late) thus I need to split workouts or get real creative on how to get them in, it actually makes me a little stressed if I was to be completely honest, I hate not following the plan to a "T".

( a few examples of craziness: the throwing of glass ornaments which smashed on the ground, clogged toilet with god knows what clogged it up inside, every room of the house filled with games on the floor, footballs, basketballs and soccer balls even though I've stated a million times there is no ball playing in the house- how does it still happen- Why don't they listen- UGG)

Anyhoo, I've been successful having some playdates on different days, there has been a small little winter camp for a few hours in the morning that my younger two have gone to a few times but my older boys want nothing to do with it. Vacation wouldn't be so hard if my kids could actually get along for prolonged periods of time, usually it lasts about 1-2hrs but thats about it then the mayhem starts and the chasing and tackling and name calling begins and usually lasts for the remaining part of the day. There is only so much monopoly, risk, clue, harry potter trivia, chess, art projects I can do all day, it can be a real challenge. My kids love to go outside and they will play for long periods of time they just don't want to play with each other for long periods of time, I'm hoping that with time this will change, having 4 kids so close in age is a blessing but it is also hard for them.

I am also trying to sneak wrapping presents and still trying to buy some with them around, its a bit difficult but I'm running out of time and it has to be done.

I wouldn't change being a stay at home mom, its the best thing in the world but it has its challenges. I will keep you posted on any ER visits or strange happenings while the kids are home, I'm sure I'll have a bunch.

On the workout front things are good, steadily going along, working a lot of zone 1 stuff getting my speeds up and watts up and keeping the HR where it needs to be, its hard and monotonous at times but I have to say I am starting to like the zone 1 stuff, it never feels like I'm working that hard so I know I'm doing the right thing. I am struggling with signing up for my first official bike race ( the Tour de Battenkill) in April, I really want to focus on my bike fitness this off season and this race will really be a test of my fitness at the time, however I will be coming off of a 1/2 ironman so it might be tough and its another weekend I would be away from the kids. Anyway, still thinking and will make my decision this weekend. At least coach is supportive which is great.