Wow. It's been nearly two weeks since Larry left already (he left Feb. 18). The time has flown. The day before he left, we went to Sarah's sons' birthday party. That was fun. You can't go wrong with cake and a bouncy castle! For dinner, Larry and I got Thai takeout. Yum.

The next day, Ryan and I took Larry to the airport in Manchester. When we dropped Larry off, Ryan didn't want to get back in the car. He thought he should be going in the airport, too!

Not long after we got home, we met Carissa and her husband and boys for lunch at McDonald's. After lunch, we went to the park to let the kids play. The park was really busy. It was nice to get out, though.

I always feel a bit lonely the day Larry leaves. I get used to having another adult in the house!

Monday morning there was a baby sitting co-op meeting at Winkie's. Ryan loves to play there! It's fun for him, and nice for me to have the social interaction with my mom friends.

Tuesday evening Michelle came over and watched Ryan for me so I could run with the Harrogate Harriers. That was nice. Usually Larry watches Ryan while I run. Thursday night Natasha did the honors.

Friday night, I watched Natasha's girls so she and her husband could go out to dinner.

Saturday (the 24th), Carissa and her son Thomas, and Ryan and I drove to York for a Days Out With Thomas the Tank Engine. Larry and I had taken Ryan to a Days Out With Thomas last Easter, at the Embsay railway. That was fun, so I was curious to see how the one at the National Railway Museum in York would be. I would have to say that overall, this one was a bit of a disappointment. The railway museum itself was pretty nice (and is free). The boys enjoyed seeing the huge engines on display. We'd definitely like to come back just to visit the museum. Unfortunately, admission for the Days Out was 18 pounds for me and Ryan, and I would have to say it wasn't worth it. (On top of that, parking was 7 pounds!) There was a decent amount of things to see and do, but it was really crowded, and there were long lines for everything. I'd say we spent a good twenty minutes or so in line to ride a Thomas train that seriously took only about two minutes to go out and back. There was a funny sign in the car we were in, telling what to do during air raids. (I will post photos soon, hopefully.) Not that air raids are funny, but it was funny that the car was so old it had that sign in it. I think by the time we'd done that, Carissa and I were getting hungry for lunch, and the boys were getting tired. We also had a bit of a time crunch, since we needed to be back in town for a baby shower. With a bit more planning, I think we maybe could have made it a slightly longer day, but as it was, it was nice to at least get out, and to see the railway museum.

I dropped Carissa and Thomas off at their house, then went back home for a bit. Not too much later, I dropped Ryan off at Natasha's then was back out at Menwith for April's baby shower (April is a co-op member). The shower was fun. It was nice to socialize and nibble on yummy food!

Sunday I baby sat at Sarah's for just a short while. Later on in the day Larry called.

Monday morning, Natasha called me. She was really sick and needed help with her girls (her husband is TDY). I went over and spent most of the day there. At Natasha's suggestion (so she could have a little peace!), I took her daughter Savannah (who is three) and Ryan on a walk. Natasha lives in a really pretty area by a stream. It was a nice day, and the kiddos enjoyed being outside. The walk was very scenic. (I took a few photos I'll post later.)

Tuesday (two days ago), Sarah organized a small get together at a play area/farm near the Leeds/Bradford airport. Sarah and her boys, Ryan and I, and Aimee and her son all went. It was a cold, windy, rainy day, so we pretty much stuck to the indoor play area. (Here's a link: http://www.emsleys-farmshop.co.uk/index.html) Ryan had a good time. There was a big sand box to play in, which meant sand - everywhere. And I do mean everywhere!

Later on in the evening, I watched Sarah's boys for about an hour.

Yesterday I went to the commissary, only to find they were out of things I needed. I knew that they got their shipments in on Wednesdays. What I didn't know, what that the shipment isn't put out on the floor until Thursday. *sigh* Oh well. So I got what I could and went home. Later in the evening, Sarah and I went to the first meeting of a new book club. That was a lot of fun! I met new people, and had a very enjoyable time!

Today it was back to the commissary. I offered to pick up some things for Natasha, so I stopped by her place on the way home. I stayed for coffee while Ryan and Savannah played. That was nice. Spouses of TDY soldiers gotta stick together! :P

Whew! I think I am actually caught up! (Except for posting photos.) Amazing! I know I've left out little things, like errand running, etc. With how hectic things have been, I'm not surprised that I've come down with a cold. Ugh. Luckily it's mild, and just in my nose. I've been taking zinc like crazy. I think it's helping.

I want to mention that I think there's a universal law that says when you have to get up for something, that's when your kiddo will want to sleep in. When you have all the time in the world, that's when they're up bouncing around early!

The last couple of days (or is that daze?) Ryan hasn't napped. Thank goodness today he's finally taking a huge nap. Yay! He's due to be up any moment though...