High: We were all healthy when it came time to fly to Manitoba! (Our own Christmas miracle!)

Low: A one hour delay when waiting to fly out of London when we had already arrived at the airport far earlier than was really necessary.

High: A group of about 4 or 5 families with young children congregating in a corner play area in the waiting area in the airport. We traded destinations (many were on our flight) and stories and someone pulled out a coloring book and someone else had some paper and almost all of us had some crayons in our purses/diaper bags and before we knew it about half a dozen children were lying on the floor coloring quietly. It didn’t last that long. But for a moment we all sighed with contentment. Then Kieran plopped himself down in the lap of one of the fathers who was sitting on the floor with the kids. He was obviously suffering from a testosterone deficiency while his daddy has been away.

Low: Flying to Manitoba with an 18 month old who, despite being completely exhausted, would not fall asleep.

High: A very kind lady sitting next to us (the plane was full so no special allowances for parents with small children to get an extra empty seat) who was so good with Kieran. She helped me distract him every time he got fussy and was so kind and friendly that, by the end of the flight, he was sitting on her lap instead of mine! Dear Anonymous Angel, you made my day!

Low: A reeeeally crappy first night in Manitoba. As in one child or the other waking up every hour. all. night.

High: Going to pick up my long lost husband at the airport the next morning. A very happy reunion! And the shriek of pure joy when Kieran first saw him.

Low: Figuring out that the itch and irritation in my eye (and then later, eyes) is pink eye. On Christmas eve. With no hope to see a doctor til at least Boxing Day.

High: Having my hubby here with me.

Low: Driving my parents’ car into the ditch on the way to the Christmas Eve service at church. Being totally stuck. Having to go home and call CAA and miss the church service where my mom was leading the choir.

High: CAA came really fast. The car was totally fine. We stopped a few feet short of the sign post instead of hitting it. And we had a relaxing evening at home. Followed by our traditional Christmas Eve feast of all kinds of delicious and fattening treats when the family got home from church.

Low: Hubby has jetlag. Hubby does not want to admit he is suffering from jetlag.

High: Found an open walk-in clinic on Boxing Day and got a prescription for antibiotic eye-drops for my eyes which were so red they were starting to make me look like the Devil’s spawn.

Low: Being told not to wear eye make up until this clears up. As if!

High: Sitting in the hot tub every evening. Sometimes in the morning, too.

Low: I’m running out of lows.

High: Lots of naps, parents and siblings to help with the kids. Anticipating a couple of date nights and friends who will be here from Saskatoon for us to visit. And have I mentioned there is a HOT TUB here?

Low: Only another week and a half left!