It pays to plan ahead. I've been done christmas shopping for a while now, wrapped last week, baked cookies a few weeks ago. So, this morning after cleaning up from a party last night, we found ourselves with an entire day with nothing much to do.

Didn't have to clean -- we'd already done that in preparation for the party. Ditto with the grocery shopping. With no last-minute holiday chores, we were able to enjoy a rare afternoon together just having fun.

We ended up taking the kids bowling. It was Lauren's first time and it was hysterical. Is there anything cuter than a 3 year old with pigtails and a plumber's crack trying to roll a bowling ball? We had a great time and one game was all we needed (toddler balls roll slooooowwwwwllllyyyy down the lanes) so it cost us a mere $10.

We followed up with hot fudge sundaes at McDonald's, a place I normally shun, but since the local ice cream stands are all closed for the season, Micky-D's was the only nearby choice.

Making a perfect day even better, both girls fell asleep on the ride home -- which means we'll have nice, happy girls when we go to Aunt Rhonda & Uncle's Bill's vow renewal ceremony tonight (with a party following, of course...yes, we Cass' love to party).

These days -- with not much to do -- are few and very far between in our household. Tomorrow starts the holiday rat-race. Church to brunch to party #1 to party #2 to dinner at Mom's ... and so on and so on for the next several days.

Today was a reprieve -- A really, great, wonderful, welcome reprieve.

If only every Saturday could be like this.