I need to call the repair shop soon to see what's going on with our van. We were told it would take a day, and I dropped it off Monday morning. This week is probably the best week we have for going without a vehicle, but I'm not particularly interested in going an entire week without having access to a vehicle during the day while Cory's away. Our sweet, elderly neighbor came over to check on the car situation and offered to take us wherever we need to go. Today we don't need to go anywhere. It's a day free of all commitments.

Yesterday we had a couple places to go, but both were within walking distance. The first was the library (takes about 15 minutes to walk) and the second was the chiropractor (about 5 minutes). Ella was quite unhappy at the library for some reason and eventually nodded off on the couch right around supper time for a nap. When we went to the chiropractor, it was Cole's turn to be unhappy because Accalia was adjusted first and he wanted to be the first one. Five is proving to be a very emotionally turbulent age for Cole, just as it was for Accalia. It seems all of his emotions are riding right on the surface, and if conditions aren't right (tired, hungry, disappointed), he'll go from calm to storm in seconds. I guess it's a good chance for me to continue practicing patience during less than ideal parenting moments since there's really nothing you can do other than ride out the storm. Cole raged while Accalia, Ella and Cory were adjusted, but by the time Cory was done I had talked quietly in his ear long enough that he found something funny to think about and take his mind off of not being first up on the table. Then he was in a jolly old mood. I thought it didn't bode well for continuing to play with the neighbor girls after supper, but he did fine until the younger one started hitting him on the arm and face with plastic cones. She must have also been tired because I saw her rounding the corner of the house sucking her thumb. I can just imagine how hard it is to not be able to see your mom from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. most days. It's really sad that we actually spend more time with them than she does.

I have no idea what we'll do today, but I may have a chance to tackles some of the messes around the house if we have no where to go. I wouldn't mind walking to the repair shop to pick up the van, though!