Swanson Farms

Chapter 45

Monday morning rolled around and I immediately knew that this was going to be a long week. Around six my alarm went off and I rubbed my eyes, looking over to my side to see Seth still sound asleep. Part of me wondered if he'd be sleeping in and the other part wanted some alone time before the kids woke up. As much as I'd like that I knew that it couldn't happen. I had to have breakfast made and the kids eating by seven, and then have them ready to go out the door by seven thirty. I was taking them with me on the long drive to Sprucebridge to see the bakery and check the book to books and the quality of the restaurant. We were having the city come in for the inspection any time this week and I knew that I had to see it first to make sure it was in top shape.

I hadn't told Mariah that I would be coming, I needed it to be a surprise so I could see the bakery as an inspector would see it. I knew the kids would most likely sleep the whole way there, and if not I'd have a movie on for back up. I rolled out of bed and got dressed, putting on what little makeup I wear now, before waking the kids up. Bailey knew how to dress herself, and I already had the twin's outfit's laid out. They were all so cute and cuddly when they first woke up, I couldn't help but have a quiet cuddle with all of them. Then I started making breakfast, eggs with bacon and toast, as well as a couple different bowls full of fruit. Bailey came down beside Maverick, and the twins came running down the stairs, Goose following behind eagerly. The kids took their spots at the table and the dogs went to their bowls and eagerly waited for their food. Seth came downstairs in his pajama pants, scratching his chest tiredly. He smiled when he saw breakfast made and came over, resting his hands on my hips,

"It looks delicious... You're so beautiful," He whispered, kissing me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him back, until I heard the kids giggling (which usually meant that Gabriel was up to no good). We both turned to look and see that Gabriel had ketchup all over his face, from trying to eat or doing it to amuse his siblings, we wouldn't know. Seth grabbed a wash cloth and cleaned his face before we all sat down to eat. We were ahead of schedule, it was only ten to seven.

"Will you be gone all day?" Seth asked, taking a sip of his coffee. I shrugged,

"I'm not sure. I might take the kids shopping while we're in Sprucebridge for some new clothes but it depends how well the bakery is doing. What are you up to today?"

"Not much babe, I think I'm teaching a Western lesson tonight at six, Jackie wants me to accompany her and Zach to a horse auction and try to get some new Western horses."

"That sounds like fun,"

"Yeah third wheeling always sounds like such a great time." He said sarcastically. I giggled and took his hand, finishing my breakfast. When I was done I collected the dishes and Seth started washing them. I packed our cooler full of snacks and lunches, I knew that they'd eat all of it and still be hungry so I did pack some junk food as well as healthy food.

"Alright let's grab our car bags and get your shoes on!" I called, bringing the cooler to the door way, pulling on my sandals. They each came over with a backpack, packed with their favorite movie, sunglasses, granola bars, sunscreen, dry erase boards, toys, small crafts that didn't involve scissors, and the iPads that we had at home. However these were only for emergencies, if the movies didn't work and the crafts had all been finished.

Seth picked up the cooler and brought it to the back of the SUV, loading it in the back for me. I started the car, turning the air on before I did my own small check, making sure I had everything I needed; my laptop, iPad, and purse. I did have my "brief case" full of the necessary forms and papers but that hardly left my car. We buckled the kids in and started the movie, they each quieted down with their juice and I kissed Seth,

"I love you, I'll see you tonight." I said, and he kissed my forehead before kissing me passionately,

"I love you too. Drive safe, let me know when you make it there okay?"