When Daddy’s Away…

I hate Ben’s business trips! But thank the Lord they don’t happen very often (about 3 times a year) and I’m so thankful for wonderful friends and family who help out! Here’s the fun we had while Ben traveled to Tennessee and Kentucky:

Monday: Ben left too early for the airport for us to go with him, but I decided to head that way regardless, to let they boys watch planes and pretend daddy was on each one of them. Okay, maybe I just wanted to visit IKEA. That’s always a fun adventure, and the boys run around finding each arrow in the pathway. My college roommate, Lindsey, came over in the evening for dinner and to play with the boys. They love her and spent the whole next day asking, “Where’s Mrs. Lindsey?” Funny quote of the day: as I was explaining to Lindsey how the boys LOVE Tebow, I was trying to get Seth to tell her what position Tebow plays (they know his number, team, etc). So I asked him, “If Tebow throws the ball, what does that make him?” (leading him to say quarterback). Instead Seth answered excitedly, “Happy!” Ha ha. Of course throwing the ball makes Tebow happy :)

Tuesday: I knew this was going to be the toughest day, because I didn’t have anyone “lined-up.” However, we made the best of it, and went to story time in the morning and did errands in the afternoon (I’ve found if we’re gone most the day, then the evenings don’t seem quite so long!) I even played hide-and-seek, chase, and races with the boys in the evening!

Wednesday: My plans for this day were foiled because Wesley, the boy who I usually watch in the morning, got the stomach flu—and of, course that was the evening I was going to have dinner with his parents! But I was so thankful for great friends who came to the rescue. We popped over to our neighbor’s house to visit and play with Brandon, who is the same age and Seth and Sam; new toys are always an excitement. Then the evening was full and wonderful with our friends the Gowen’s and their three kids (one of who is only weeks old). Mike graciously ran around and wrestled with the boys, giving them their much needed “man-time.”

Thursday: I knew if I could just make it to this day, we’d be okay, because Ben’s cousin Alicia and her son Judah were coming over for a sleepover. I was hoping to at least have them for dinner, but much to my pleasant surprise, they came for lunch too! She was a lifesaver and the boys have such a fun relationship with Judah, who is a year younger than them. I planned a couple of fun activities and the sun even came out for awhile so we could go on a much-needed, energy-burning walk. Alicia gave me some much needed adult conversation and we shared tons of laughter watching Judah follow Seth and Sam around trying to be just like them. When they put their basketball shoes on, Judah was struggling to put his shoes on. When they headed to the bathroom, Judah was close behind saying “potty.” When they were racing down the hallway, Judah was close behind just having a blast. It was so fun to watch! And can you believe it: all boys smiled for a picture at exactly the same time!

Best of buds: Sam, Judah, and Seth Judah trying to be like Sammy

Here the boys were playing pretend basketball with pretend balls (I love their imagination!). As we left the outdoor courts, Seth was concerned about what to do with his “ball.” I told him to put it in his pocket, which he pretended to do. Moments later, he complained of having cold hands, so I told him to put them in his pockets. He looked at me and very seriously replied, “I can’t. My ball’s in there!”

Isn’t Judah the CUTEST kid!

Playing with Jello, my “activity” of the evening. It was actually quite the successful endeavor. The boys had lots of fun squishing and scooping.

Friday: Alicia had her ultrasound for baby boy #2 first thing in the morning, so I had all the boys for a bit. Judah was SO excited to wake-up at our house and be able to instantly play with “Shammy” (both boys are called Sammy by him!) I was treated with a mocha by Alicia, and then we headed off to a play-day at a church in our area. Seth and Sam LOVE going and it burns tons of energy. I had been wanting to bring my camera for awhile, and finally did. Seth spent his whole time riding bikes around. Sammy immediately found a basketball (surprise, surprise) but did some driving of his own. My favorite thing about this play-day is the pretend gas tank: there is always one boy who takes it upon himself to make sure all the vehicles are “gassed-up.” For some reason this just cracks me up. Maybe its because all the kids take it so seriously, and know that they must have gas. So cute!

 

Seth

Judah and Sam

The “gas tank.” Notice how all the cars are lined up ready for a fill.