I Need a Rest

Mike and I are going to Mexico while the boys stay here with Nana and Papa VanDusen.  I have been counting the days for just about 182 days.  I am really looking forward to not planning, not picking up after anyone, not trying to pacify children and not cooking meals, but just hanging out in a tropical oasis in Riviera Maya.  In preparation for this trip, I've been discussing it with Thomas to be sure he's ready for the day that we leave and he and Ryan are here for a week with Nan and Pop.  Apparently, I have done such a tremendous job at making him feel at ease with this arrangement, he announced in the car. "I think I need a little rest of (from) you."  Fair enough, Thomas.  I also need a rest.  Both of us are excited about our respective weeks and I am sure that both of us will appreciate the other more upon my return to NY.  It's hard work to hang out with anyone 24-7, whether they are four and one or 37.

I'll have a rest from the obvious like cooking and cleaning. 

Having helpers, is nice, but so is not being responsible for these tasks for six days.

It's nearing peak leaf season here in COH.  We try to keep up with them so that it's not overwhelming for us or for Dad on the weekend when we do most of our heavy lifting.  It will be nice to "share" our leaves with Nana and Papa.

The biggest leaf we've ever seen

Stamping down the leaves in the bucket

For six mornings, I won't be in charge of picking out clothes for anyone except for me.  For six whole days, Thomas can boast to Nan about his wardrobe choices.  He's getting choosier on what he wears.  I had a great run of four years of picking out cute little outfits, but it looks like that's coming to an end.

Oklahoma jersey, Spiderman boots and yardworking gloves. Classic.

Qatar soccer jersey over a waffle shirt, baggy jeans, shades.  Too cool.

Swim suit and water shoes ready for preschool on swimming day

"Now I look like a confessional (professional) soccer player."

I won't be responsible for watching to make sure Ryan isn't getting into something or trying to take the stairs going forward (we're still training him to approach them backwards).  He's got no fear, this one.  But the amazing smile usually dissipates my anxiety.

Thomas, Ryan and I having football parties at our house while Army plays in the rain is fun.  Seeking out adventures to fill our days is often rewarding.  Hearing how well Thomas is doing at preschool, especially in the pool, is gratifying.  Watching Ryan's impressive language acquisition is fascinating.  But I need a rest too.  So off we go.  Adios!

1, 2, 3, 4 to the Zoo!

In the classic Eric Carle children's picture book, 1, 2, 3 to the Zoo, the author allow the reader on a train ride to the zoo, picking up the zoo animals, car by car.  Much to Thomas' dismay, we did not take a train ride to the Bronx Zoo, but we did have a great visit there, courtesy of Aunt Laura!

We geared up, loaded up and sunscreened up all four of us and drove an hour to the Bronx Zoo.

Thomas and Dad bolting through the Zoo Center

 Leading up to the trip, Thomas was most looking forward to seeing the snakes.  A strange attraction that I can only guess stems from the rubber toy snake we place throughout our property and continually pretend to be afraid of.  Or maybe it's the silly song I made up that I sing to Thomas before bed called "I'm a Slithering Snake."  Either way, no matter what the inspiration was for the fascination with zoo snakes, there were tons of snakes to be seen.

Checking in on two pythons snuggling

But there were also loads of other things that captured Thomas' (and our) attention.  We watched some sea lions being fed.  Note-the Bronx Zoo is an extraordinary place smack in the middle of the Bronx.  They do a fabulous job and it's wonderfully and surprisingly family-friendly.  However, if you're looking to see sea lions and water animals to tricks, go to Sea World.

There were animals around every corner.  We checked nearly all of them out, both real and statues.

The Bug Carousel was a big hit

 We also hitched a ride on the Dino Safari.  Our guide, Charles, took us on a great tour of dinosaur country where we saw lots of scary dinosaurs.

Thankfully, Ryan is scheduled for a haircut tomorrow.

Checking out the dinosaur fossil

At the end of our time visiting dinosaurs, we were encouraged to do our own digging for fossils.  Thomas and Ryan both got into cleaning off the excess sand rather than dusting for bones.  They must get that from Nana Honey!

There were lots of things for little hands to explore.  Even Ryan was able to get in on some of the action.

 When he wasn't taking a nap...

Thank you, Aunt Laura.  We picked a perfect day to redeem a perfect gift to our little four year old.

Thank You: Part 2

After spending a little more than two weeks in Lake George with Nana and Papa Wuff, we settled in back at home in COH.  With a few complications and Mama's lifting restrictions from surgery NOT lifted, the reinforcements came in for a month.  Enter Nana Honey and Papa Bear McCollum.

For four weeks, Nana Honey had sole lifting duty of all kids in the house.  You would hardly recognize her now that she has such big muscles.

Nana Honey back in Florida enjoying a beverage by the beach

In all seriousness, Nana Honey deserves a gold star for having primary responsibility for 27 pound Ryan for four weeks. 

Lifting in and out of the tub

Lifting in and out of high chairs (and sharing food)

Lifting in and out of carseats at the hotel

Papa Bear and I were assigned other various duties that mostly involved occupying Thomas and not lifting much of anything.  Like buying shin guards and practicing putting them on in 5 minutes or less before 4 year old soccer started last weekend.

And taking trips to the park, where Thomas can run and jump and basically occupy time without us having to run or lift.

Or accompany Thomas in the pool at the hotel.  Swimming became a perennial favorite, especially after the purchase of a floaty device called a Puddle Jumper.

And we have a swimmer!

 We even wrangled a busy, busy dad into the action and stole away to New York City to see the US Open (tennis) on Arthur Ashe Kids Day.

Together with NH & PB, we pulled together a pirate party for Thomas' 4th birthday complete with pirate attitude, some booty, and tattoos.  We celebrated with our family and our neighbors Bob and Margaret.

 Nana Honey and Papa Bear not only helped with the boys, they also served as babysitters so Dad and I could go on a few date nights to a quaint concert in the park and also to a night session of the US Open.

 It may take a village to raise a child, but it took two Villagers and a half-incapacitated mom to manage a freshly minted one year old and an almost four year old.  Thank you so much, Nana Honey and Papa Bear!