Fun Run

This morning we went to the boys' school for the annual Fun Run. We arrived just as the race was starting, so the boys took off and ran the whole way, while Brad and I brought up the rear with Lucy. She was a hoot to watch as she ran full throttle to the finish line- smiling from ear to ear, with raised arms yelling "Hooray, we made it." All the volunteers were wowed by her energy and enthusiasm. Little did they know, she'd been on Brad's shoulders most of the race.

Then, we quickly replaced all the calories burned with food from donors. There were all sorts of booths set up with freebies which the kids soaked up. It was a great way to start the morning.

Charlie with his teacher Mrs. Runnels

Charlie's Night Out

Charlie and I had our night out on Wednesday. He wanted to play tennis, so we went to a nearby highschool and had a great time. This kiddo has some serious tennis potential. I loved that:

• he was playing with a racquetball racquet.


• we didn't have a tennis ball, but a rubber bouncy ball.


• we found a tennis ball on the court and ran ourselves ragged trying to keep track of it. (It reminded me of "Scrat" trying to keep track of his beloved acorn in Ice Age.)


• my six year old thinks I'm a tennis expert.


• I have a few more years to play with him and still have an edge.


• we got to enjoy a lime slush at Sonic.


• we walked up and down all the aisles of the dollar store looking for the perfect purchase.


• he is always eager to share with his siblings.


• he melted my heart at the end of the night when he said, "Mom, thanks so much for playing tennis with me and taking me to the dollar store..." Those words mean so much!

Climbing

Monday night, we headed to the climbing wall for family night. It's a fun way for the kids to burn energy. Brad and I climbed too, but after a few difficult routes, we were worn out, so just watched our little spidermen.

A Princess Party

Friday, Lucy went to her first Princess Party. One of the girls from church invited her to celebrate her 4th birthday. Lucy was in absolute heaven with so many girls dressed up doing girly things. I loved watching her delight. She said the highlights were eating cake and getting her fingernails/toenails painted. Very fun.

I guess the boys would have enjoyed the party too. The next night we came home from a date and found that all four children had makeup on. Should I be worried? :)

Science City

Saturday, Brad and our darling scouts, Spencer and Sawyer, spent the day at Science City. It's located at the historic Union Station in Kansas City, MO. Our boys really wanted to wear their scout shirts and Spencer was careful about keeping his tucked in so he could show off his scouting belt.

I thought that was pretty amusing, because keeping regular Sunday shirts tucked in has never been on his priority list. In fact, early on, I decided to make things easier for all of us by having them wear sweater vests to church each week. So, I know, I'm partly to blame for their delinquency in shoe tying and shirt tucking. But, it has made for a smooth ten years in that department. And, we moms have to take the "smoothness" where we can, right? The boys had a blast and made some new friends. Brad is Spencer's Webelos leader in cub scouts, so I'm sure they're in for some great adventures.

Where will she sleep tonight?

Lucy has a bad habit of not staying in her bed at night. If I'm still awake, she'll find me and want to be near me. So, last night, she ended up on the nice comfy floor of the computer room. She was exhausted, so I don't think she even noticed how hard it was. It will be a glorious day when this girl finally embraces her own bed.

When I put her to bed, we do the routine, and talk about staying in her bed, etc. But, as soon as I leave, she starts the whole, "I don't want to sleep in Lucy's room, I don't want to sleep in Spencer's room, I don't want to sleep in Sawyer's room, I don't want... until the only option left is mommy's room. And, I'm telling you, this girl can repeat herself like no one I've ever met. At that point, my patience has usually run out and I call for my beloved backup, Brad. Then, I go into my room and lock the door- otherwise, she'll be right there with me.

She's been staying in her room until early in the morning, when she wakes up with a bad dream. Then she usually drags her blanket in and sleeps on our floor. I'd be fine with that if she was quiet and still. But no, she's constantly moving, and inherited the having scary dreams gene from me and frequently yells out orders to whoever she's dreaming about. So, it doesn't make for a great nights sleep. But, it is a few steps up from getting up with a newborn. Although, Lucy was a really easy baby, so maybe we are digressing. Oh well. These years are passing quickly. There's always going to be some part of parenting that's hard. I can handle this one.

Spencer's Night Out

We've started having regular date nights with the kids and it's been great. Although, Sawyer informed me not to call it "date night." He said, "I don't want to have a "date" with dad." So, I just call it their night out (which is actually more fitting- it's a night out or away from the chaos). So, last week Spencer and I headed to the mall in search of video games for his beloved Nintendo DS. It's actually the family DS, but he was going to buy his own game with birthday money. So, being my son, he wanted to get a good deal. We went on line and found the game he wanted for half price at Radio Shack. But, there was only one left (they probably just say that to get you into the store) so he really wanted to go that night.

He actually ended up buying two games and I threw in a giant gumball. Spencer is one great kid. He's interesting, creative, loud (still working on that one), and lots of fun. And, I love being with him. Especially when no one else is competing for my attention. He's a great traveler too. I love how aware he is of his surroundings and the observations he makes- that is, when he isn't reading a book. But, I love that about him too. It ties in with the "being interesting" factor. I sure love you Spencer. You're one great kiddo.