Escape Room

Wednesday night we agreed to allow Robby and his cousins to stay up all night. The crew had been clamoring to have an "all nighter" for about a year, and lacking any real reasons to deny the request we decided to let them try. After all, it was the beginning of summer vacation so worrying about a sleep schedule is irrelevant. With promises that they would behave, stay in the house and remain quasi-quiet, I went to bed and let them to "rule the night."

 

I had my doubts that they would make it past midnight, but their determination overshadowed fatigue. My Mom woke up at 1:30 to let the dogs out and found the cousins in the kitchen playing Black Jack.  At 2:30 they were still playing cards, drinking milk and eating macaroni and cheese. When Timmy woke up at 5:30 they were all sleeping in the living room. We shooed them back to bed but each professes that they saw the sun come up before they laid down. 

 

After they woke up (around noon) I decided to resurrect a favorite tradition by planning an Aunt Peggy Adventure. Per protocol, they had no idea where we were going or what we were doing. They only knew that we were going somewhere and that it would be fun. Because they were operating on limited sleep I decided to host an abbreviated adventure. We went to an Escape Room specially designed for kids.

The cousins were ushered into the mysterious room while I stayed in the lounge to watch the adventure unfold on a CCTV. I was nervous, hoping that they would be successful, continue to behave and not fight. They usually all get along, but stress and fatigue can bring out bickering (especially among family.)

 

They exceeded all of my expectations by working beautifully together to solve the complex puzzles. I was extremely proud of them all. They had a blast in the Escape Room and managed to unlock the door in the nick of time. They were all beaming with pride as they emerged, knowing that they had successfully unraveled the mystery. 

 

Another Aunt Peggy Adventure is in the books. I'm already busy planning and scheming my next surprise.  Stay tuned, it is going to be an awesome summer! 

 

 

Thomas the Train

It is safe to say that all of the kids had a fantastic day, full of adventures and memories.  Robby and his cousins went to Mountain Adventures, an outdoor playground full of climbing structures, obstacle courses, ziplines and various water attractions. While they were busy running and playing my Mom and I took Timmy on a little adventure of his own- we went to visit Thomas the Train.

Little Hamlet was awestruck as we walked through the railroad station. It took him a few minutes to get his barrings, but as soon as he did he was nonstop happiness and action. He happily waved to everybody on trains and absorbed all of the commotion around him. He was particularly delighted to ride the trains, especially the much anticipated trip on Thomas.  

I loved spending the day with Timmy and my Mom. He relished being the center of attention and was pleasant and well-behaved all day. He didn't meltdown, fuss or throw any any tantrums.  Instead he smiled, laughed and mimicked the trains all afternoon.

By the time we left for home we were exhausted. Timmy fell asleep during the drive, clutching his new trains and wearing a huge smile on his face. I adored seeing him so content and happy! Sharing the experience with my Mom made it even more special.

No Internet Adventures

I love working from home because I feel like I have the best of both worlds. I am able to maintain and build a professional life while being Timmy's primary caretaker. One of the only frustrations of my setup is my dependence upon technology.  My responsibilities do not end because we don't have internet service. I made a commitment to my job that I could complete my responsibilities at home, even when that means that I have to pack up the kids and drive two hours so that I can use my Mom's internet service.

The tree is cleaned up after the lightening strike, but we are still without internet service.  Apparently the strike damaged an external node (the diagnosis from the Verizon tech) and it needs to be replaced. I don't have the luxury of being unplugged, so I am writing this blog from the comfort of my Mom's couch.

Robby and Timmy were happy to go on our trip. Knowing that his cousins were home, Robby couldn't wait to visit. They don't get together often but always have a fabulous time when they are afforded the opportunity. Yesterday afternoon and evening my Mom's house was filled with giggles and games as smiles lit up the room.  

Searching the internet for something to do with the kids today I discovered that Thomas the Train was visiting a local railroad. How fortuitous that I am in the area! My little train loving three year old is going to flip out with excitement when he sees and rides Thomas. The "big kids" would be bored silly, but I knew that they would be just as happy going to one of their regular stomping grounds together.

While the cousins (minus Timmy) watched Sharknado until midnight, I stayed up and continued to work. I was able get ahead a little bit, reducing my stress level and freeing me up this afternoon. Today Robby and his cousins will go play at Mountain Adventures (an outdoor playground and mini water park) while my Mom and I take Timmy to visit Thomas. I can't think of a more perfect way for everybody to spend the day!

Direct Hit

Yesterday our Summer of Awesome 2017 suffered a slight tarnish in the form of a powerful thunderstorm.  The boys were busy playing and Scott and I were talking when we heard a clamorous bang. The house shook at the same time we all saw blasts of brilliant whites, red and blue hues. I felt an odd sense of electricity on my chest and fingers, which momentarily took my breath away.  Robby and Scott reported the same sensation, and Timmy's reaction leads us to believe that he was also impacted.

By the time I realized what happened Scott had already sprung into action, ushering everybody downstairs and away from the windows.  We stayed in the basement for a fee minutes, trying to keep the boys calm.  When the storm blew over we ventured upstairs to realize that an imposing tree had sustained a direct lightening strike, the power of which imploded the wood.   The large tree branches we're blown off the trunk and shattered across our driveway and throughout our yard.

It turns out that the lightening also damaged our internet.  Verizon is coming this morning to try to restore service, but in the meantime I am writing this blog on my cell phone ( please excuse any mistakes).  Today will be spent cleaning up and assessing damage.  Despite the damage, we are extremely lucky!

Happiness

 Our Summer of Awesome 2017 is in full swing.  So far we've been to the pool several times, splashed in the fountains, visited a local food festival and went to a Glow party. It's no wonder Timmy crashed last night at 6:30 in his Daddy's arms, the little guy was nonstop motion all weekend!

Saturday morning Scott researched local events and decided that we should spend the afternoon at a local food festival. I was shocked because I am typically the one who locates and plans the family adventures. I was delighted that he went to the effort to plan our afternoon and was excited to spend time strolling through the food vendors.  Robby enjoyed spinning all of the vendors wheels, gathering bagfuls of swag and spending all of his food tickets on fried chicken.  Timmy amused himself by pointing out and barking at every dog he saw, which equated to him barking pretty much nonstop for two hours. I'm sure we were quite the sight!

Although I was tired on Saturday, I knew that agreeing to chaperone Robby and his friend at the Glow Party would instantly elevate me to hero status. I wasn't wrong; he was elated to call and invite his friend to the Glow party on Saturday night.  It definitely wasn't my favorite way to spend a Saturday night, but seeing Robby so happy with his friends made my night.  In case you don't have tweens in your house, our local trampoline park turns off the lights, turns on black lights and brings in a DJ every Friday and Saturday night for a special "Glow Party" jump. The event is extremely popular with the late elementary and middle school students. Sitting in the parent gallery, peering out over the trampolines, I realized an interesting tidbit. Under the iridescent glow of black lights, I'm pretty sure you could see the prepubescent hormones in the air.  (Incidentally, the facility also started to assume a unique odor as the night progressed and the participants became sweatier.)

Sunday was Father's Day, so we tried to make the day all about Scott.  He is a wonderful Daddy and we wanted to make him feel both special and appreciated.  Robby began the morning by making and presenting eggs with toast. To his credit, he did a fantastic job. (He must have a great teacher in the kitchen.)  We spent the majority of our day at the pool, splashing and playing in the warm water. By the time we came home, we were famished and tired.  Timmy was so tired he fell asleep eating his dinner.

Today the weather will again be hot which will inevitably lead us to the pool. I'm going to try to get most of my work done in the morning so that I don't have to stress while splashing. Although we're only a few days in, this summer is already living up to its title. 

Summer of Awesome 2017

Happy Friday!

 Three  of the four members of this household are on vacation, essentially rendering the days of the week irrelevant. For the next eight weeks I am the only one who with be tethered to a schedule. Scott and Robby are on summer vacation, and Timmy is happy to tag along with just about anybody, especially if there is the promise of either lollipops or seeing animals.  I will be the only one with work responsibilities.

Thankfully my new job affords me increased flexibility, which will be put to the test over the next two months. Unlike other summers, I will no longer need to wake up at 4 AM to get all of my work done before everybody else wakes up. I still have projects and timelines, but everything is more manageable. I am less stressed and a happier person since I took my new position.

In fact, everybody in this house has benefited from my new professional adventure. I have more time to spend with Timmy during the day. Although I was home with him before, I was always busy and struggling to keep everything in motion.  Now I can log off and leave my work behind for a few hours, allowing me to concentrate completely on my little buddy. I know that I am a better Mom.  I am no longer constantly stressed and frazzled, a difference that both Robby and Scott have noticed. I am both happier and more relaxed.

This summer will be the real test. I'm optimistic that I will be able to enjoy more time and activities with my boys without the constant exhaustion and stress that arises from waking before dawn to tackle work. Even though I'm working, I'm looking forward to an awesome summer vacation with my boys.

Foul Pitch

Yesterday afternoon my work call was cancelled, affording me some unexpected free time. As soon as Scott came home from his meetings we quickly changed into our swimsuits and headed to the pool. With the ambient temperature in the high 90s for the 4th straight day, the water temperature warmed to a delightful 85 degrees. Even Scott, who is reluctant to getting into chilly water, happily hopped into the pool to play.

Forgoing the baby splash pad, Timmy happily joined us in the "big kid" pool. He excitedly kicked and paddled after his brother, desperate to stay in the thick of the action. Obviously Scott or I were always within arms reach of him at all times but we allowed him to kick and paddle on his own.  With the help of his life vest, he is becoming quite an adept water navigator. 

We were having a perfect afternoon. Everybody was having a fantastic time, nobody was throwing a fit and the weather and water were both ideal. Then a large plastic torpedo toy flew in the center of my nose.

After the numbing pain subsided, I managed to understand what happened. Robby, who is not known for his athletic prowess, was attempting to throw the torpedo to his Daddy who was positioned about 10 feet away from me to the left. Despite aiming for Scott, the torpedo flew straight into my face. It was a direct hit. In fact, if he were aiming for me, it would have been a perfect throw. Of course if he were aiming for me, I would have been prepared and not playing splash tag with Timmy. 

We were forced to leave the pool shortly after the torpedo attack. Robby was upset, and I was in pain. I know that Robby did not throw the missile at my nose on purpose. Not only would he never try to hurt me, but I also know that of he was aiming for my nose he never would have made contact. 

My nose still hurts. It's swollen, and my eyes are black and blue. I'm really hoping that it isn't broken, but a doctor won't be able to do anything at this point and it is not crooked! All will be well.  My eyes will just match the purple streaks in my hair for a few days.