Sunday, June 29, 2014

First Week of Summer

"Mama stay home?!  Mama stay with you!"  I hear this every morning at breakfast, and it warms my heart to be able to say yes.  And the boys are talking about going to "school" in the fall--Sebastian in particular is excited.  Of course, I think he thinks it means getting to ride a school bus (that boy is all about his vehicles, just like his Uncle Jim), but that's beside the point.

This week we had a lot of fun, but it's been trying at times.  On Tuesday, I took the boys to a 2.5 year doctor's appointment.  All is well, thank God.  In the afternoon we went to Blue Hills to see the animals before heading to Milton for a concert on the quad.  We didn't stay long because the concert was very poorly attended and late getting started.  It was a bust, and I felt bad, but we got out of there--it was bedtime for the boys anyway.

The boys had a low point for me on Wednesday.  We went to the playground in the morning.  I tried my best to tire them out.


But it was the worst parenting day ever.  They did not nap on Wednesday, despite all of my efforts--they just kept jumping on the bed and screaming.  After the failed naptime, we went to Mini's.  I hoped the change of scenery would calm them down.  They were not as bad as in the morning, but they were fussy and cranky.  They didn't spend much time in the pool (too cold, too afraid), but they did enjoy "painting" Mini's bricks and her toenails.



They were cranky and awful by bedtime.  It was just miserable.  There was more jumping on the bed before they finally settled.  Ugh.

Thursday morning was overcast and there were puddles on the ground.  I let them puddle jump and they were happy as clams--until it was time to go.  I was getting eaten by mosquitos, and they had already jumped for like 45 minutes!  Adi had a SCREAMING tantrum all the way home at 8:30 AM.  Sorry neighbors...





We checked out the Parkview School playground after puddle jumping and before nap time.  Great playground!  Large, close to home, and deserted.  We'll definitely go back!  We've been nonstop on the go, but it's the only thing that keeps the two of them from fighting lately. I literally can't have them in the house for more than an hour before they become aggressive with each other and with me.  They throw toys, hit, scream, etc.  I am using "the naughty stair" and it seems to be having some effect.  I hope they will get better after they get used to my being home...





By afternoon, they had settled down again.  They DID nap, after much struggle on my part.  I finally figured out that I needed to put Adi in the pack and play in my room until Sebastian calms down.  Then I can move Adi back into the bedroom.  But I don't know if this tactic will work for long.

We played outside ALL afternoon.  They drove their cars, played in their houses, played with the water table...


Friday I took them on an "adventure" to the Freetown Fall River State Forest to the splash pad/wading pool.  It was AWESOME.  It was pretty crowded, but not terrible.  It was the first day they filled up the wading pool, though, and the water was pretty cold.  I'm assuming it will warm up over time?  We only stayed like a half hour because the boys were so cold.  It was only about 68 degrees out, too, so I can understand why they were freezing.  We will go back there a lot this summer--easy thing to do and FREE!



Saturday we went to Davis Farmland with Michelle and her family.  The boys had a great time.  They LOVED the animals, particularly Sebastian, who wanted to hug and kiss every goat there.












Too bad the picture below didn't come out.  A baby donkey was born just that very morning.  She is one of only 100 in the world of this kind of donkey.  Really cute and the mom seemed in good shape.  Of course we couldn't get too close, but it was amazing to see.


After the animals, we moved onto the water table and pretend play sections (grocery store, house, etc.)






Then we had lunch super early before the crowds and then headed to the splash park.  Poor Sebastian had a belly ache and kept telling me to kiss his belly.  He sat with me and writhed in pain like he was trying to poop.  He didn't even touch the water for the first half an hour or more when we got there.  Then he felt better and went off and did the bubble area and finally started running in the water.  At some point he pooped and felt better.  Poor little guy.  Adi enjoyed the water and then the playground with Carlos and then came back to the water again once Sebastian felt better.




When we got home, the boys played with their new Thomas train from Michelle.  They love it.


And we played with their pool.  The had a blast, but once again, the water was cold so they didn't stay in too long.










We rode in the cars and Adi chased after Sebastian because he wanted a turn in McQueen



Seb was obsessed with my visor.  It looked cute on him and actually fits.




Today, Sunday, we went to Market Basket and then to Mini's house because the boys were asking for her.  After playing there for a little while, we went to the playground on the way home.





 After naps, we went to BJs and then came home to swim in the pool and play in the yard.





This time the water was warm, so the boys enjoyed it!  Seb and I took some selfies.  I HATE selfies because I hate pictures of myself.  But he looks so cute.












He loves looking at himself in mirrors and in pictures on the phone--just like his Papi!