After an early morning craft with Amy & Katelyn and some yummy pancakes, we bid farewell and hit hthe road to visit Nanny & Poppi & Cousin Rocco. After a small play we hit the road again for Chucky Cheese (just saying it gives me the heebee jeebies).
Matteo was more than delighted with all the video games.
Even Chloe May got into the action.
And we sang Happy Birthday to my Dear Friend Lauren's little Lou. He is 6, or as Lauren said, "two hands now."
And on that note, after Chucky Cheese, we rolled into the garage at 7:30 PM - and everyone was awake. Much to Daddy's delight.
After our travels yesterday, I think a little veg out session was in order. So today I did indeed just chill out on Amy's couch while the kids played pirates for 90 minutes (and not a tear was shed). Amy took the opportunity as well to play dress up with Chloe May - much to her delight.
But oh to see Matteo & Katelyn's blossoming friendship during this playdate and not interfere, etc. Just let them do their thing, figure things out, simple, easy, lovely.
We then packed lunch, bikes, helmets, etc. and ventured to a nearby park. At this park we enjoyed some time on the toys but then headed into the woods in search of the rock slide that we enjoyed last time.
We were not disappointed.
And while the kids throw rocks into the waterfall with Amy, I lay back for a few minutes and took in the picturesque sky - as blue as ever.
And it was in these woods that I realized, it's not the amount of siblings you have, but rather the bond you have with them that matters. I love my two - and hope that their friendship continues long after the day is done.
And it was at this park that a skater asked about a water fountain and I offered an unopened water in my car. And this very skater later turned around and gave Matteo his very first skateboard (did you feel the light from his smile where you were - because I'll never forget it).
And it was on this day that I got the first call of the school year from Matteo's school. That's right, last years first take at school did not go as smoothly as I would have liked, so imagine my surprise when Jules called to tell me to call the school because they left a message at home. It seems that Matteo is upsetting his first crush at school, so much in fact that the mother had to call up. You see if you know Matteo you know that he likes beingthisclosetoyouatalltimes. And when you are painfully shy (as I believe this girl is), having someone thisclosetoyouatalltimes does not make you feel very comfortable. So while the mother expressed this to the Director, she also said she knows Matteo is nothing but kind and has the best intentions (thank you!). She just asked that the teacher and myself (I already knew) be made aware of the situation. I told the Director I would indeed talk to Matteo, but in fact there is little I can do otherwise as his teacher helps him to work on this "problem" of personal space. I on the other hand enjoy having Matteo in my personal space at all times and love to tickle and hug him.
Later that evening we again enjoyed mushroom burgers (thank you Amy!), and after the kids were tucked into bed Amy, her husband and I laugh, joked and enjoyed each other's company in the kitchen waiting for the mega millions numbers to be drawn. Yes Daddy & I who never gamble purchased two tickets.... after all you gotta be in it to win it. We didn't win - - but we scored Matteo's birthday number on one ticket! And finally, it was during this conversation that I learned Amy dated MY HUSBAND......... yes folks, another post, another time I'll divulge those secrets...or won't I?? Either way I feel secure in saying both Amy & I are secure in our marriages and this coming May/June will have been with our mates for 17 years!! Tune in for that posting!!!
And so it has become a little routine, Matteo & I read together in the morning, Chloe May listens and as I prepare breakfast Matteo reads to our Dolly.
And on this day after lunch our "vacation" began - we ventured three hours to see our friends Amy & Katelyn and to celebrate another friends birthday party. But first stopping at work to see Grandma. :-) Always a treat.
Then arriving at Amy's house just in time to run around a bit, have Amy give Chloe May no less than 6 pairs of shoes/boots/crocs, etc. (which made them instant BFF's) - and enjoy mushroom burgers (mmmmmm). Yes back at Amy's and all the planets are alined and all is right in the universe. Daddy stayed home to work (someone has to pay for the gas).
