We finally got to visit Houston in a mad dash. It's really hard to do a solo trip with two little ones! I had to work around Carter's eating schedule and Reid's and my breakfast and lunch schedule. Reid doesn't really nap anymore and Carter's napping wasn't extremely great at that point, so I guess that was helpful...one less thing to worry about. I packed up the car the night before and we headed to Aunt Lala's in Katy. It took forEVER to get there!! But once there, Reid was in heaven with the boys' toys and playing with cousins.
We also got to meet Casey, the newest member of their family. I really thought even Reid would like her because she's pretty much scared of everyone and (aside from sniffing) steers clear. But Reid screamed like a little girl every time he saw her. Carter thought she was pretty cute, I think!
Reid had never been to Chuck E. Cheese before, so we had to make our first trip. The hardest part was getting the boys to sit down and actually eat lunch before we started. Laura knew all the tricks and even knew to go online for coupons and vouchers to get free tokens. Right after we'd gotten there, Chuck E. Cheese made an appearance and invited the kids to dance with him. I couldn't get Reid enthused and he hung out by Carter's stroller. I did get him to grab a couple of tickets at the end when Chuck E. made it "rain".
Reid loved the games and lights, but really just wanted to play on their (free) playground. Go figure. He did get to do his first racing game with Ben, compliments of Aunt Lala's foot on the gas pedal since he wasn't tall enough to reach yet. We also got a cute Official Chuck E. Cheese Police badge with his pic, and a group black and white photo print out. I was sure Reid would be disappointed at the end when Ben and Alex cashed in their tickets for prizes and he didn't have anything, so Laura and I ended up figuring out which games you could get the most tickets for your tokens and we had a blast ourselves! In true Reid fashion, however, all he really cared about on the prizes was one package of Smarties candy. I pretty much picked out the rest of his prizes and he really never cared much about the others.
It was so hot and humid that the only way we could stand being outside was at the pool or splashpad. Carter obviously can't play in it yet, but he didn't seem to mind the heat.
And a few minutes later, OUT! And I was worried about him not getting his 5:30 catnap...
Reid has always loved "Aunt Lala's pool" so of course we had to go there. Our last day there was the only day we could fit it in. We packed lunches for the big boys, but the baby decided to nap there just before we were going to leave...so darn--we had to stay another hour! Ben was so sweet with Carter and loved getting him to smile.
I grossly misjudged our timing (basically on the entire trip) and we hit a little bit of afternoon traffic on the Beltway even though it was early. But we made it to Grammy and Grumpy's house, and Aunt Kristen popped in after work. I hope we didn't scare her with the craziness and overtiredness of two boys doing dinner/bath/bed. Obviously, Reid had a lot of trouble falling asleep...HA. (this was at 10-something)
We made the obligatory trip to the duck pond the next day. Reid had fun feeding the ducks and fish with Grumpy, then he and I floated a few leaf boats down the fountain.
Carter, being a man of the times, was more intrigued with Grumpy's iPad. Go figure.
Papa was also sweet enough to come over and visit (saving me the madness of attempting to schedule another trip based around nap/feeding/diaper times). Carter couldn't get enough of the silly faces he made and was all giggles. Just wish we could've seem Mamare this time, but she had to work. I think next summer, our trip will have to be longer...we didn't have enough time anywhere we went!! But I didn't want to be gone over a weekend and leave Jason all alone.
My friend Lacy was in limbo all summer, wondering if or if not they'd be moving to New York. So Reid, Carter, and I made the most of playdates...just in case. We tried to do at least one a week, usually something free and outdoors. But two weeks in a row, it was pouring. The first week they were kind enough to come over (much appreciated, considering I was trying to work around Carter's morning nap and feedings), but the second week we decided to take the kids out. So we went to an indoor trampoline park. Laughingly, they were more entertained by the "hurricane machine" and claw machine (no winners, but they had fun putting in the quarters). Lacy and I were cracking up.
And here's a typical shot of one of our playdates: Reid won't listen, Violet cutely wants to help me with Carter, and Lacy and I just laugh at (I mean, with!!) our kids and compare notes on the cute and annoying things they both do (whew...so that must be normal if they're both doing this, right??).
With my paycheck still being docked until September 15th, we've tried to cut back on various things here and there. Reid's haircuts end up being about $19 with tip (even though I only go on "toddle waddle Wednesdays" when there's a discount), so I'd gotten electric clippers a couple of years ago. But he moves around like a mad man and I've been too afraid to attempt it. Jason bravely took on the task. I was a bit worried at first, but he did a fabulous job...and it was free!! Clippers paid for--in one use!
And this little guy just wants to fly...and fly...and fly...and...well, you get the picture.
I'm very thankful for our summer break. It was a crazy one this year, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I love getting to spend time with my two little guys, and I'm sure Jason loves the "way less stressed" version of me. There's just something wonderful about the season--so laid back and free. I'm sad the dog days of summer are here and school's back in session. But I'm hoping for a good school year and I suppose it will be nice to have some routine back eventually...or at least I'd like to convince myself ;)
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