Mornings

Weston naps in the afternoon, so I try and find things for us to go out and do in the mornings. 

Sometimes, they are successful, sometimes not.

We just discovered the Riverside Nature Center out on Browning Rd. On Tuesday, late mornings, you can bring a picnic lunch, then go on a "nature hike". This day the guide brought a children's book about snails, then even had a bunch in a jar the kids could look at. She let them take turns picking them up and placing them on leaves around the garden. Then we went on a little walk along the river and finished up by feeding the ducks some corn kernels. This turned out to be a really fun morning. You can see Weston in the background, completely content picking up rocks.

On Wednesday mornings, the E3 Children's Museum does a preschool playdate. Last week they had fun playing with play dough. Sometimes it's painting or a craft. There's a "padded" room they can run and play in, or a number of other activities, like puppet shows!

Sometimes, we pick up Dad for lunch... or bring it in! Cuz Dad loves corn dog grease on his glasses. :)

I have to add, recently when we came into the office, we talked to Martin for a minute, then as I was saying goodbye, Collin happily chirped, "BYE Martin! I LOVE YOU!!". A bunch of the staff heard and about fell off their seats cooing. It was cute. I think he has them wrapped around his finger now.

 Because Collin just has the best faces.

We also recently discovered Music Time at the Farmington Museum on Monday mornings. This day they made sheep masks. Then my kids were out. 

 I tried to convince Collin to stay and enjoy the story and music time, but all I heard was, "I'm huuuuungry" (Mind you, we JUST ATE.) Weston would wriggle out of my hands, shrieking, then run for the door. Sometimes he even made it past the door and all the way to the rocks behind a display case that he would point and shriek at, upset they were without reach. After 15 min. of that, I had had it too. 

You can't help but think, "WHY DO I EVEN BOTHER!!!" 
Especially, when observing an entire room full of other children not screaming, whining, or running away.

(Just look at that pleasant face in the red shirt. His mommy is a lucky gal.)

A similar scenario erupted last Friday when I took them to the Farmington Aquatics Center. They were bored almost immediately. While other kids of similar ages were content to splash and swim or just be in the water, Collin was running to parts he wasn't allowed in or crying he was hungry (again, JUST EATEN) or the like. I had met a friend there and after observing them for a minute, she looked at me concerned and asked, "Are they tired?" Nope. This is just them. All kids are high maintenance, but most times it feels like mine are a cut above. What gives?!

At least we've taught our kid to say thank you. After both the Museum and the Aquatics center, Collin cheerfully walked out of each building and gushed, "That was SO FUN MOMMY! Thank you!!" 

Sigh.

You're welcome.