Parenting Solo

Chris was in western Kansas for a couple days and nights this week checking on some of the new combines during wheat harvest. We absolutely cannot complain because he very rarely travels overnight for work. I think the last time he was gone was when Natalie was a baby. I know many other Agco wives whose husbands are gone much more frequently and for longer periods of time.

But still. I was nervous. Chris helps a lot especially with the circus we call bedtime. Going into this week, I set my sleep expectations very very low knowing that we would all be tired by the end of the week. I made sure we were busy during the day and only allowed for short, if any, naps so the kids would be really tired by the time they went to bed. And surprise of all surprises - it kind of worked! We all slept decently. Not well, but not horribly, so I'm calling it a win. 

I planned trips during the day so that even if the kids were tired, they wouldn't be too cranky. We went to Wichita for errands, shopping, lunch at Jason's Deli, and duck watching one day, and the next day we went to the zoo. We had a lot of fun but were very happy to see Chris walk in the door Wednesday evening!

Ninjas

This week was ninja week at story time. They read ninja stories, practiced ninja moves, made ninja headbands, and went through an obstacle course. I wasn't sure what girly Natalie would think of it, but she's been playing ninja ever since we got home.

Father's Day Fishing

Story Time

The kids really love story time. Natalie gets into the actions while Max sits back and watches.

They always have an activity after the stories, and this week it was a nature hunt. They made bracelets with their finds.

Despite the fun books and activities, snack time is always the favorite.

Park

We have to go to the park in the mornings now because it's so so miserably hot in the afternoons. This morning the kids got to play with a class from the daycare center full of two- and three-year-olds. They had a blast and made some new friends. 

Car Wash

Baby Jacob

Baby Jacob's mom, Janet, is a dear friend of mine from college. She happened to be in the area yesterday and stopped by for a visit. Jacob is just three weeks old, so we were all ooo-ing and ah-ing over how little he is. The kids absolutely loved holding him, and so did I! Thanks for coming, Janet! Our visits are never long enough.

Splash Park

Lately

Grandpa John's ponds are always good for frog catching and rock throwing.

We had a fun Memorial Day at the zoo with cousins.

And the mud puddle is still out front and is still providing hours of entertainment.