I Watched

Like most people in Lakeland, I grew up going to the Dreadnaught football games on Friday nights.  I remember sitting in the stands pretending to watch the game, while instead watching the cheerleaders, the Anchorettes and the band.  I remember walking down to the south end zone concession stand to get snacks.  And I remember watching mobs of boys playing their own games of football in each end zone.  Little did I know how fast I would revert back to watching those boys playing their own games of football...but this time, with different lenses.

Last night, Warren and Harper became "those boys."  They played football in the end zone.  Warren knew one of the boys, but the other handful we had never seen before.  As they played, I watched.  I watched to make sure they stayed safe.  I watched to make sure they stayed out of everyone's way.  I watched to make sure they didn't play too rough.  I watched to make sure they played fair.  I watched to see how they interacted with the other boys.  I watched to see how those other boys treated my own.  I watched....until I wanted to cry.  

In tears himself, my big, solid Harper ran over to me to tell me that those other boys were teasing him and called him "weak."  And if I'm honest, my heart did break, but I felt a slight sense of relief.  I was prepared to hear "Mommy, those boys called me fat."  "Weak" I can handle!  There on the sideline of a Dreadnaught football game, I held him in my arms as he cried.  I told him that those boys were only teasing him because they were scared of him because he was so strong and they were the weak ones.

Wow!  Little did I know the power in those words.  Harper quickly dried up and turned around and ran back over to those boys, who seemed to be a good bit older than he.  He ran straight to them, and did nothing but look them in the eyes.  Never did he raise a fist, never did he yell, never did he take a swing.  It wasn't needed; he simply needed the confidence to make the "big boys cry."  And while they didn't actually cry, they did scream and run a good bit.  And while they ran, again, I watched...and chuckled.

While a small part of me felt guilty that I found such pleasure in Harper scaring those big boys...a bigger part of me was proud.  I was proud that Harper did not walk away defeated, rather stood up for himself.  I was proud of him for not hitting those other boys.  And I was relieved to see that he can handle his own.  Maybe at the next game, I can watch a little bit less.

The Fence

Chris and I love our house.  But, probably like most, we dream of living in an "American Dream" kind of house.  We've thought about putting in a pool, but when we work the numbers, it just isn't cost effective...and it'd be better to move.  We've tossed around the idea of moving so much that we've even met with a realtor.  We get daily emails from Zillow alerting us to houses for sale in our area.  And, I'd be lying if I told you that there wasn't any part of us that doesn't want to "keep up with the Joneses."  I think, somewhere deep down, everyone feels that way.

But, what I've realized is that "keeping up with the Joneses" is exhausting.  And expensive.  And, at the end of the day...totally not worth it.  You see, if we had moved to that "American Dream" house...you know the kind.  Two story.  Beautiful front porch probably with two rocking chairs.  A gorgeous, well manicured yard.  A fireplace.  A pool.  A nice white fence.  If we had moved to that house, we would've missed our fence.  Crazy?  Yes, maybe.  Especially when you see our fence.  Chris and I built our fence when we moved in, before the boys were born.  A lot of sweat went into that fence.  And now, on one side of our fence, there's a board missing.  It fell off some time ago on the neighbor's side and they have yet to fix it.  This weekend, we learned why.  

When Inca and Poncho started talking about fixing the fence, their 4-year old son, Boppy, stated crying and said "No!  You can't fix the fence.  If you fix the fence, then I won't get to see my friends."  Little did we know that our two boys have been meeting up with Boppy at the fence every afternoon.  They talk through the fence about their plans for the afternoon.  Sometimes, I'll hear Warren say "I'm going to go do my homework.  Let's meet back at the fence in 15 minutes."  What fun memories being made at our fence.    

So, we may not live in the Joneses' American Dream home....but we're not keeping up with them.  We live in the Mayeses' American Dream home...where it's a lot less exhausting....a lot less expensive....and a whole lot more worth it!

     

Friday Night Lights

My boys love to learn.  They have both been so blessed to have amazing, inspiring teachers who teach them not only rigorous academic content, but more importantly...they teach them to love learning!  They both come home excited about school, and excited to teach us what they know.

During football season, Chris is away at football games most Friday nights.  And it's these nights that I cherish as they are anything but ordinary.  Last week, Harper came home telling us about being color engineers.  He explained a science project he did in class and begged me to try it at home.  So we did.  Friday night, Harper and I were color engineers.  We mixed colors, we did blind folded taste tests, we wondered, we created, we hypothesized.

And this week, Warren came home telling us all about reading Charlotte's Web at school.  So for our Friday night movie and popcorn night, we decided to watch Charlotte's Web.  But, the amazing part, is that we didn't just sit back and watch the movie.  The boys sat on my lap, cuddled under a comfy blanket while Warren compared the text to the movie.  He told me how he pictured the barn in the book, which looked quite different in the movie.  And as the narrator spoke, he told us how it was exactly what was written in the book.  I think if he had a copy of the book, he would've followed along!

But, a night wouldn't be typical in our house without some kind of "Harper-ism"...and tonight was no exception.  So, as the movie winded down, Wilbur was saved from becoming a holiday ham and Charlotte just told Wilbur goodbye in a very moving, emotional goodbye.  Warren and I were not doing a very good job of hiding our tears as Charlotte passed away, and all of a sudden, Harper blurted out, so matter-of-factly..."And, she's dead."  Seriously?  What's not to love about these nights?

Lessons Learned from the Watermelon

This morning, Warren and I ran our third 5K for the Watermelon Series.  It was not pretty; it was not fun.  After Warren set a PR at the last race, he was determined (or so we thought) to PR this race.

But, you see, while I have been running three days a week, Warren has not.  Not even half way through the race, he was pretty sure he was going to die.  After tears during the race*, we walked (not ran, mind you) away having learned a few things:

• I am much too competitive.  
• Practice with earbuds before the race.
• You will live, even if your heart is beating 400 beats/minute.
• Training (to run, not just to ride your scooter or swim) really is important when running a race.
• There will be days when you have a bad race, and that's ok.
• If things go wrong, pick yourself up, put it behind you and keep going.
• Think happy thoughts!
• Don't quit!
• Finish strong!
• Sometimes it's more about the relationship you're building with your son and what your teaching your son, than achieving a PR!

*Just to clarify, the tears during the race were from Warren, not me.

Bedtime Battle

Confession:  For almost every night over the past 6 years, our boys have had Melatonin to help them calm down and get to sleep.  We've never had any side effects (I've read about people who have horrible dreams when they take it); in fact, we've had great success with it.  However, after speaking to our pediatrician about long term use, we decided it was time for Melatonin Detox.  While the boys may be on their way to Melatonin-free lifestyles, Chris and I are on our way to alcohol and ice cream filled lifestyles.

Our first attempt started with a combination of Lavender essential oils and a 10:00pm bedtime (compared to their normal 8:00pm....it's summer after all).  Success!  Warren, who normally gets very frustrated and aggravated trying to fall asleep, fell fast asleep relatively quickly.  Harper had a bit more of a struggle, but conked out, nonetheless.  Our second night was equally as pleasant, but that's where our success ends.  We have tried soft music, warm milk, rubbing backs...you name it, and I think we've done it.  

Last night, though, takes the cake!  We were at our wits end, out of ideas, about to throw in the towel.  And "just like that" it was as if God knew that I needed a little diversion...a little laugh.  With both boys laying in our bed...I sat with them and listened as they talked.  Keep in mind, this comes after trying all of the following (some multiple times):

• lavender oil
• Calm Me Down Spray
• warm milk
• warm baths
• Chris and I laying in their beds with them
• laying on the floor
• laying back in their bed
• sleep masks
• quietly reading      

Harper started the conversation by telling me about the rules he is going to have at his house when he is a grown up.  

1. No headphones and/or iPods at the dinner table.
2. No playing with your food at the table.
3. If you get mad, you have to go to your room for probably about an hour.  (Warren agreed with this rule, but will only send his children to their rooms for at least 5 minutes.)

Then the conversation changed to what their homes will be like when they are grown:

Warren is going to have a two story house, if he is rich....because "only rich people have two story houses."  He and his wife will have a bedroom and bathroom upstairs, along with the laundry room, "so they don't have to carry their laundry up and down the stairs."  He is going to have one boy and one girl and their rooms will be downstairs, along with the kitchen and a bathroom.  The TV room and play room will be upstairs.  And he was trying to figure out the where the office might go, when I finally called it quits.

Harper is going to have a one story house (which looks strangely like a two story house in his drawing), where he and his wife (he's currently debating on having Ashley as his wife, because "she says his name like she's from Britain") might share a room, but they might have their own rooms.  He is going to have a lot of children and wasn't quite as sure where the rooms would be, but he was sure that he was going to have a pool and hot tub.

As I sat listening to their conversation, I thought about what their lives will be like when they grow up, which I know will come all to quickly.  Their conversations started to wind down, and I went ahead and made my exit.  Don't be excited though, that was most definitely not the end of the night.  

Although the grown up dreams ended, they continued to go back and forth between their own bed, our bed, the floor.....t-shirt, no t-shirt because it was itchy.....Burton (their Cabbage Patch doll) or no Burton, because he was already asleep....but I was thankful I was able to be a part of their "grown up" conversation.

Three hours later....success!  We're not sure what tonight will bring, but you can bet that we'll be starting much earlier.  If we start at 5:00, maybe, just maybe they'll be asleep by 8:00pm?  Maybe I shouldn't jinx it!

World War III

Last week, we witnessed World War III (or IV....heck, probably V at this point) in our home and I can't even tell you what caused it.  All I can tell you is that the boys were playing in the pool and then BOOM, the first shot was fired!  The war began and there were no white flags in sight. Rather, it ended with Warren drying off, running straight to his bedroom and packing his clear, little backpack to go "live on the streets".  When I asked why he was leaving, he said "because Harper tried to kill me." Trying to keep a straight face, I asked him if he thought running away would be a good idea for anyone.  He stuck to his guns and seemed to think it would be best for him.  Meanwhile, Chris stayed outside with Harper who yelled "But he called me a super jerk-o!"

As Warren stormed back through the house in tears, I reasoned with him enough to get him to come talk to me.  We sat down on my bed and he just cried and cried.  I asked him to tell me what he packed.  Now, I, myself, do not have any experience sleeping on the streets...so I'm not sure what sort of answer I was looking for here.  But, he seemed like he had the basics covered:  socks, underwear, pajamas, shorts, shirts and his football pillow so he "would have something soft to lay his head on."  He also made a point to pack his I Love You To the Moon and Back sign so he "would remember how much we loved him."  I asked if he would at least stay for dinner, as I had just finished cooking and it was hot and on the table.  Obviously not liking that idea, he stormed back through the house saying he had to leave.  However, when he reached the kitchen table (where his warm dinner sat), he changed his tune (just a bit).  "I'm going to eat dinner first, and then I'll leave" he said emphatically.  As you can imagine, dinner was (as the boys would say) "awkward".  It was as if we took a World War III time out and returned to our  "normal" lives.  But as soon as dinner was over, the War resumed.  Warren stormed off again in tears and Harper started crying again.  When we asked Harper why he was crying, he said "Because I don't want Warren to weave."  So, Chris sat and consoled Harper while I took WD (Warren Duty).  This time Warren complained of a headache (something Chris and I could've told you from the beginning) and said he was just going to go to sleep, but would leave in the morning. 

While still at the table, Harper asked if he could be excused to go ask Warren something.  In an effort to prevent World War IV, we asked what he was going to ask.  He responded, through tears, "I'm going to ask him if he would pwease stay.  I don't want him to weave."  

Update:  We are pleased to report that Warren is still living with us!

Who Do You Hug First?

Just a little airport humor.  This afternoon, the boys and I picked up my mom from the airport as she returned from visiting my brother and sister-in-law in Colorado.  

Sidenote:  This year, we are having our first ever Colorado Christmas.  We've decided to take the boys to Colorado and spend Christmas with Pj and Amy.

Needlesstosay, as we waited for mom's flight to arrive, they had all kinds of questions and were already getting excited about their own trip.  Mom made it in and as she gave them their surprises, they quickly forgot about their "upcoming" (aka 5-months away trip)...or so I thought.   

After we dropped mom off and as we headed back home, I heard the following conversation:

Warren:  Mom, when we go to Colorado, will Pj and Amy pick us up from the airport?

Me:  Yeah, buddy.  I'm sure they will.

Warren:  Ok.  Harper, when we get there, are you going to hug Pj and Amy?  

Harper:  Yeth.

Warren:  Ok, but who are you going to hug first?

Harper:  

Warren:  Are you going to hug Pj or Amy first?  Because I just don't want us to both run to hug Pj and crash into each other.

I wish I knew where he got his sense of planning from?  

Faith of a Child

As we prepare for Kindergarten, Harper has daily homework this summer.  Today's assignment read:

"Draw a picture of someone who is important to you.  

Tell your important person why they are special to you.  

Make sure you remember:  

To color your picture.  

To include a setting for your picture.  

Draw a ground, sky, background, etc. "  

Warren helped explain, saying "Ya know, Harper....the setting is like the background.  Like, if I am your important person, you could draw me on the golf course."  Harper didn't say a word and didn't waste any time.  Rather, he sat down and went right to work.  Meanwhile, I directed Warren to another room so he could do his summer work.  When Harper finished, he brought me this drawing.  

After looking at it, and not making any sense of it, I said "Oh wow, Harper!  Tell me about it!"  I wasn't prepared for his response.  

He pointed to the figure in the middle with the blackened oval and said "That's Memaw and those are all her friends in Heaven, listening to Jesus.  (Jesus is the figure on the far right).  And Memaw has a smile on her face because she's happy she is with Pops and Jesus."  He pointed out the clouds and the grass and the "castle" they were all in.  When I realized no one had hands, I asked him about it.  With a "duh, Mom" look on his face, he replied:  "Those are wings....because in Heaven they can fly everywhere."  

And he said:  "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."  

-Matthew 18:3

Soar with the Eagles

Isaiah 40:31 says: 

"but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  

They will soar on wings like eagles; 

they will run and not grow weary, 

they will walk and not be faint."

This past week, my Memaw went to be with Jesus and my Pops.  My boys, Chris and I were very blessed to have been very close to her, closer than most.  Most kids don't get to know their great-grandmother like our boys did.  Every Sunday we would all have Sunday lunch with her, after church.  The boys and I spent most summer days at her house, where we would go swim, then eat whatever lunch she had fixed for us.  Being named for her, Harper shared a very special bond with her and she seemed to have a sweet affection for him.  

Although her actual passing happened very quickly, Harriet was able to get some priceless videos just days before she passed.  In one video, she talked about the angels and her "angel status."  She told mom to "keep hers to herself and I'll keep mine to myself."  Maybe that's where I get my physical space issues from?

In another video she told us that while she would be going on, it wouldn't be soon.  "You have to stop and consider.  Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was Antioch" she said.    

Chris and I had been talking with the boys about Memaw dying and going to Heaven.  They didn't ask many questions, for which we are thankful.   Rather, Harper kept asking my mom if Memaw was in Heaven.  Then he would tell her that "When Memaw gets to Heaven, she is going to soar with the eagles, swim with the sharks and pet the lions." When Pastor David read that scripture (only sightly edited from Harper's version) during her funeral today, Harper looked at my mom as if to say "See, I told you, Mimi."  

We had a beautiful service of celebration.  Pastor David connected with the many friends who came and helped them get to know "The Queen."  We laughed at some of the funny stories and cried at the memories and the loss.  After the service, the immediate family seemed to disperse very quickly, everyone going their separate ways.  So, Harriet suggested we (Chris, the boys, mom and me) head to mom's to change, then go to lunch at GrillSmith.  

As we pulled into mom's driveway, Pj and Amy were getting in the car heading to the airport.  We quickly gave them goodbye hugs and told them we'd see them in December, for our first Colorado Christmas.  Then we headed inside mom's house to find Harper had completely smashed his finger in the door....pretty badly.  Bad enough that we weren't sure if he would need stitches or not.  And, while my heart broke for Harper, it did prove to be a great distraction for my mom.  Life goes on, I guess.

So, Warren stayed with my mom and Harriet, while Chris and I took Harper to Express Care.  After X-rays and some inspection, the doctor told us it was not broken and would not need stitches.  Praise God!  

Lunch (although it was actually more of a "lunner" at this point) was delicious.  We recapped the service and enjoyed retelling some of our "Memaw stories."  Not wanting to leave mom by herself yet, we all went back over to Mom's, where we spent the afternoon.  The boys and I walked over to Memaw's old side.  As we were walking through her utility room, back to Mom's side, Harper, very innocently said "Hey guys, wook what I found."  Being right behind him, I looked down to find Memaw's rather large diamond ring!  

Now, the back story to that.....and to the family who are just finding out about this now, I apologize...but it has a happy ending!  About a year ago, when we first moved Memaw into her nursing home, we accidentally lost this ring.  Knowing that it was very expensive and even more sentimental, Mom and I searched tore apart both houses, her new room at the nursing home and her hospital room when she was in the hospital.  And then we did it all over again.  And over again.  You get the idea.  We had been through that utility room, we had torn that utility room apart and that ring was nowhere to be found, until today, the day of her funeral...by Harper.  

I know Memaw's "sign" that she made it to Heaven was roses, but I can't help but feel like this was her sign to Harper and me that she was "soaring with the eagles."  

Determination

One of the things I am most proud of about Harper is his determination.  While some may call it stubbornness.....we choose (try) to call it determination.  Just because, well, it sounds better.

As I've mentioned (several times), Harper does not like sports.  That's putting it lightly.  He doesn't like activity.  He doesn't like to be physical...in any sense.  Doesn't like hugs, doesn't like to cuddle, doesn't like to run....doesn't like to jump or ride his bike....barely likes to swim.  So, as you can imagine, this pretty much eliminates most sports.  It does not, however, eliminate the fact that Harper needs to be active.

And, it's because of that that we encourage (some may call it "force") him to try different sports.  And I have to give Harper credit.  Last year, we "encouraged" Harper to try t-ball.  After the first practice, he did not want to go back.  We talked with him about the responsibility of being on a team.  We talked with him about how his team depended on him and needed him.  He was the only Harper on that team...and they needed a Harper!  We talked with him about not quitting...when you start something, you have to finish it...even if it isn't easy and isn't fun.  And guess what?  Harper's determination paid off.  He finished the season!  But what I'm even more proud of is that he didn't "just" finish...he played hard each game.  He gave it his best each time he was up to bat or out on the field.  He was determined...if he was going to have to play, he might as well do his best!

So, maybe this doesn't quite illustrate my point.

Try t-ball...check!  Next up, soccer.  Harper doesn't like to get hot.  (In his defense, he has terrible allergies and horrible eczema, so getting hot makes him pretty much miserable.)  So, why not try indoor soccer?  Sounds perfect!  Harper seemed excited to try it.  He was glad to be away from a sport where he seemed to be in Warren's shadow.  He was glad to get a new cool shirt and socks.  He was super glad to be inside.  He was not glad to play soccer.  Keep in mind...he only plays one hour each week.  But, most of those hours begin in tears, with him not wanting to go.  Again, we talk with him about finishing something you start, and being a part of a team, and giving it your best.  (All the while praying that the season would just end abruptly.  Being indoors, there aren't many excuses to cancel games.  Maybe the building could have termites?  Would that be too much to ask?)  And yes, there are times when he runs off the court in tears, at half time, ready to go home.  But, while he is out there, he is giving it his all.  He's not just standing on the court, pouting that we made him play.  He is running and kicking the ball.  He's guarding the goalie box.  He's keeping up with his team.  Yes, he may learn a few soccer techniques, but it's the life lessons he's learning that have me more excited.

Try soccer...check!  So, after two attempts at sports and lots and lots of observations, we've come to the conclusion that we know Warren is athletic.  He's good at most sports he tries.  He likes most sports he tries.  Harper is good at most sports he tries.  Harper does not like most any sports he tries.  And that's ok!  It's easy to get out there and give your best to a sport you love.  The hard part is getting out there and giving your best to something you hate.  And for that, I couldn't be more proud of Harper.  

Now to figure out a way to capture these life lessons while creating masterpieces?

Spring Break 2015

Ahhhh, Spring Break!  I have to be honest for a minute and tell you that just two weeks ago, I was dreading...literally dreading Spring Break.  Our boys are in a season of fighting.  They have such vast differences that neither wants to play with the other and consequently end up making each other mad...in turn making me mad.  So, having an entire week with them was not something I was especially looking forward to.  And yes, there was a time when I felt quite a bit of guilt admitting that....that is, until I got away from social media.  It was then that I realized most families with siblings go through similar seasons.....they just don't post about that because it would make them look less than perfect.  Well, my "perfect" title was tarnished 37 years ago....so I no longer need to feel that guilt.  

So,  yes, I admit I was dreading this week.  But, what a pleasant surprise I've had!  My mother-in-law planned a couple of things with each boy, leaving me with the other.  It's been a long time since I've had any one-on-one time with either boy, so this, I was looking forward to.  Several months ago I blogged about how vastly different Warren and Harper are.  So it would only stand to reason that my two days with the boys would be incomparable to one another.  And so it was.  

My day with Warren began with lunch at Moe's.  We ate outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather.  Then we headed to Family Fun Center for putt-putt golf.  Warren is normally incredibly competitive, but he threw the score card aside and just had fun.  We stopped and watched some baby chicks call out to their mom.  We complimented each other on shots well made.  We have no idea who won.  Then we headed inside for some video games and laser tag.  Next up was a batting lesson at Baseball Heaven.  Warren wanted to get there early to warm up....30 minutes early.  It was plenty of time to throw and catch before he started his lesson.  During his lesson, I was able to sit and watch.  I watched as our little 8-year old (who normally seems like he's 8 going on 18) listened nervously to his coach.  It was a good reminder that he is still a boy.  He's not "the man" that he thinks he is (see my post from March).  He still likes to play putt putt and laser tag and hang out with his mom, for now at least.    

Tuesday was my date day with Harper.  And my oh my, it could not have been more different.  I spent some time researching some things that Harper and I might enjoy together.  Bowling, putt-putt, a movie, painting pottery were all on my list.  But Harper had a different idea, as he normally does.  So, my day with Harper began trying to eat lunch at Beef O'Brady's only to leave after waiting 10 minutes without receiving any service.  (Whereas Warren would've been upset and more than likely cried, Harper rolled with the punches.)  Before we left, however, he did want to try and win a bouncy ball.  As luck would have it, he got it on his first try....green, his favorite color, no less!  We decided to try Chick-Fil-A.  We enjoyed delicious chicken and silly conversation, before we headed out to Family Fun Center.  Now wait, I know what you're thinking.  "This can't be that different.  She went to Family Fun Center with Warren."  And yes, Warren and I did go to Family Fun Center.  So yes, that part is the same.  However, Harper only wanted to play a couple of games, which we did and then headed back home.  For as athletic as Warren is, Harper is equally as artistic.  He loves to draw and create.  We spent the entire afternoon creating.  We painted picture after picture.  We made crowns that we could wear as the rulers of our kingdoms.  We made crowns for the entire family.  We made thumbprint art.  We played with play dough.  We talked and we laughed at some of the silly things we came up with.  

  

These days with my two boys were as different as my boys themselves.  I realized many things during these precious days.  I am very attached to my phone, which I made a point to ignore (except for documentary selfies).  I don't do this enough...get away from my phone or spend one-on-one time with my boys.  These times are short.  Harper is hysterical (this I already knew, these days were just confirmation).  Warren is intense (again, confirmation), but has a very cute sense of humor.  I stink at baseball, putt putt and painting, but am pretty good at laser tag and crown making.  I have pretty awesome kids who are uniquely different.  And while that comes with many (many, many) challenges, it comes with double the blessings.

So, while I started this post off telling you how much I was dreading Spring Break...now I'm dreading next week, when we go back to the hustle and bustle of the busy life.  This week, I've had a week to relax.  A week to be off of my phone (for the most part) and enjoy my boys.  A week to appreciate their vast differences.  A week to realize (again) just how blessed I am, even in the midst of the fighting.  And with that, maybe I should start looking forward to summer?

Surprise!

Last weekend, we decided to surprise the boys with a weekend getaway....something we never, ever do!  We reserved a hotel in Orlando and decided to whisk them away after ball games were done Saturday afternoon.  We've been doing a lot of work on our house and realized we'd gotten too wrapped up in it all.  Time was passing by.  We planned and even packed in secret.  As you can imagine, we were very excited!

So, after a yummy lunch at Jimmy Johns (a staple for our Saturday afternoon....we didn't want to blow our cover), we let them in on the surprise.  But wait....there's more!  While we were surprising our boys, our best bud family, the Faceys, were surprising their two boys by telling them that they were going to meet us at Sea World on Sunday.

The start to a great weekend!

Warren had been to Sea World one time before, when he was 3; Harper had never been.  And yes, Chris and I are those nerd parents who both like to be at all "the firsts"...so this was exciting for us.  This was Harper's first theme park.    

We ended up having the perfect time.  We were able to easily get our passes and walk casually around Saturday evening until the Shamu Show!  WOW!  What a way to end our night!  Then we headed back to the hotel for a late night swim and were surprised to find a waterfall at the pool!  The boys had a blast!  Sunday, we headed out and met the Faceys, ready for another fun-filled day!  We were able to see most of the things we wanted to see, with the promise that we will see everything next time.  We made plans to meet back up at a restaurant for dinner on the way home.  The boys were great and we all had a really good time....until we tried to head home!

Waiting for Dad to find the car.

As you can imagine, the boys were exhausted.  They had a late night before, a relatively early morning, and had been walking in the hot sun, etc.  I was exhausted.  I had a late night before...I had to sleep with Harper, who lays horizontally.  Chris was exhausted.  He had a late night before....he had to sleep with Warren, who sleeps all over the place.  Losing our car was not part of our plan.  The boys and I camped out at the security tower and waited for Chris to find the car.  Thankfully, it wasn't terribly long before we were rescued and could continue on to dinner and home.  We ate, for the first time I might add, at O'Charleys and enjoyed a delicious dinner together with the Faceys.....then came home and crashed.  Memories made...mission accomplished!

At the Shamu Splash Show

We thought we were taking a really cute family selfie...

Sea World is a lot of walking for the little dudes.

Chris wanted to ride by himself so he wouldn't get sick.  Ummm.

Double Trouble

Boy, oh boy!

I recently had to run an errand to get some make-up.  Chris and I decided to "divide and conquer" so Warren was stuck coming with me, while Harper went home with Chris.  Warren and I walked into Ulta and headed to the brand I needed.  Warren took several looks around and stopped.  He got a very confused look on his face and said to me "Mom, I'm the only man in here."  Trying to keep a straight face, I bent down and said "Warren, there aren't any men in here.  You're an 8 year old boy."  And, in the sweetest and most sincerely honest voice, he replied "Um, mom...I'm not a boy.  I have a hair on my chest."  Boy, oh boy!