While Daddy is away in LA… the boys and I will play. This past week my husband was out of town for business, and that meant that it was business as usual for us… but solo parenting style.
The boys and I kept our busy routine and enjoyed a few fun activities to break the week up. This is our week in pictures, a little family fun with Running Rachel and boys.
Monday the T-man and I ventured to the laundry mat for the first time. Our sweet Daisy dog’s blankets needed a thorough washing. Imagine the excitement of all the whirring machines, people, and the fact that you can see your clothes washing. It was cheap entertainment for this little 4 year old.
As with anything exciting, the tumbling of the blankets only entertained him for a few minutes. We took the fun outside and enjoyed the sunshine and raced his cars that he always has on hand… just in case.
After our errands were run, we enjoyed a little quiet time before picking up the big boys from the charter school (where they go twice a week). T-man’s love language is quality time and he was so happy playing Mario with Mommy.
That evening the boys and I ventured to our small group Bible study. We live within walking distance, and the boys were extra wiggly. I took advantage of their energy and the weather and we walked to church. I caught this brief moment as we walked… moments like this make my heart melt. However, I must share that shortly after the photo was taken: one started running ahead of the others, one child tripped and proceeded to blame the other for tripping him, the other one (innocent) yelled immediately “not me!” making him look guilty.
Tuesday was our normal routine at home. We did our lessons and attempted to do them outside. It was just too pretty of a day to hang out indoors.
Wednesday the T-man and I hung out all morning. We enjoyed a nice and easy 3 mile run to Starbucks, then a power walk home. This was not on my diet plan… but I am hopeful that running/walking almost 6 miles to eat a calorie laden treat makes up for it.
That afternoon the three boys tried out a crossfit for kids class at a local gym. It was a free trial class to make sure they liked it… and I have a feeling we will be going back. Great team of coaches and my oldest really dug it.
On Thursday we enjoyed hanging out with friends in the morning and spent the afternoon catching up on our lessons and reading lots of books.
One of our new favorite books is called Pups of the Spirit by ZonderKidz. This super kid-friendly book teaches the fruits of the spirit with pups. Each pup (9) has a unique quality that God has given them: peace, kindness, joy, self-control, gentleness, patience, faithfulness, love and goodness. Each page describes the pup and his pups of the spirit trait in a way that children can understand and relate to.
As always with my monkeys, we enjoyed spending a lot of time out side playing and exploring. I believe they learn best in this atmosphere… and I am a better mom when there is space, nature, outdoors and activity.
I am not too sure what my passionate P is doing in this photo. However, I do know that he was super pleased with his position and was adamant that I take his photo. So I did.
Friday was a fun day. I wanted to end the week on a fun note for the boys while still getting some learning in… because after all that is what homeschooling is all about. Doing school at home… but having fun with each other. Or maybe that is just how I do schooling with my boys.
I wanted to treat them to a surprise of fun activities while having life lessons thrown in the mix. We headed to Sacramento.
We had lunch at LA BOU by the Zoo. Basically it is a super cute bakery that sells sandwiches. I am trying to teach my boys a life lesson of how to behave in public (always learning and teaching this lesson) as well as proper etiquette while dining out.
They did great. We are still working on not leaving the table when they are finished with their meal, but to be considerate of others and sitting patiently. Also, what is it about restaurants and little boys having to go to the bathroom… always!?
The Sacramento Zoo is a small zoo, in my opinion. You can easily do the loop around the zoo multiple times. There are only a handful of animals that are a real excitement to the boys… but they always love going, exploring, learning, and checking out the animals.
The train is always a hit. They were good listeners while taking a tour of the zoo, making sure their ears were on for things they didn’t know about the animals at the zoo… because they knew they would have to write about what they learned later.
The carousel was a big hit. As always. I think they enjoy going to the zoo for these little fun rides just as much as they enjoy seeing the big new to them animals.
We really enjoyed watching the giraffes and zebras today. They weren’t hanging out on the feeding/observation deck so we enjoyed from below.
Again, free entertainment is always a winner for these boys. Who needs to put money in these things. Imagination and three boys goes a long way.
After our legs were tired, our tummies were growling, and we were ready for rest… I had to bust out a handstand for handstand Friday. Yes, my kids are totally used to me busting out handstands in public throughout the day on our trips.
When we got home it was time for the boys to start writing their reflections from the zoo. P’s favorite animal was the zebra and he wrote about it. C decided to write about the whole experience.
Now it is Friday and Daddy should be home this evening. I plan on getting take out pizza… not the healthy kind. The yummy Papa Johns or Dominos kind of pizza. (again not on the weight-loss plan, but oh so yummy). Yay for pizza and a movie night… we will be re-watching the movie, Frozen, as a family. It will be my husband’s first time seeing the movie.
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