Vacation Week

The kids, Mady's boyfriend, and I went camping. We were close enough to home that I was able to drive back and forth to the house while Dom worked (he was suppose to be off, but you know how that goes). All the kids were able to camp as long, or not as long, as they wanted. Mady's boyfriend showed us some Parkour tips, and tricks, and we showed him how to change oil in vehicles. We were able to spend some time with a new group of friends. Niki enjoyed being with the older kids and came home with a new crush. This crush was quickly replaced with an online flame from Canada. (I'm not ready to deal with all these new relationships :-). ) We set up camp relatively easily and disassembled it just as easily. We shared a campsite with many friends over the course of 3 nights and 4 days. They were all very generous and we are fortunate to have met so many amazing, caring families, who are also funny and intelligent. I am not sure if I mentioned it or not, but I love to be outside. I love to feel the wind and sun on my skin, see all the vibrant colors, and listen for new sounds in nature. I do not enjoy hunting or even fishing very much, however I do believe these activities are a necessary element of survival. Mady and Niki enjoy camping. Mady more so with friends than just family.

I am aware, as most parents are, each of my children enjoy different activities. I try to make sure there is something for each of them to spend their time on when we leave the house to attend an event. I enjoy being with my children. I enjoy watching them pursue activities they have chosen alone, without coercion. I also enjoy pursuing activities I have chosen on my own. Something I noticed about myself recently is I may not be doing my best with helping each of them become independent. I have fostered the relationships which are developing between myself and each of my children. I am feeling as though I want each of them to do a little more with others now. I feel as though they need differing perspectives. I witness subtle changes of attitude, and not so subtle, all day everyday. I enjoy witnessing each of my children testing themselves and their siblings with whatever new social tools they have acquired. I also notice when the tests seems to be to challenge themselves in the presence of their siblings. I am proud of each of my children. They amaze me everyday with their patience, and spirits of adventure.

Some of our adventures this week were spent with Dominic. Thursday, a couple days after we arrived home from camping and packed everything away, we headed out to the Perot Museum in Dallas. We were suppose to ride the train to Dallas from Fort Worth. The boys enjoy riding the train and it seemed like a good way for everyone to calm down after our visit at the museum. It is fascinating how a scenario can change so much just by adding one person. I sometimes lack the forethought to plan ahead for many common things which may cause a trip/event to leave a negative memory rather than the positive one intended. With children, this isn't usually a problem. Children may not have much patience, but they adapt to change very easily, much more easily, than say, 30 something year old men, and if they do not, there is always ice cream. Especially 30 something year old men not accustomed to being with children ALL day everyday. This is what I do. I. Just. Do. It. I do it because I want to, because I love my kids. Some individuals that do not spend their days with children, I can see, have chosen not to do so for a reason. One reason cited by said individuals, is they do not have patience. What I see is that, some adults do not seem to understand that children have needs, and their needs are as equally important as any adult needs.

OK, combine one adult that does not quite understand that children have needs, with one adult that doesn't plan well for things that could go wrong, and 3 children that were 2 minutes late for the train, and we have a day beginning not so well. I could type about the entire day, but I can just say that it ended up for me as most days do when I am with the kids. I was exhausted and happy. Delirious even, as I rode the train home and watched our 3 drowsy children relax. The trip was really about that train. The museum was interesting and I would like to visit again. The train was the part all the boys (including Dominic) enjoyed though. Even after we were late, and had to wait an hour and 30 minutes for the next one. I didn't have any agenda that day other than to experience something new with Dominic and our kids.

Friday, the new experiences rolled on. Dominic took us to a matinee showing of the movie Epic. Cute movie. This day was all about promoting Dominic's values for his kids. The day was full of candy, pizza, nachos, popcorn, and just fun. Everyone enjoyed the movie. It was an enjoyable way to spend the day. Once we arrived home everyone rode their bikes.

Bike riding, train traveling, camping, Parkouring, and just plain adventuring made our week together fabulous, and a bit busy. Delirious love. It's different with kids.