Weekend Recap

Sorry I’ve been in absentia the last two days. I really, really, really meant to post Friday night. I was just too damn hot. And tired. And hot. And did I mention hot?

Friday

Typical day, except for the heat. 100+ in our little microcosm, which, in and of itself wasn’t too bad. What made it bad were all the things that needed to be done outside in that heat. During the day, 9 and I managed to ignore most of the errands and stay inside most of the time. Except for the dogwalk (84 degrees at 10 am), dropping him off at PE, picking him up, and then his absolute insistence that he needed to play outside. So by 3, when Husband was due home to start packing for the camping trip, 9 was covered in sweat, pollen and suntan. But mostly sweat and pollen.

Now, because 13 and Husband were headed out for Camporee, I told 9 he could have a friend over. We decided on the drive-in for our activity, because this friend has trouble finding anything to do at our house because, you know, there are RULES here. Things like: no you may not go out at bring fifteen kids over to play because you’re bored. You don’t live here!

Anyway, Iron Man and Drillbit Taylor were playing at the drive-in, so, yay, fun for all, and I figured by the time the movie started, the temp would have dropped.

Uh, no.

At 10 pm, it was still 93 degrees. By 10:30, when it became clear our guest was NOT going to be able to sit still and watch the movie, much less both of them, and the whining got a point where I couldn’t take it any longer, we left and headed for home. 9 was not happy, but he’s a trooper so he didn’t say anything.

At home, I bumped up the AC, had the boys take quick showers to wash off the sweat and cool down, put them to bed and dove into a book, myself.

Saturday

Another hot and trying day. Our guest wasn’t supposed to leave until 11, and Bless His Mother for coming early. Anytime 9 suggested something, he said “No,” and wandered off to do something else. Trying to be a good host, 9 played along, but there came a point when Guest wanted to play with the electric Jeep and 9 and I patiently explained it wasn’t charged up. His solution? Have 9 push him. In the heat.

So, 9 took his turn and when they got back to the garage, Guest was not happy to realize it was HIS turn to push 9. So he suggested they play mechanic and start “working” on the guts of the car. I made him push 9 around the cul-de-sac once, first. Then they could play garage. The Jeep is supposed to be “worked” on and it comes with all kids of tools, but Guest’s idea of “working on” the Jeep was for him to be under it, and 9 handing him tools.

I didn’t say anything, because, you know, the kid has to learn to stand up for himself, and finally, he tossed half the tools near Guest’s head, said, “I’ll be right back,” and went to get the old battery. When he came back, he lifted the hood and pretended to be working on the engine. He was never rude, never unkind, but it was clear he’d had enough.

I was loading the BIG car will all the stuff for the donation run, but I swear, I wanted to jump up and down and cheer I was so proud of him.

Guest’s mother showed up right after that. 9 very politely said, “Thank you;” Guest’s mother said, “Thank you;” Guest said, “Thank you,” and 9 and I waved as they drove off. First time in AGES 9 was ready to hop in the car and run errands.

We wanted to get everything done quickly because we thought Husband and 13 would be home for a late lunch.

Nope. Husband texted to say Camporee ran ALL DAY, and the expected ETA was 11 p.m

So 9 and I spent the afternoon in quiet puruits: played a game of Five Crowns, did some Frisbee once the sun started to set. Sort of noshed throughout the afternoon, so I didn’t have to cook (even though my oven is fixed! Yay!) We rented movies, and watched Dr. Doolittle: Tail to the Chief last night. It was very cute, and probably more entertaining for him than the drive-in movies would have been.

Then Husband texted to say the program was running 45 minutes behind schedule.

Now, for most people, this wouldn’t be a super huge deal. For Husband, it’s a big deal. He’s in a Master’s program and he has to turn in a paper every week. But this week? The Term Paper, the big one. It’s due Sunday by midnight. And he was in the mountains. He’d though he’d have Saturday afternoon and evening to work, and now he wasn’t going to be home until nearly midnight? This was not good. Because on Sunday, we had plans. He did have a notebook with him, though, and he did get the outline sketched, but still, I think 13 is going to have to give up on the idea of his dad attending any more camps this year or next…too risky.

Sunday

Today is just starting, and it’s not meant to be as hot as the last two days. We should only get into the low 80s. Husband and 13 are home, but totally smashed with allergies. Mine aren’t as bad as they were a week ago, but I still have a little tickle in my throat. I blame the late spring. Usually I’m done with allergies by mid-April.

We have Gymnastics Banquet today. I am not looking forward to this at all. I mean, I was such a trooper when we said goodbye. How could this be difficult, right? Especially since I’ll probably be going alone with the boys. No Husband for back-up. Damn, maturity whomps sometimes, you know?

I’m also not sure how 9 will do. He’s been missing a lot of gymnastics friends this last week. 13 is still an Allergy Zombie, so he may hold it together. I would like to get a picture of the boys with their coaches for the scrapbook, but other than that, I could give this a pass.

Once that is over, it’s home to plan my and 9’s trip to SoCal next Saturday. We’re heading south for 9 days. I’m hoping that the pool at NanaKat’s condo will be warm enough for lots of swimming, since I am traveling with one of my fish-children, and outside of golf with Sister and UM, and movies, he’s really, really, really looking forward to swimming every day.

How was your weekend? Any big plans in the coming week?