It all started with swimming lessons this morning. After swimming, we came home. We showered, got ready, and then grabbed some lunch. We then went to the Safe Kids Fair at the expo center. We were there for 4 hours! We came home, had dinner, and then went grocery shopping. I think I can say that I am actually pretty tired now, but the kids and I had a great day. There is nothing better than watching your kids have fun.
The kids loved their new goggles for swimming lessons today. I apparently had them too tight because it literally took about ten minutes for their little raccoon marks to disappear after we took them off. Today they learned how to dive for a ring at the bottom of the pool. They also did very well floating on their backs. Today was their last class, until they start again in April.
The kids were both so excited to see "The Real Spider-Man!" He mostly talked to all the kids about how to respond to bullies. My favorite part came at the beginning of his presentation. Spider-Man wanted to hear from different members of the crowd. He asked a kid, no more than three or four years old, a mean thing bullies do. The little boy responded, "my big brother is a bully and he gives me wedgies." Kids are so funny. At the end of the presentation, all the kids were able to take the Super-Hero oath in which they commit to stay in school, stay off of drugs, etc. McQueen made sure to take his Spider-Man toy so that he could show Spider-Man. There was also a princess at the fair as well.
The Sheriff was kind enough to let the kids borrow the four-wheeler for a quick ride. Just about every police and fire agency in the county was at the fair. The kids got so many junior firefighter, trooper, deputy, policeman, etc badges that I am thinking they should definitely be somewhere on the government payroll.
Nothing like teaching kids to be safe, stay away from gangs, etc. like putting up a big wall for kids to color all over. Can anyone say "graffiti?" It all starts with a crayon, then before you know it...... it is a can of spray paint!!!!! No wonder it is becoming harder and harder to keep children away from the dangers of the world. They are subtly being promoted at a safe kids fair!
The kids got to change the tire on an actual race car. They were actually able to use the impact gun to take the lug nuts off and on. This is not the first time that they have used one, but we have never worked on a race car before. The kids love to do stuff like this. Sometimes when I have worked on our old truck, I have set them inside the engine compartment. They have helped me, or handed me tools. Because our truck is so old, there is a ton of extra room in the engine compartment. Some junky clothes, tools, and a repair that needs to be done, and we will have a great time.
That's right, my little girl will gladly get her hands dirty.......if you give her gloves to wear first.- Last week the kids were talking with Grandma. Grandpa has a whole bunch of coins on his dresser. They are nothing special, there just is a ton of them, so to a five year old it appears to be a ton of money. Out of nowhere they found a Chucky Cheese token. I was surprised that they knew what it was, especially after they told me that they have never been there. McQueen asked how Grandpa got so much money. I responded that it was from him working so hard for so many years. Tinkerbell then asked, "he worked so hard for so long that he finally earned a Chucky Cheese coin?" She was dead serious!
- When we found out that not only Spider-Man, but also a Princess was going to be there today, the kids were pretty excited. Tinkerbell said, "oh my goodness, it must just be our lucky day or something."
- McQueen was telling me that Spider-Man drives a big monster truck. I kept asking, "are you sure, buddy?" He said, "Dad, have I ever steered you wrong before?" After laughing, I then said, "I guess not buddy." He then said, "there you go, now you are getting the hang of it!" Both of these phrases have been used by me on separate occasions. I have used the "steered you wrong" phrase when having fun with the kids. McQueen will often ask, "for real?" when he does not believe something. I will then use it to respond. The other one, is just a normal phrase I use for encouragement. It is amazing the hilarious stuff they pick up on. I was laughing so hard at both of those comments coming back at me today.
- Before swimming I got the kids goggles adjusted just right. I asked the kids not to play with them while I went to get their pool towels. I came back and they were both playing with the straps. I pleadingly asked, "didn't I ask you not to play with those?" Their response was a simple, "yes." Like any parent who feels like their kids aren't listening, I then pleadingly asked, "how many times did I say not to play with them?" Their honest, matter of fact reply: "once." I had to turn away to laugh at this point because they were indeed very correct. I quickly composed myself as I said, "okay, well let's be sure to listen next time, okay?" They said, "okay," at which point I had to turn away to laugh some more.
