Monday, December 1, 2008

A Day Away

Last weekend I was able to experience something completely new! More than 24 hours in which I was not responsible for any children! Woo hoo! I left the kids home with Jim and went to Nashville to spend some time with my mom and sister in honor of my sister's birthday. Happy birthday, Aunt Jo Jo!




Jim told the kids I was "going to work" which was something they could understand and worked out well because they didn't freak out when I left the house. Neither of us mentioned that I would be with Kay Kay and Aunt Jo Jo. Then I would have had to bring them all with me! What I actually did was go shopping, stay overnight at the Opryland Hotel, and get to see the Rockettes perform! And I had a great time! But I'll admit that I spent a lot of time smiling at other people's children, got a little teary at the beginning of the Rockettes show thinking about how much the kids, and especially Reagan, would enjoy seeing it in a couple of years, and had a hard time falling asleep without a monitor to listen to.



But I know what you REALLY want to hear about! What was Jim doing while I was gone? After all, this was his first time to keep the kids by himself for more than a few hours, so it was a big deal, and he was naturally a little nervous about keeping the horde entertained for such a long period of time. Nevertheless, in typical Jim fashion, he did a fabulous job! And even found time to document his adventures for your viewing pleasure!




I left the house after breakfast Sat morning and didn't return until after naptime Sunday afternoon, which means Jim undertook two naps, one bedtime, four meals, and hours of playtime with no help or guidance from me. They played. They wrestled. They colored. And then Jim brought out the big guns! He had found a train set for a reasonable price, so he put it together and amused the kids for a good long time! It played music and had a nice big track. It was also remote-controlled with only four buttons, so even the kids each got turns running the train. They LOVED it! In fact, they've begged to play with the train every day since.






Thomas, Jonathan, Zachary, and Reagan










Jonathan plays conductor





Jim even got out his guitar, put on a little concert, and let the kids each strum some notes themselves! So cool! They never get to do anything this exciting when it's just me!





Reagan is so proud of herself!










Thomas makes some professional adjustments to get the sound just right





The Concert Event of the Season!


Yes, the kids had a blast with Daddy! And I think Daddy had a good time too! And not only did he take care of the kids AND take pictures so I didn't miss a minute, but he also cleaned the kitchen, put away the kids' toys, and washed a load of laundry! Watch out folks, he just might be Super-Dad!

6 comments:

Judah and Michelle said...

Super excited that you had a great day away and that Jim showed how cool a day he could be. Dads always seem to do unexpected fun things. Next you both need to have a day (or two) away. And that was the best concert I have seen in a long time. :)

Andria said...

oh gosh! Do you think a 24-hour absence in the house will ever happen again? lol. Glad Dad did a great job keeping them entertained. Way to go!

Unknown said...

Wow- I can't believe that was your first time away from the kids for 24 hours. Dang girl, you are super mom. And yes, I must admit that Jim is a super dad too. I'm glad you got some well deserved time for yourself.

Bridgette said...

Way to go Super Dad!

Anonymous said...

Looks like the kids had a wonderful time while you were away, Ali! We'll have to plan another trip. ha! Thanks a lot, Jim, for being a Super Dad & doing such a fabulous job. BTW, I had fun, too, trying to keep up with two "thirty-somethings."

Love, Mom

Judah and Michelle said...

Dude, that is got to be one of the coolest videos I have seen in a long time.


Judah