It's been a while since I've posted a Fox update. But it's not for a lack of material. The kid keeps us (our family and our friends) in stitches. It's more often than not due to my lack of memory. The Fox moments come so quickly and so often that if I don't write them down, I literally forget.
To recap, Fox is my step son (Kevin's youngest). He is on the autism spectrum; but very high functioning. He's extremely loving and affectionate. His intelligence is off the charts. Still, he remains slightly socially delayed. Regardless, he loves people and his innocent remarks make for some good laughs.
I wish I could remember all of his funnies from our vacation. However, the week after vacation, we had a family birthday party to attend. When we arrived, my mom was there. He sees her and says enthusiastically, "Hey, I remember you from vacation"....which made us all laugh. As if she was some new person he'd met.
Usually when we have Fox, we have plans. We tend to go a lot on the weekends. It's our "family time" so there's always something on tap. So when Fox wakes up on Saturdays he always knows there's something going on or going down.
The past two times Fox has been here for the weekend, we've had another "son" in the house. Our friend's 15 year old son who has chosen Kevin and I as his "second parents". We don't mind having him here. He's a joy to be around, very polite and wonderful with Fox. It's a treat for Fox to get a sense for what it would be like to have an older brother. It's also great for Kevin who, sadly, has never had a relationship with his now 22 year old son, Christian. Christian is a victim of brainwashing from his mother. I am sad that he isn't a part of our life. Unfortunately it takes two to have a relationship. We just keep praying that someday he'll come around. In our minds it's never too late. ANYWAY, so our "adopted son", Noah came over the last time we had Fox and joined us for the family birthday party at Dave & Busters. We had a nice dinner then Noah took Fox around and they played games with the cards we bought them. Together they accumulated 6000 points. So we split it down the middle and let them each get something for 3000 points. Noah got a remote control UFO thingy and Fox got a collection of Angry Birds plushies. Both were happy.
Fast forward to this weekend. Noah wanted to come over and spend the night again. So he came over Friday night after Fox arrived. Because I am still recovering from surgery, we just hung out at home for the evening. Kevin made the boys tacos for dinner; and I enjoyed grits and sugar free pistachio pudding. Our friends, Kelli and Brett came over with their 14 yr old son and 3 yr old grandson. We all sat around in the living room and visited for the evening. They left by 10 pm or so and we all headed to bed. Kev was tired between working overtime and taking care of me. I was tired from the activity of getting to the doctor and such earlier in the day. Noah retreated to the basement/man cave and played on his phone till he fell asleep. Fox was out when we went down at 10.
The very first thing Fox said when he woke on Saturday was, "We've got a BIG day today, Lori".....purely out of habit, LOL. Lord knows, we didn't have any major plans, given my condition. But not wanting to ruin his excitement, I confirmed that it would be a good day.
Kevin took the boys with him to MicroCenter to do some shopping. We lucked out with a sale and got two laptops that were "bad ass" according to my techie geek husband. So Kevin and I got new laptops for what I expected to pay for one. And Kevin got parts to fix my old laptop up for Fox. They came back with all the technology and breakfast of Dunkin Donuts (a treat for the boys). Kevin spent the rest of the day tinkering with his laptop, setting mine up and also prepping Fox's for placement in his room, etc. It was a lazy rainy day of sorts. The kids killed time by playing SONIC on Playstation 3 and amusing one another.
Later Kevin ran out to Schnucks for what he needed for the week. He grabbed some burgers for the boys on his way home. They ate a little to tide them over until our late dinner with our friends, the Klotz's, Noah's real parents. They came to pick Noah up; so we had a pizza night with games and a movie with the kids. Kev grabbed like five $5.99 make and take pizzas from Schnucks and we were good to go. I ate Grits and Sugar Free Pistachio pudding, again.
After dinner we all situated ourselves around the dining room table and played a wicked game of Disney UNO. During the game there was a lot of laughs and cheating going on. Very entertaining. At one point, Noah was trying to convince all of us that he's growing a beard. To which we all did our best to keep him real. Yes, we laughed in his face and teased him about his peach fuzz. I told him I think I have more chin hairs than he does. Sad, but I fear it's true. A little while later, Fox chimes in and asks, "Lori, do you think I'm growing a beard?". The entire table ROARED in laughter. So funny. Not only does Fox idolize his daddy; but now he's starting to want to be like Noah, too. So cute.
During the course of the evening, Fox continued with the one liners which had Daniela's kids, Lara and Noah laughing out loud till Lara would snort. It was hilarious.
I love Family nights. I think just giving your undivided attention to playing a game with kids at the table goes such a long way. They all had fun. After a few games of UNO, Lara wanted ice cream and Noah wanted popcorn. So we took a break while Fox joined Lara and Noah had a little popcorn with his salt. After that, we all migrated to my living room (the small cozy one) for a family movie. Fox brought his two BIG JOE chairs into the living room from his bedroom. Some of us grabbed blankets, others beer then all seven of us watched "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs II". Lara was the first to fall asleep. Then I couldn't keep my head up; so I said goodnight and retreated to my bed. Kevin and Fox finished the movie with the Klotz's and shortly thereafter they said goodnight and headed home (with Noah in tow).
Kev then put Fox to bed then cleaned up the pizza mess and joined me in bed. It was a fun night.
Today we woke and Fox and Gizzy joined us in bed for some morning cuddles. He played in his room while Kev got a jump on the laundry and watched all his pregame coverage on tv. He is now struggling to clean his room ("it's soooo hard" he always says) which ALWAYS looks like a cyclone blew through it when he's home. He's had breakfast and his meds; but the threat of removing the laptop from his room, the threat of not letting him take his tablet on the hour drive home to his moms and any other threat Kevin could think of has YET to motivate him. In a while Kevin will load him up and take him home to his mommies; and we'll go back to our boring weekly selves. Such is the school year.
Until next time............Happy Fall Y'all!!!
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
The Fox Files 6-16-14 to present
Wow. it's been just under a month since my one and only Fox Blog for the summer. Sad! With June being my company's Fiscal Year End, it kind of put the kabosh on Lori-time and my peaceful place, that is writing.
For actual Father's Day we stayed home and Kevin decided to barbecue. He got the pool set up for Fox, chemicals in and vacuumed. He and Fox later decided to take a dip...which lasted a whole 5 minutes given the water temperature!
Our real Father's Day celebration took place on Tuesday, June 17th. We got tickets for the St. Louis Cardinals Social Media night. Kevin took off work early, grabbed Fox from camp early and we were off and running by 4 pm. The event itself was packed; but the venue was awesome. It was held at the Bowtie Bar in the stadium. Great views, seats and no crowds....well, other than those standing up blocking our view from the players who were kind enough to do Q & A for the evening. We each received a nice tablet case, too. Fox enjoyed the night. We left the game early due to it being a work/camp night. All in all a fun night.
I was working into the evening so many nights during the last 2 weeks of June (due to year end at work) that Fox said to me one night when I did manage to sit at the dinner table and eat with he and Kevin, "We got our whole family back". Wow. The impact his words had on me. I've always been adamant that we sit down and eat dinner as a family each night. But I'd foregone my own rule due to work constraints. It was Fox's words that made me realize the impact it has on him. He enjoys it, too. It also made me realize that no matter how important work seems, my family is MORE important. I need to remember that before I sacrifice time at the table together. A real eye opener. We're so busy trying to raise our kids and teach them the tools they need that we never stop to realize how much they teach US!!! I beat myself up for having missed that time with them; but know I learned a lesson for the future. I've yet to miss another family dinner with the exception of an aqua zumba night or two.
On the weekend of June 28-29th we were off to yet another baseball venue. I'm not really into baseball that much but since my friend's son was called up to the BIGS in late April, I've started following him religiously, more than I do the Cardinals, to be honest. So, we had a chance to travel to Kansas City to see Mike Morin, #64 of the Los Angeles Angels (a relief pitcher and someday hopefully a closer) play against the Kansas City Royals. It was a BIG deal. It was his first "homecoming" as a major leaguer and playing in his home stadium as such. We wouldn't dream of missing it. We were invited to an evening reception to celebrate his success with him. It included an upscale venue on the Country Club Plaza, delicious and abundant food supply and drinks. Ah-maz-ING!
We were hating life at 5:30 am that Saturday when the alarm went off; but we jumped up excited to face the excitement of the day. 256 miles later we arrived at Kauffman Stadium only to see 3 innings and several hours of rain delay. But we had a blast at the game visiting with my friend, Leatha and her family who drove down from Iowa to see "Moosh" play. The game ended up being postponed until 7 pm that evening. We never went back. Instead we headed straight to the reception from our hotel...and during that time we missed seeing Moosh pitch 2 innings on the big screen of the board room his party was located in. Fox had fun munching on hot dogs and sun chips and soda while we waiting for Moosh's grand entrance. Then he had time to talk to Michael, get autographs and have photos taken with him. It was a wonderful opportunity for Fox; but I know Daddy loved it, too. I was just happy as a pig in sunshine to celebrate Moosh's dedication to the sport and his realizing his dreams. It's a SUPER COOL thing to watch someone's dream come true. I can't put it into words.
Here are a few pics of the wonderful weekend we had:
Unfortunately we didn't have Fox for the 4th of July weekend. Daddy and I were exhausted so we vowed to stay home and tend to the household and our bodies that were so in need of rest. Mission successful! On Sunday evening, we did meet up with close family friends, Kelli and Brett Eckman for an early dinner at the 2865 Brewhouse followed by Frozen Custard at Lyons (only because Jaynie's Ice Box was closed and we couldn't get the Italian Ice we'd been craving!!!). Kelli and Brett had their grandson, Preston who is 3. Fox calls Preston his "favorite cousin". Poor kid, most every child we introduce him to, we say, "this is your cousin, so and so". Now he thinks every kid is his cousin; but that's ok because Preston is practically family anyway! The boys had their respective ice cream and sno cone and played while we finished up then we had to part ways.
That brings us to tonight, where Preston is coming over to swim with Fox and order pizza for dinner. Not sure if there will be room for us adults in the pool, too. Could be interesting.
As far as Day Camp goes, Fox is LOVING it. He goes everyday from 8 am ish to 5 pm ish. He has swimming lessons 4 days a week in addition to the regular camp swim days, which is also 4x a week for an hour or so. He's in heaven; and he's also really overcoming some of the fears he had when we first started taking him to lessons back in Kansas City. He now goes under water completely and is developing more skills as well.
He's had some phenomenal field trips so far: St. Louis Zoo, Brunswick Zone, Sky Zone, City Museum and this week the best one: Raging Rivers water park. He's excited. Each week we give him money for his field trips so long as he's picked up his floor/cleaned his room every evening before bed. We have to laugh, so far instead of buying snacks and drinks like we imagined, he's chosen to spend it on things at the gift shops. At the Zoo, he bought a crocodile gripper claw thingy that was broken by the time he got home!!! At City Museum he bought some Zombie slingshot stretchy thing. LOL.
We're trying to teach him the value of money and importance of taking care of things. It's been interesting, to say the least.
For a while he was forgetting his belongings at camp every night, we've given him gentle reminders on that, as well. For the past two nights he left his Gatorade at camp...which never turned up in the Lost and Found. So today I reminded him; and I'm proud to say he remembered to bring the unused portion home.
Yesterday as I was getting him ready in the morning, I told him to put his swimsuit on. He put the suit on that he's had for a couple years and it literally fell off his skinny body. The elastic must have worn out. So we had to dip into his vacation swimsuits that I bought and have been saving.
Fox has always been an overly affectionate and loving child (in a beautiful way). So I'm enjoying all the random hugs, kisses and "I love yous" that I can get!!! It makes me sad to think our summer with him is half way over already!
One month from today, we embark on our big family vacation to Gulf Shores, AL. We're so excited to see him enjoy making sand castles and frolicking on the beach. The countdown will begin SOON.
And one Fox Funny before I log out for the evening.....the other day when I woke him to get ready for camp, I asked him, "Fox do you want to stay home or go to camp today?", knowing I'd get a rise out of him. He quickly replied, "I want to stay home". FLOORED me 'cos I was SURE that would NEVER be an option for him. Then he hopped up out of bed and said, "I'm just JOKING, I'm going to camp!!!". Kid got me. We both giggled.
He's really into telling jokes, some that he reads from his magazines and some that he makes up (and cause you to fake a laugh). I wish my Grandpa Kenny were here to share joke time with him. My Grandpa loved calling me with silly jokes when I was a kid.
Speaking of grandparents, Grandma K has already asked for Fox one day to go on a field trip with her and the girls when they are in from NY later this month. He will miss a day of camp for cousin field trip time, which he is OK with. His cousin, Elise, things he hung the moon! They will have a good time.
The only other major observation of Fox this summer is that he LOVES LOVES LOVES his magazine subscriptions to Highlights, Zoobooks, National Geographic Kids, Ranger Rick, etc. He reads the back when it says the next issue will be shipping and tells me it's coming THAT day. And when it doesn't arrive that day, he asks EVERY day until it arrives. When he came home Sunday after spending the weekend at his mommy's, he had THREE magazines waiting. Kevin said to me, "Fox is gonna have a cow when he sees this". Sure enough, he was uber excited. I love that he loves to read. He learns so much from them; and often reads to us.
Gotta run, his swim date, Preston, is here. Time for some more FUN............
For actual Father's Day we stayed home and Kevin decided to barbecue. He got the pool set up for Fox, chemicals in and vacuumed. He and Fox later decided to take a dip...which lasted a whole 5 minutes given the water temperature!
Our real Father's Day celebration took place on Tuesday, June 17th. We got tickets for the St. Louis Cardinals Social Media night. Kevin took off work early, grabbed Fox from camp early and we were off and running by 4 pm. The event itself was packed; but the venue was awesome. It was held at the Bowtie Bar in the stadium. Great views, seats and no crowds....well, other than those standing up blocking our view from the players who were kind enough to do Q & A for the evening. We each received a nice tablet case, too. Fox enjoyed the night. We left the game early due to it being a work/camp night. All in all a fun night.
I was working into the evening so many nights during the last 2 weeks of June (due to year end at work) that Fox said to me one night when I did manage to sit at the dinner table and eat with he and Kevin, "We got our whole family back". Wow. The impact his words had on me. I've always been adamant that we sit down and eat dinner as a family each night. But I'd foregone my own rule due to work constraints. It was Fox's words that made me realize the impact it has on him. He enjoys it, too. It also made me realize that no matter how important work seems, my family is MORE important. I need to remember that before I sacrifice time at the table together. A real eye opener. We're so busy trying to raise our kids and teach them the tools they need that we never stop to realize how much they teach US!!! I beat myself up for having missed that time with them; but know I learned a lesson for the future. I've yet to miss another family dinner with the exception of an aqua zumba night or two.
On the weekend of June 28-29th we were off to yet another baseball venue. I'm not really into baseball that much but since my friend's son was called up to the BIGS in late April, I've started following him religiously, more than I do the Cardinals, to be honest. So, we had a chance to travel to Kansas City to see Mike Morin, #64 of the Los Angeles Angels (a relief pitcher and someday hopefully a closer) play against the Kansas City Royals. It was a BIG deal. It was his first "homecoming" as a major leaguer and playing in his home stadium as such. We wouldn't dream of missing it. We were invited to an evening reception to celebrate his success with him. It included an upscale venue on the Country Club Plaza, delicious and abundant food supply and drinks. Ah-maz-ING!
We were hating life at 5:30 am that Saturday when the alarm went off; but we jumped up excited to face the excitement of the day. 256 miles later we arrived at Kauffman Stadium only to see 3 innings and several hours of rain delay. But we had a blast at the game visiting with my friend, Leatha and her family who drove down from Iowa to see "Moosh" play. The game ended up being postponed until 7 pm that evening. We never went back. Instead we headed straight to the reception from our hotel...and during that time we missed seeing Moosh pitch 2 innings on the big screen of the board room his party was located in. Fox had fun munching on hot dogs and sun chips and soda while we waiting for Moosh's grand entrance. Then he had time to talk to Michael, get autographs and have photos taken with him. It was a wonderful opportunity for Fox; but I know Daddy loved it, too. I was just happy as a pig in sunshine to celebrate Moosh's dedication to the sport and his realizing his dreams. It's a SUPER COOL thing to watch someone's dream come true. I can't put it into words.
Here are a few pics of the wonderful weekend we had:
Unfortunately we didn't have Fox for the 4th of July weekend. Daddy and I were exhausted so we vowed to stay home and tend to the household and our bodies that were so in need of rest. Mission successful! On Sunday evening, we did meet up with close family friends, Kelli and Brett Eckman for an early dinner at the 2865 Brewhouse followed by Frozen Custard at Lyons (only because Jaynie's Ice Box was closed and we couldn't get the Italian Ice we'd been craving!!!). Kelli and Brett had their grandson, Preston who is 3. Fox calls Preston his "favorite cousin". Poor kid, most every child we introduce him to, we say, "this is your cousin, so and so". Now he thinks every kid is his cousin; but that's ok because Preston is practically family anyway! The boys had their respective ice cream and sno cone and played while we finished up then we had to part ways.
That brings us to tonight, where Preston is coming over to swim with Fox and order pizza for dinner. Not sure if there will be room for us adults in the pool, too. Could be interesting.
As far as Day Camp goes, Fox is LOVING it. He goes everyday from 8 am ish to 5 pm ish. He has swimming lessons 4 days a week in addition to the regular camp swim days, which is also 4x a week for an hour or so. He's in heaven; and he's also really overcoming some of the fears he had when we first started taking him to lessons back in Kansas City. He now goes under water completely and is developing more skills as well.
He's had some phenomenal field trips so far: St. Louis Zoo, Brunswick Zone, Sky Zone, City Museum and this week the best one: Raging Rivers water park. He's excited. Each week we give him money for his field trips so long as he's picked up his floor/cleaned his room every evening before bed. We have to laugh, so far instead of buying snacks and drinks like we imagined, he's chosen to spend it on things at the gift shops. At the Zoo, he bought a crocodile gripper claw thingy that was broken by the time he got home!!! At City Museum he bought some Zombie slingshot stretchy thing. LOL.
We're trying to teach him the value of money and importance of taking care of things. It's been interesting, to say the least.
For a while he was forgetting his belongings at camp every night, we've given him gentle reminders on that, as well. For the past two nights he left his Gatorade at camp...which never turned up in the Lost and Found. So today I reminded him; and I'm proud to say he remembered to bring the unused portion home.
Yesterday as I was getting him ready in the morning, I told him to put his swimsuit on. He put the suit on that he's had for a couple years and it literally fell off his skinny body. The elastic must have worn out. So we had to dip into his vacation swimsuits that I bought and have been saving.
Fox has always been an overly affectionate and loving child (in a beautiful way). So I'm enjoying all the random hugs, kisses and "I love yous" that I can get!!! It makes me sad to think our summer with him is half way over already!
One month from today, we embark on our big family vacation to Gulf Shores, AL. We're so excited to see him enjoy making sand castles and frolicking on the beach. The countdown will begin SOON.
And one Fox Funny before I log out for the evening.....the other day when I woke him to get ready for camp, I asked him, "Fox do you want to stay home or go to camp today?", knowing I'd get a rise out of him. He quickly replied, "I want to stay home". FLOORED me 'cos I was SURE that would NEVER be an option for him. Then he hopped up out of bed and said, "I'm just JOKING, I'm going to camp!!!". Kid got me. We both giggled.
He's really into telling jokes, some that he reads from his magazines and some that he makes up (and cause you to fake a laugh). I wish my Grandpa Kenny were here to share joke time with him. My Grandpa loved calling me with silly jokes when I was a kid.
Speaking of grandparents, Grandma K has already asked for Fox one day to go on a field trip with her and the girls when they are in from NY later this month. He will miss a day of camp for cousin field trip time, which he is OK with. His cousin, Elise, things he hung the moon! They will have a good time.
The only other major observation of Fox this summer is that he LOVES LOVES LOVES his magazine subscriptions to Highlights, Zoobooks, National Geographic Kids, Ranger Rick, etc. He reads the back when it says the next issue will be shipping and tells me it's coming THAT day. And when it doesn't arrive that day, he asks EVERY day until it arrives. When he came home Sunday after spending the weekend at his mommy's, he had THREE magazines waiting. Kevin said to me, "Fox is gonna have a cow when he sees this". Sure enough, he was uber excited. I love that he loves to read. He learns so much from them; and often reads to us.
Gotta run, his swim date, Preston, is here. Time for some more FUN............
Sunday, June 15, 2014
New format for Fox Funnies!
I decided to move my Fox blog over to an actual blog site; so I can post more than one photo, if applicable, when I share my Fox stories. Sometimes I have to write these things down so I don't forget them.
So this weekend Kevin and I had a wedding reception to attend on Friday. We normally don't go places Fox can't go with us (since we have him so little anyway it seems crazy to get a babysitter). But one of Kevin's co-workers got married in Gulf Shores in late May. And they hosted a reception Friday. We asked Grandma and Grandpa K to keep the kid overnight. They jumped at the chance.
My mom (aka Grandma) came over to pick Fox up Friday when he got home from day camp. We packed an overnight bag, his tablet and a couple Highlights magazines and they were off! Daddy and I had a very nice time at the wedding reception. We cut out of there around 9:30 pm and decided to make the best of our "hall pass" by checking out the new Hollywood Casino. En route to the casino, we decided to check in on the kid.
Apparently on the ride home Grandma decided to make conversation with Fox by asking him a few questions about camp. To which Fox politely reminded her, "Grandma, I'm trying to read my magazine". (I don't know where he gets this from!!!). She took the hint and went about driving. A small while later (still in the car) she asks him a few more questions and he promptly told her, "Grandma!, we're playing the quiet game!". She said she almost swallowed her teeth trying not to laugh at his attempts to shut her up. Kevin and I busted a gut as she relayed the story to us. Truth is, there are times when we get in a car and the kid won't hush up. So I tell him "let's play the quiet game". Usually it's when road conditions are bad and Kevin and I are otherwise stressed and he's rattling on and on. But we've never had him say it back to us or hear of him repeating it until now. Out of the mouths of babes...............
Mom went on to say that she put him in the tub and he was watching Curious George in the back bedroom at the time we called. He'd eaten a good dinner of Mac and Cheese and was being very good.
So, we hung up, parked our car in Valet and went on about our business at the Casino. I think by the time we got home and I got to bed it was like 2 am. Not being a spring chicken anymore, it took me till noon on Saturday to wake up and even longer to actually motivate. But we had to go to my folks house in Florissant to pick the kid up; and decided to stick around and acknowledge Father's Day while we were there.
The plan was to arrive late afternoon/early evening, have a meal off the grill and just hang out in their backyard enjoying the mild temps and gorgeous day. That we did!
By the time we arrived, Grandpa was working his magic on the grill. Kev and I had stopped along the way to pick up some miscellaneous items and hit the Hallmark for Father's Day cards. During our stop in Schnucks, Kevin found a $15 starter hockey kit for kids that included two sticks and a round ball (in lieu of a puck). We decided to grab it for Fox with the hope that he would use it and play outdoors more. To our delight, he took to it immediately at Grandma and Grandpas, playing in their back yard with Daddy. He tries to stand like he shoots left but he's a rightie. So we had to help him with that a little. Otherwise he had a great time playing with his daddy all afternoon.
At one point in the day we were discussing the changing seasons as a group. I commented that it's no longer April Showers bring May flowers but June showers bring ?????. Without skipping a beat Fox replied enthusiastically, "PILGRIMS!!!". That's our Fox....ever literal. You say Mayflower, he says Pilgrims!!! Grandma and Grandpa were so stunned at how he connected the two that they couldn't stop laughing! You never know where a conversation will go with this child. He keeps things interesting, that's for sure!
Since I forgot to send the strawberries (that we picked and froze a couple weeks ago) with Grandma on Friday, I remember to take them with us Saturday....along with shortcakes, whipped topping and a batch of brownies that Kevin whipped up. Grandpa and Fox were craving strawberries.
For dinner we feasted on Barbeque: pork steaks, hot Italian sausage, brat burgers and hamburgers. We also had corn on the cob, baked potatoes and salad.
After indulging in a delicious meal, we relaxed on the patio while letting our food settle. Fox decided to take a hockey break and read his new Highlights magazines. He, Daddy and Grandpa perused the latest issues until Fox decided to get a pen and play the "Find the Hidden Objects" puzzles in one of them. He asked Grandpa to help him. It was fun to watch the two of them search for different things. But Grandpa was quickly schooled in how Fox operates. Fox got rather perturbed with Grandpa for going out of proper order. Grandpa was finding carrots when clearly the next word on the list was banana. Didn't Grandpa know he should be looking for a banana and that he was skipping ahead by finding the carrot? SERIOUSLY, our child jumped up out of his seat, arms flailing and got completely and utterly exasperated with Grandpa's lack of attention. I was having one HELL of a time watching Grandpa react to Fox. For all 48 years of my life it's ALWAYS been Grandpas way....and now comes this 10 year old trying to call the shots. WORTH.THE.PRICE.OF.ADMISSION. Hilarity ensued and Grandpa relented to doing things Fox's way after he'd been TOLD! Entertainment at it's FINEST.
I had some band issues that caused me to take a while longer than normal to eat. So when everyone else was finished Grandma cleaned up while I watched the Fox and Grandpa show and tried to finish my meal.
A while later, the natives (Fox and Grandpa) were getting restless for their strawberries. Dessert time it was. Grandma served shortcake for Grandpa and a brownie covered in strawberries and whipped cream for Fox. I had mine with a brownie versus shortcake, too and Mom had just a brownie. I don't even remember if Kevin chose a dessert. I think he was too full from feasting on BBQ.
It was such a nice day, mild temps, sunshine, perfect for just kicking back in the old neighborhood and taking in the simple pleasures. We watched Fox discover the sheer delight in spotting fireflies; and we explained to him how we used to catch them and put them in jars. When we were kids there were way more fireflies than we saw last night (a mere few). Catching them back then wasn't a challenge, it was commonplace. Nothing more fun that teaching your child the things you used to do as a child.
When it got a little darker, Grandpa broke out his flashlight and decided to set the mood for ghost stories. Fox got TOTALLY into it. I've never seen him pay such close attention, literally! But he kept interrupting Grandpa's stories till Grandpa finally gave in and handed the flashlight to Fox. He started with a short ghost story.
And then decided to make up another story which ended up being MUCH longer due to the "ums" throughout. HA HA HA.
Soon, the daddy's were getting tired and the kid was yawning....although he SWEARS he was not tired (LOL). So we packed it up and headed home to St. Charles where Daddy and Fox turned in shortly thereafter and I was awake till after 1 am, AGAIN?!
As we were leaving Mom and Dad's the STRANGEST thing happened. Fox and Kevin walked out before me and as I was headed out their front door (which was open), I heard a chirp and felt something graze the inside of my right ankle. I kinda freaked out and dad joked that it was a mouse. I was about to crap my pants (I HATE mice) when Mom said, "No, it's a BIRD". Sure enough a baby bird (that clearly didn't know how to fly yet) had gotten INTO the foyer and had to be shoo'ed out again. It was rather disturbing for us and I'm sure traumatizing for the baby bird. NEVER a dull moment. Mom and Dad said that was a first time in 48 years in that house that a bird had gotten in. CRAZY.
So here it is Sunday, the actual Father's Day. I am documenting the weekend before I forget it. My CRS is getting worse by the day. Kevin has already managed to fill the pool and get the filter going. Soon we'll be able to enjoy it fully. He's also been to Lowe's, Schnucks and Walgreens and is now downstairs watching his beloved NASCAR race. Later he plans to throw some food on the grill for dinner while Fox plays hockey outside some more. I'm getting ready to do some work (never enough hours in the work week to get done what's expected to be done so I'm playing catch up). Overall a simple, relaxing and FUN weekend. Like every Sunday evening, I feel it was too short and Monday is creeping up on us again.
We've given Kevin his Father's Day cards and are going to the Cardinals Social Media night on Tuesday for his celebration. Should be a fun time for all.
http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/stl/ticketing/group_theme.jsp?loc=socialmedianight
Wishing all the Dad's out there an equally peaceful day. XOXOXO
Lori
So this weekend Kevin and I had a wedding reception to attend on Friday. We normally don't go places Fox can't go with us (since we have him so little anyway it seems crazy to get a babysitter). But one of Kevin's co-workers got married in Gulf Shores in late May. And they hosted a reception Friday. We asked Grandma and Grandpa K to keep the kid overnight. They jumped at the chance.
My mom (aka Grandma) came over to pick Fox up Friday when he got home from day camp. We packed an overnight bag, his tablet and a couple Highlights magazines and they were off! Daddy and I had a very nice time at the wedding reception. We cut out of there around 9:30 pm and decided to make the best of our "hall pass" by checking out the new Hollywood Casino. En route to the casino, we decided to check in on the kid.
Apparently on the ride home Grandma decided to make conversation with Fox by asking him a few questions about camp. To which Fox politely reminded her, "Grandma, I'm trying to read my magazine". (I don't know where he gets this from!!!). She took the hint and went about driving. A small while later (still in the car) she asks him a few more questions and he promptly told her, "Grandma!, we're playing the quiet game!". She said she almost swallowed her teeth trying not to laugh at his attempts to shut her up. Kevin and I busted a gut as she relayed the story to us. Truth is, there are times when we get in a car and the kid won't hush up. So I tell him "let's play the quiet game". Usually it's when road conditions are bad and Kevin and I are otherwise stressed and he's rattling on and on. But we've never had him say it back to us or hear of him repeating it until now. Out of the mouths of babes...............
Mom went on to say that she put him in the tub and he was watching Curious George in the back bedroom at the time we called. He'd eaten a good dinner of Mac and Cheese and was being very good.
So, we hung up, parked our car in Valet and went on about our business at the Casino. I think by the time we got home and I got to bed it was like 2 am. Not being a spring chicken anymore, it took me till noon on Saturday to wake up and even longer to actually motivate. But we had to go to my folks house in Florissant to pick the kid up; and decided to stick around and acknowledge Father's Day while we were there.
The plan was to arrive late afternoon/early evening, have a meal off the grill and just hang out in their backyard enjoying the mild temps and gorgeous day. That we did!
By the time we arrived, Grandpa was working his magic on the grill. Kev and I had stopped along the way to pick up some miscellaneous items and hit the Hallmark for Father's Day cards. During our stop in Schnucks, Kevin found a $15 starter hockey kit for kids that included two sticks and a round ball (in lieu of a puck). We decided to grab it for Fox with the hope that he would use it and play outdoors more. To our delight, he took to it immediately at Grandma and Grandpas, playing in their back yard with Daddy. He tries to stand like he shoots left but he's a rightie. So we had to help him with that a little. Otherwise he had a great time playing with his daddy all afternoon.
At one point in the day we were discussing the changing seasons as a group. I commented that it's no longer April Showers bring May flowers but June showers bring ?????. Without skipping a beat Fox replied enthusiastically, "PILGRIMS!!!". That's our Fox....ever literal. You say Mayflower, he says Pilgrims!!! Grandma and Grandpa were so stunned at how he connected the two that they couldn't stop laughing! You never know where a conversation will go with this child. He keeps things interesting, that's for sure!
Since I forgot to send the strawberries (that we picked and froze a couple weeks ago) with Grandma on Friday, I remember to take them with us Saturday....along with shortcakes, whipped topping and a batch of brownies that Kevin whipped up. Grandpa and Fox were craving strawberries.
For dinner we feasted on Barbeque: pork steaks, hot Italian sausage, brat burgers and hamburgers. We also had corn on the cob, baked potatoes and salad.
After indulging in a delicious meal, we relaxed on the patio while letting our food settle. Fox decided to take a hockey break and read his new Highlights magazines. He, Daddy and Grandpa perused the latest issues until Fox decided to get a pen and play the "Find the Hidden Objects" puzzles in one of them. He asked Grandpa to help him. It was fun to watch the two of them search for different things. But Grandpa was quickly schooled in how Fox operates. Fox got rather perturbed with Grandpa for going out of proper order. Grandpa was finding carrots when clearly the next word on the list was banana. Didn't Grandpa know he should be looking for a banana and that he was skipping ahead by finding the carrot? SERIOUSLY, our child jumped up out of his seat, arms flailing and got completely and utterly exasperated with Grandpa's lack of attention. I was having one HELL of a time watching Grandpa react to Fox. For all 48 years of my life it's ALWAYS been Grandpas way....and now comes this 10 year old trying to call the shots. WORTH.THE.PRICE.OF.ADMISSION. Hilarity ensued and Grandpa relented to doing things Fox's way after he'd been TOLD! Entertainment at it's FINEST.
I had some band issues that caused me to take a while longer than normal to eat. So when everyone else was finished Grandma cleaned up while I watched the Fox and Grandpa show and tried to finish my meal.
A while later, the natives (Fox and Grandpa) were getting restless for their strawberries. Dessert time it was. Grandma served shortcake for Grandpa and a brownie covered in strawberries and whipped cream for Fox. I had mine with a brownie versus shortcake, too and Mom had just a brownie. I don't even remember if Kevin chose a dessert. I think he was too full from feasting on BBQ.
It was such a nice day, mild temps, sunshine, perfect for just kicking back in the old neighborhood and taking in the simple pleasures. We watched Fox discover the sheer delight in spotting fireflies; and we explained to him how we used to catch them and put them in jars. When we were kids there were way more fireflies than we saw last night (a mere few). Catching them back then wasn't a challenge, it was commonplace. Nothing more fun that teaching your child the things you used to do as a child.
When it got a little darker, Grandpa broke out his flashlight and decided to set the mood for ghost stories. Fox got TOTALLY into it. I've never seen him pay such close attention, literally! But he kept interrupting Grandpa's stories till Grandpa finally gave in and handed the flashlight to Fox. He started with a short ghost story.
Soon, the daddy's were getting tired and the kid was yawning....although he SWEARS he was not tired (LOL). So we packed it up and headed home to St. Charles where Daddy and Fox turned in shortly thereafter and I was awake till after 1 am, AGAIN?!
As we were leaving Mom and Dad's the STRANGEST thing happened. Fox and Kevin walked out before me and as I was headed out their front door (which was open), I heard a chirp and felt something graze the inside of my right ankle. I kinda freaked out and dad joked that it was a mouse. I was about to crap my pants (I HATE mice) when Mom said, "No, it's a BIRD". Sure enough a baby bird (that clearly didn't know how to fly yet) had gotten INTO the foyer and had to be shoo'ed out again. It was rather disturbing for us and I'm sure traumatizing for the baby bird. NEVER a dull moment. Mom and Dad said that was a first time in 48 years in that house that a bird had gotten in. CRAZY.
So here it is Sunday, the actual Father's Day. I am documenting the weekend before I forget it. My CRS is getting worse by the day. Kevin has already managed to fill the pool and get the filter going. Soon we'll be able to enjoy it fully. He's also been to Lowe's, Schnucks and Walgreens and is now downstairs watching his beloved NASCAR race. Later he plans to throw some food on the grill for dinner while Fox plays hockey outside some more. I'm getting ready to do some work (never enough hours in the work week to get done what's expected to be done so I'm playing catch up). Overall a simple, relaxing and FUN weekend. Like every Sunday evening, I feel it was too short and Monday is creeping up on us again.
We've given Kevin his Father's Day cards and are going to the Cardinals Social Media night on Tuesday for his celebration. Should be a fun time for all.
http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/stl/ticketing/group_theme.jsp?loc=socialmedianight
Wishing all the Dad's out there an equally peaceful day. XOXOXO
Lori
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