When Mom's away . . .

. . . Dad appreciates Mom even more.

Sam went to Girls Camp this week. Gideon, Maxwell, and Denali came to play with us while Sam was away. So, I learned what it's like to take care of six children. I'm looking forward to Sam's return tomorrow. 😁 But we had a lot of fun!

I made a few crepes in preparation for the arrival of Gideon, Maxwell, and Denali.

Sam made rice crispy treats for the kids before she left for camp.

I asked if they wanted small pieces or big pieces. They all wanted big pieces, so I obliged. They couldn't finish their pieces.

We played outside with the neighborhood children on the first evening. Here's Maxwell trying to fit into the cozy coupe.

Yesterday we went to Cherry Hill to play in the water.

Sara, Ari, and Ari's girlfriend, Bella, joined us at Cherry Hill, which was very helpful to me.

Douglas, Gideon, and Maxwell going down Kodiak Canyon:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xnUHYtWUa8M

Gideon loved the ride:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NXo8D42rk9Q

Diana

We went to Johnny Rockets to fill our hungry stomachs after playing in the water for five hours.

Diana had to use the bathroom while we were at the restaurant. This is the song that was playing in the bathroom (Diana smiled when she heard her name repeatedly):

Lyrics:

I'm so young and you're so old

This, my darling, I've been told

I don't care just what they say

'Cause forever I will pray

You and I will be as free

As the birds up in the trees

Oh, please stay by me, Diana

Thrills I get when you hold me close

Oh, my darling, you're the most

I love you but do you love me?

Oh, Diana, can't you see?

I love you with all my heart

And I hope we will never part

Oh, please stay with me, Diana

Oh, my darlin', oh, my lover

Tell me that there is no other

I love you with my heart

Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Only you can-a take my heart

Only you can-a tear it apart

When you hold me in your loving arms

I can feel you givin' all your charms

Hold me, darling, hold me tight

Squeeze me baby with all your might

Oh, please stay with me, Diana

Oh, please, Diana

Oh, please, Diana

Oh, please, Diana

Diana dancing to Mama Hen:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fgBruq4kxGE

Maxwell and Douglas went to bed playing Rook and woke up playing Rook.

This afternoon I took the kids to an indoor rock climbing place. Here they are listening to some instructions.

We were fortunate. Our slot was from 1-2pm, but nobody showed up after 2pm. So, the employees let us climb for another hour for free.

Penny jumping off the rock wall:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/r7IjtoMJUEA

Denali

Diana

Gideon

Maxwell went way up high on a few of the walls.

Maxwell

Maxwell taking a break to read Asterix.

Penny's climbing pose.

Maxwell, Gideon, Penny, Diana, Douglas, Denali

Gideon showing his guns.

We stopped near our home on the way back to pick up pizza and a few items at the grocery store. Maxwell noticed this barbershop.

This evening we all helped clean up and the kids watched part of "A Bug's Life" before we took Gideon, Maxwell, and Denali back home.

Notice the sunburn on Douglas's shoulders and back? This may have been the first time I've ever put sunblock on children. I know I did a good job getting them all smothered before we left for Cherry Hill, but I did not re-apply at any point during the day and Douglas doesn't have the nice, dark skin Penny and Diana have. Oops.

Good times with great family!