WL and Cole are 2 of my first cousins, but my being 14 and 17 when they were born respectively, I'm consider our relationship more like a aunt-nephew one. Anything they do or say just makes me want to spoil them relentlessly. So when Cole began to cry because he couldn't come to my house I knew it was time to have them over for the weekend.
These two had big plans and I think we delivered. Friday we went to downtown Jacksonville to show off my favorite bit of J'ville at night. We strolled by Friendship Fountain, walked underneath the renovated walkway, scaled the Matthew's bridge (halfway through Wl said, "Oh my gosh! I'm afraid of heights!"), enjoyed the Christmas Tree over at the Landing. When we walked along the wharf we heard chanting "10, 9, 8, 7..." and as we turned to look enormous fireworks shot off overhead! We didn't even know that was scheduled, just luckily stumbled across it. We sat on benches and watched, snug as three bugs in a rug :)
The next morning we slept in, watched a little Lego's Spinjitzu and had a big breakfast. (Graham: "Hey! You never feed me on Saturday mornings.") I helped the boys brush their teeth, comb their hair, put on deodorant and clean their ears- they looked and smelt so fresh and clean I couldn't quit kissing them. We left for the MOSH. The whole way there WL was just about to jump out from his seat, "Science and History are my favorite subjects!" The boys did every single thing in the Museum, including the Hurricane Simulator and a Planetarium showing a Laser show on Happy Holidays. We saw the animals, went through the severe weather exhibit and held crustaceans. They had a ball! The only reason we left was to grab a quick lunch.
Afterwards we went home and prepared for ice skating! Since I mentioned it about a week before the boys were thrilled ad kept bringing it up. I knew that I would be completely responsible for teaching them, as Graham refuses on principle to get on the ice, but I was so excited anyway. We went, laced up our shoes and spent the rest of the time holding on the the railings to scoot around. Sometimes the boys would let me grab their hand and take them into the center of the rink, but then I would feel guilty for the other brother being alone, so we would turn back. A few times I had both boys in my hands and would be responsible for yanking them up when their feet would slip out from under them. I was exhausted whenever we finished, my ankles throbbing from the pressure I applied as I pulled WL or Cole up from the ice. They were so cute in their little shoes though! They enjoyed going around though they did slip a few times. However, never again will I do it alone- it was incredibly vexing. But, since they are my babies I don't regret going for a minute.
That afternoon Graham left to go to a Gator game. We went to the Dollar Tree, played several board games (these kids! they love them! they wanted to play into all hours of the night!) and we watched movies. Snuggling with them with some snacks on hand is an eternal highlight of mine.
Sunday morning they were so excited to go to Church (awe, what a blessing). They looked like 2 angels with gel in their hand and sweet little bow ties on. They patiently sat in the pews and only became restless after about an hour. Whenever they began to lose it, I instructed WL to draw all of the ant species he could remember and I challenged Cole to multiple games of tic-tac-toe. I looked over one time and they had woven their fingers together to hold hands. My heart could have burst! They went on to class and had an enjoyable time.
Whenever we left church we packed up. They said they wanted to stay longer! But school was starting the next day and my energy was spent. We met up with my Grandma and Aunt where the boys were woken from their slumber. We finally parted ways.
It's very challenging for me not to be able to be with my family all the time. I miss gatherings and birthday parties and talks in church almost religiously. But I'm glad that when they can come visit there is much to do and lots of love between us. I'm being annoying sappy but whatever.
My friend Lindley has a bit on her blog called "Kid Quotes" which I decided to snag since these kids kept me laughing. So enjoy the words of a 6 & 9 year old!
Cole- "Knock, knock."
Lacey- "Who's there?"
Cole- "Banana split fart cheeks!"
*Walking on the boardwalk*
WL- "Cole! Come here! Right now! You'll get snatched!"
(Repeated 3 times)
Lacey- "Cole, no more jumping off the stage."
*Purposely tips himself over the edge and falls*
Cole- "Oops! I didn't try to! That wasn't on purpose!"
WL- "I'm grateful for my mom, my dad, ants, vultures, vegetation..."
*Discussing finding out about their new sister and how Cole wanted a boy*
Cole- "I wanted a junior. I wanted to name him Xbox TV Junior"
Graham- "The point of a junior is to name them after a person-"
Cole- "HUSH ABOUT MY JUNIOR!"
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I look so strung out, I can't stop laughing.  |
By the end of the weekend, they couldn't even last 1 hour in the car before falling asleep. Thanks for coming boys! I can't wait to have ya'll over again.
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