Expectation vs. Reality

(This post somehow got "lost" and I just found it - a mystery to me!)

I had this dream.  A dream of taking both of the boys "somewhere" and having fun.  What I mean by fun is "Mommy can have FUN as well."  The boys have fun where ever we go - mainly because I'm an endless goofball and persevere Griswold style (You know, "WE WILL HAVE FUN.")  Yes, I do this in the grocery store as well.

Or Lowe's . . . . and try to take horrible pictures of my boys being cute.  Why can't they smile at the same time UGH.



It goes without saying that I should lower my expectations but honestly there are times that they trick me with their awesomeness.  And, let's be honest, my boys are seriously awesome.  But they are ALSO incredibly full of energy and too smart for their own good!  Oh, and stubborn.  No clue where all of THAT came from . . . *ahem ME ahem*

We have already missed some events this year that I wanted to make an "annual" thing.  Part of me is disappointed but a larger and louder part of myself assures my future self that next year will be even better!  No stroller!  No diapers!  More verbal communication from Tobias Rex!  And shinier with more colors and . . .  wait.  Yea, well, a girl can dream.  Most of those will totes come true.  Riiiiight?!

Expectation of a day at the beach?  Well, it was actually more guarded than reality!  The boys had a WONDERFUL time (thanks mostly to the awesome Demers clan - whom enabled me to enjoy some of the trip and also go paddleboarding!)

This weekend is the Pirate Festival.  Ethan is incredibly excited so hopefully all will go well!  Wish me luck!  YAR!

YARRRR (take 2)

Maybe it is the OCD part of me, but having consistent and recurring events to attend appeals to me.  Reality kicks in though when you are wrassling (RAS-ling) an almost 2 year old and a 4 1/2 year old.  And while Ethan has moments of brilliant cooperation and helpfulness . . . well . . . toddler-hood is more like a roller coaster than a stroll in the park.

Ahem.

We ventured to Vergennes (AGAIN!!) for the annual Pirate Festival!  We actually had a great time - although I suspect that next year they will have even MORE fun.  A lot of the activities are definitely geared more toward older (more compliant) children but I think just the concept really gets my rascals fired up.  I was predictably run ragged chasing, cajoling, snuggling and placating.  But that was my job.  Memory making is hard business on the parents - all fun for the kids.  Just the way it SHOULD be (although please tell me it gets a *smidge* easier?)

Just as we entered we encountered . . .  THE KRAKEN!!!!

Toby was unsure what to make of this beast.

Ethan; however, wanted to be friends.

But then proceeded to shoot balls into its mouth.

There were a lot of great games for younger kids.

Although Toby seemed a bit overwhelmed by it all!

Ethan introduced himself to all the pirates.

Toby running after big brudder.

Stepping onto the dock!

Cheeeeese.

 

 

 

 

 

Alllllll aboard!

Ethan received instruction on manning the wheel!  He was a natural ;)

Learning all about how they loaded heavy cargo and stones onto the ships.

Toby was not impressed.

Nope, not at all.

Pirate's booty!

D'awwww.

Decorating his "Pirate's Chest!"

Continues to be unimpressed.

But he did find me a sequin!  Wooohooo!

Almost all done!  A master of glue . . .

100% done by Ethan :)

Posing with the Jolly Roger!

Ambidextrous coloring.  Kid got skillz!

Snack time and showing off his pirate's friend the parrot (or Macaw.)

Couldn't leave out Rockin' Ron the Friendly Pirate now could we?  Ethan sat enthralled the whole show.  Toby?  Well, I got my aerobic exercise chasing the lil' bugger.  Wily like a true pirate.