I blogged about all that is soccer, but I didn't talk about my awesome day with my kids. So here is my ordinary awesome day with my kids... I had to travel across the state today for work. My work would be brief and the driving long. I decided not to pay a sitter today and to take my kids with me on their first full day of summer.

I didn't tell my family at work, I just had the Hubby meet me at the gas station with the kids after I stopped in the office. I picked up my coffee and the kids and we were off on another adventure. I LOVE to go on adventures with my kids. The three of us get a sparkle in our eyes when we realize it is just us against the world. I explained to them that they were with me but that we wouldn't talk about it with my brothers with whom I work. I think they would ultimately be fine with it -- but annoyed perhaps at my lack of professionalism in bringing my 9 and 10 year olds with me on client visits. The visits were brief and the information to share minimal. I didn't feel the need to be paying money our for a sitter when I'm broke like never before. I told the clients to ignore my kids -- that it was the first day of summer and to forgive me for being unprofessional.

I enjoyed the 2 hour drive each way because I was spending it with two very special people. We listened to "The Chronicles of Narnia" on CD and it was awesome! We are reading the books aloud and are on #4 Prince Caspian. I told the kids that we would only listen to stories that we have already read since I believe this huge CD set is an abridged version. WOW. We were all impressed on the quality of the production and how the sound effects added so much. Personally I would like a different voice for Aslan, but I've read these books so many times (a favorite escape of mine growing up!) that I might be a tad picky.

Sorry for the audio book review, I got off track! The kids were quiet and wonderful on our visits and I was thrilled. Behavior has been a huge issue lately and it wasn't at ALL today. We went and saw "Cars" after we drove home and they were angels there too! We got home and played 3 games of Clue. All was well until the kids played basketball -- but hey, who can expect a perfect day? I enjoyed our nearly perfect day. The kids are good, I am blessed.

I love these days when I have time alone with them to appreciate their conversation and imaginations. I am amazed. They are such wonders! Now if only the magical spell of the first day of summer can last! I got my shipment of Parenting with Love and Logic stuff and hope to brainwash myself into being a more effective parent. I just know that it will be difficult to survive the teen years. If I struggle to survive a soccer tryout how will I survive hearts broken by boyfriends and girlfriends. I admire my parents more every day!

(The photo is my Mom and my kids from a few years ago. My kids were both acting up as we walked back from the beach, and my Mom offered to walk ahead with them. I was so mad at the time I was glad to let her take them -- they'd been acting up. She walked on with them and just talked to them in her straightforward way about appropriate behavior. The listened and behaved. I thought, darn it all that would be a good picture when I saw her between them, so I unloaded my armload of towels, beach toys and bags, and got out the camera. I treasure this photo of her and them. I miss her. They do too.).