Our first two days in California:

Friday we adjusted well to the weather. Though it started out a bit overcast, it brightened nicely. The boys played quite a bit with one of the big box of toys Grandma and Papa keep for them. Right after a quick snack around noon, Papa Bishop took them to a BIG McDonald's play area. It's inside, dry and the right temperature and a hot bed of kid activity. Caleb likes going and finding kids to interact with, "friends" he calls them. They played for a very long time, until Joshy just couldn't take it any more because he was so tired. That's a good day when you've played until you fall asleep.

While this was going on, I went out with my mom to do some errands she needed to get done.

The evening wrapped up with a dip in the hot tub. Joshy did really well. He didn't really move around the hot tub, rather just stayed in one spot and played and splashed, but he did so with confidence and joy. Caleb played and can walk on the bottom of the hot tub so he is a decent fish in this puddle of water. We played until the night rain began dropping cold drips on our heads and shoulders. Then we raced to the showers, then Pjs, a quick cuddle and good night to Grandma and Papa. Then it was off to bed.

Saturday, was a bit of a slow start but once we got going we hit the ground running. Papa took us to Chuck E. Cheese (code name: Rat Pizza). We didn't get any food, in fact, we packed a small lunch with us. But the kids didn't sit down a moment in over an hour, so they didn't miss the food or lack there of. Joshy is getting more independent and trying things himself, or insisting on doing it himself. Caleb is also insisting that Joshy doesn't get to help him. We didn't even use up the whole $10 that I cashed into tokens, and with that fact, the reality is that we will return later this week for more fun. And perhaps during the week will be less crazy, people packed and more relaxed.

After Rat Pizza, was naps with the promise that the bike/tricycle would be brought out when they awoke. And true to the promise, I got them out of the shed and swept the patio so they were able to ride around. They do laps around the patio set. Joshy is still just a might short to get the power to push in his legs, but he'll get there. Caleb is off and zooming.

The kids ate a good dinner for the third night in a row, of course it was the same hit that we experienced on Thursday. Chicken Alfredo. When they clean their plates, fast without arguements or cajoling, you have to stick with a hit and keep serving it. I'm in complete shock that they have eaten their meals so well without a battle. I hope it continues.

Grandma Bishop set Caleb up on her computer to play games. And she switched games for him ever time he asked. He had quite a good time Matching, repeating patterns, listening and following instructions. He did very well and played for quite a long time.

Caleb wasn't so thrilled about going to bed, and he had to call Daddy. He told Daddy he missed him, which I'm sure was true... But Caleb was trying to manipulate the situation and try to stay up, hoping that Daddy would change Mommy's rules. Not gonna happen kiddo. You're tired and whiny, and frankly, I don't want to be around that attitude, so even more reason why I stick to my "go to bed" guns.

The kids have been behaving so good, more than ever at home, and it has been so nice, but I'm seeing signs of a tide changing. Sigh. It was so nice while it lasted.

Well, we aren't entirely decided on a plan for today. I'm hoping that it is dry enough for a park, maybe one big enough to keep the boys busy for a while, or one that has a flat paved area for them to ride their bikes even more. We'll see.

Grandma Bishop is in school today. I told that to Joshy and he said "Grandma a big boy? Pee in potty?" I had to laugh and say yes, she gets to go to school because she uses the potty... since that is what we've convinced him he has to do in order to go to preschool. Ahh, the minds of children.