Four kids + two kids = chaos

Four kids + two kids = chaos
By Allan Olson
It was a fun but chaotic weekend as we entertained two extra kids – or should I say, our kids entertained them.
Earlier in the week we were asked if we could watch my cousin’s kids while they went back to their old house to finish cleaning it out. Since we didn’t have any plans, we readily agreed. They showed up on Friday night with their two kids and some beverages for the adults.
We sat around the table and played some games and visited while enjoying a beverage or two, and finally hit the hay somewhere around midnight. On Saturday morning, both my wife and I were awake shortly after 6 a.m. Even on a weekend, I can’t manage to sleep in. After catching up on a show we had recorded, it was time to feed our guests.
They left just before 9 a.m., officially leaving us in charge of their two kids, ages 7 and 4. Our plans for the day included taking the kids to a movie. My wife decided that if our kids had saved enough change to take their two guests to the movies, then we would go (since dad actually wanted to see a movie – Mr. Peabody and Sherman. Mom counted up all the change they had stored on Friday evening and discovered that they did indeed have enough. I told them we would pay for our own tickets, and mom even bought them some treats at the theater.
After lunch we made everyone take an hour time-out just to settle down before heading off to the big screen. We had no idea what to expect when taking two extra kids to the theater. I was expecting a few extra potty breaks or maybe just a kid or two getting antsy and wanting to move around. We arrived about 20 minutes before the movie started, secured our tickets and snacks, and made a mandatory visit to the bathroom so we could hopefully avoid any such trips during the show. The movie was a laugh, with many jokes for adults and kids, and best of all, the kids were perfect angels – none of them needing to get up, they didn’t need to be told sit still, be quiet or anything else! It made for an excellent theater experience.
After the movie, we headed for home. The kids played outside while supper was being made. We had decided that morning that it was going to be early bed times for the kids, and at 8:15 I started sending them off to bed. Everyone was settled in and covered up by 8:30, and when I checked on them at 9:00, I found complete silence (except for the snoring).
We didn’t have any plans for Sunday, and managed to sleep in until 7 a.m. Once risen, we enjoyed apple and banana scones for breakfast and let the kids continue playing. They decided they wanted to play outside that morning, so I told them to stay in the yard and not go down the road. They promised they would be playing in the backyard. I was watching a show, and then about 20 minutes later I jumped up and ran to the window in a panic to check on them, after I realized that I didn’t tell them to stay off the shed. Thankfully, I didn’t see anyone jumping off the shed roof. In fact, I didn’t see anyone at all. I was starting to put my boots on to go find them when Nikolai said he could see them in the backyard – just as they promised. Then they came and asked if they could go down the road and slide down the hill. I agreed, but they would have to wait for me to get my outdoor clothes on to supervise. So, with the temperature sitting at a comfy one-above-zero, we all headed out to play on the road. I helped a couple kids slide down the road, but with it being partially covered in ice and gravel from the recent thaw, the going was tough. Eventually we headed back in. The kids chose a route through the woods, but I could see them from the road. A few of them played outside a while longer, climbing on fallen trees in the woods and playing a game.
Our guests’ parents showed up around 4 p.m., and while the kids while happy to see them, they weren’t happy they had to go home. Apparently two full days of playing was just not enough. Marcus wished for a big snowstorm so they could stay longer.
Someday soon, we plan to repay the favor and drop our four kids off at their home and, hopefully, my wife and I can escape somewhere for a day.
Plans for this weekend will probably include cleaning the kids’ bedrooms – again! I would sure like to see some warmer weather to melt the ice from my driveway.
Please be safe while fishing this season, and remember to take a picture to preserve a lifetime of memories. Also, please watch out for the buses that are transporting our children, and remember to drive safely. Thanks for reading, and have a great week! For more of my columns visit: http://allan-crazykids.blogspot.com


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