On Monday, we met friends at a very new and fun park.
On Tuesday, we went out to breakfast, saw the Lego Movie, spent a little time in the Lego store and a lot of time in the bookstore with each child spending allowance on a book.
On Wednesday, all the kids played at a friends house in the morning. In the afternoon, we went to the zoo where C and H attended the Wild Science Academy and little C and I played at the zoo and took the train around the zoo.
On Thursday, we met friends at South Mountain and went for a hike. Cameron took a friend and they were impatient with our slow speed. Without discussing it with me first, they took off and completed the trail by themselves. I wasn't sure they knew the way, so when we got back to the start/end, and they weren't there, I assumed they were lost. I left the younger kids with my friend and ran around looking for the older boys. After searching possible trails they could be on for about 1/2 an hour, I called the park ranger and started to run toward the car to look there as well as in the other direction. And there they were at the car, patiently waiting. I had thought to go to the car first, but in my head it did not make sense they would not meet me at the start/end of the trial. C said they waited at the start/end for 10 minutes then walked to the car where they had been waiting for 56 minutes. Neither boy could understand that what they did was wrong. After the hike, we went to tour the Mystery Castle.
On Friday, we drove to Tucson. We camped while Chuck competed in a three day stage race. We settled into camp, got some wind and rain while doing so, but it didn't last long. Friday's race was the time trial. Chuck's buddy and teammate also went with his family who has kids close to the same age as ours. The kids played around the campsite, occasionally getting in a fight with a cactus but never fighting with each other. We went to dinner and called it a day.
On Saturday, Chuck left for his road race and we went to the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum. Christian complained a lot about being tired and wanted me to carry him. Cameron, once again, was frustrated by our slower pace and often charged on ahead. Thankfully, some bribing with ice cream got us through the day. For dinner, we went to our favorite restaurant in Tucson, Beyond Bread.
Chuck and I got dessert at Beyond Bread and saved it for after the kids were in bed. We sat outside under the clear skies and full moon. But once we settled in for the night, the wind started to blow and blow and blow. Chuck said he was not worried, but at one point in the night, I asked if there was a tornado outside. It was totally ridiculous and I did not sleep at all until it finally stopped around 3 or 4am. Chuck got up early to head to his circuit race. Once he got back, we packed up and drove home. For the exception of an attitude here or there, the weekend was pretty successful. As well as the week. But I sure am glad they are back in school!
