All I can say about this week is WHHHEEEEEW! It sort of started when Alicia left us Saturday night for her brother’s wedding in California. She returned late on Tuesday. That left me and the boys to fend for ourselves Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday with school starting on Monday.

I was absolutely amazed at how the boys completely got up and got ready for church on Sunday, even Ethan dressed himself no kidding. They even got themselves breakfast and into the car. I was so impressed! They were so good at church also although did have to take Ethan for a while during his class. We went to bed early to get ready for what would prove to be a very crazy Monday.

Monday started at 5:30. Nick woke me (as usual) and we made lunches. Nick usually has them practically finished by the time Alicia or I help. Nick was off to school at about 6:40. Then Ben and Gordon ate and left leaving Ethan and I.

Ethan and I ate and got ready for his school orientation at 9. We went and met up with other parents we know. We came home after and played, talked a lot and he took a nap. We danced, played games, and I read from ‘cinderella’ (a book he picked out). Later we went to the Doctor for a regular school checkup. He passed. He did, however, have to get shots in both legs. He is so great, just talking and talking then, shaking a little, but no crying. Ethan gets mad when he hurts, rarely does he ever cry. I bought some Motrin but he was hopping around all day proud of his matching bandaids on his thighs.

Soon after Ethan and I came home we got a call. Nick had missed the bus. So I went and picked him up.

After the boys came home we talked a lot about their first day and ate salsa and chips. Nick had homework. “What mathematical symbol represents you best?” He picked the “dot” or “decimal point” or “multiplication point.” Later when he made his presentation kids laughed as his “I love to eat 3.174″ statement, which had to be something that relates why you are that symbol.

Ben is beloved by his teachers and friends. He had a great first day and we learned from Grandpa (who works there now) that Ben has a reputation among the teachers for being the top reader in the school and that they have had in a long time. It must be that great big wonderful head of his. Holds lots of words.

Gordon’s bus driver is now his assistant teacher. He says he looooves Mrs. A because she gives then a treat everyday before they leave (but I am sure there are many other reasons as well). Gordon continues to win friends from the young and old crowd with his killer smile and personality.

We had a simple dinner “fondue style” where we all had forks and ate out of a bowl. We had some meat cooked up in there. I made bread sometime that day also.

Tuesday was more routine. Ethan and I played all day. Ya know, I love being a dad. We even made it, although late, to playgroup. Ethan limped a little from the stiff legs, but we had a blast knocking over towers, reading, and visiting with friends and other moms. We went to McDonald’s. A nice guy gave Ethan an extra prize.

After the kids came home we did homework, relaxed and went to eat at Cici’s pizza, which the boys loved. We came home, played D&D with neighborhood boys (like most every Tuesday), and did a little final cleaning of the home and went to bed. Mom came home later. I stayed up to greet her even though she literally went straight to sleep (without a hug even, heh).

We all missed Mom, but are happy she could go see her brother. At one point we all talked about how lonely it would be if Mom just were never around. We did not talk about that long. She is so precious. We love her.