This weekend was tons of fun! We got to see an old friend briefly on Friday night, and man did it take me back to the days before children… what a blast from the past! Dave is such a genuine, funny, endearing person, and it was a breath of fresh air to see him (though we did miss his wife and kids… next time). On Saturday morning before the sun came up he and Andrew were off to a conference. The boys woke up asking where “Mr. Dave” was, so sweet.
And while we always miss Andrew when he’s out of town, this weekend was such a busy and fun one that the time flew. We participated in the circus-themed Greentree parade and festival with the boys’ school and enjoyed beautiful sunny cool weather, a nice long walk, passing out candy, and dressing as mimes, clowns, strong men, and magicians, among other things. It felt good to be part of this community event and stood proud for our school, which we love so much! The people make the place, yes they do. 
Emil stole the show with those pants, that hat, the barbell, and of course, that face. Milo’s friends enjoyed punching him in the big pillow-belly, and Oliver was a convincing (and sweaty) magician. They each owned their characters so well!
After the parade, we paraded all the way back to our car, at which point the boys collapsed in a heap for the car ride home while I rallied them for their impending circus class that afternoon. It’s not a typical schedule for us… usually we give them the morning to themselves for free play and down time and circus class is the only obligation they have, one hour out of a day full of playing in the sunshine of our living room or running amok at our neighborhood green space and playground, an hour they thoroughly enjoy to boot. I am often amazed by how much some families find themselves doing after school or on the weekends, how many activities, clubs, sports, etc. they rush around to. Not that this way of life is necessarily bad, it’s just not for us. What ended up happening with Emil was exactly what I would expect with any four-year-old; he was exhausted to the point of hyper, crazy behavior, and had to sit out during part of his circus class because he was being silly, not listening, and generally had just had enough. I was very close to pulling him out of class completely, but instead talked with his instructors and assured them that next week he would arrive well-rested and ready to listen! 
Since Emil and Oliver are in one level and Milo is in another, they have separate classes. Usually we divide and conquer during these times, but on the rare occasion that Milo must tag along, he certainly makes the best use of his time. This time he worked on some light tumbling (they’re not allowed to do the more advanced stuff unless an instructor is present) and hula-hooping. He got up to five going at once, which is five more than I can keep going!
Sunday was all their own. They spent most of it building forts while the cool breeze flowed through our open windows, and running around in our front yard, climbing the ever-growing redbud tree and catching crickets for their toads. It was a good weekend. I hope yours was too.
I was bummed to miss you guys, too! Definitely next time. 🙂