I usually have a great time playing silly games with Kari. Sometimes I am really tired after work and other times not so. But it is always fun just being around him. Kari is mostly always happy and his happiness is quite infectious.
One work/school morning after breakfast Kari asked if we could play with his water guns. I promised him that we would when we get home. Like many parents, I do my very best to keep all my promises and like some parents, I fail a few times. I feel terribly guilty when it happens so I'm doing my best to fulfill any promise I make to him. Kari actually helps because he has such a good memory and will not fail to remind me (in his own way).
After getting home and changing our clothes, he was ready. So I went ahead and filled two water guns with water and prepared for battle. He was waaay too slow for me (as you'll see) and so I took advantage of that and showered him. I did allow him to get me once or twice. In the end, we both had lots of fun. Maybe I did more than him.
A day after Kari's procedure at Boston Children's Hospital, we took a trip to the nearby park (Kari's request). When we arrived, we saw a lot of kids having a grand time. Some were playing football, sliding in the playground and some were playing in the water sprinklers. At first, the water sprinkler captured Kari's attention but he only wanted to watch and so we did that for a little while before moving on to another activity.
We went on the playground and used the slide for about 30 minutes before his curiosity could no longer be contained. And so, we moved closer and closer to the water sprinkler. Then I began thinking that we weren't really doing anything today and we were close to our apartment so why not satisfy his curiosity. I asked him if he wanted to go in and he said yeah and in we went.
I really had a good time (and so did Kari in case you were wondering). We experienced some unplanned fun time together. It proves that spontaneity is truly the spice or 'wetness' of life.
August 2, 2010 was an extraordinary day. It was deeply emotional and fun. While on Kari's medical trip in Boston, we met a wonderful family (Rene, Jane and Aaron Le Blanc)at the place we were staying (The Yawkee Family Inn). Their son, Aaron was there because he had a heart surgery. Aaron is 2 years old and was preparing for surgery #3. That knowledge alone was almost too much for me. Aaron is very smart, insightful and delightful. He and Kari became play buddies and did what came naturally to toddlers. Their playtime involves hoarding toys, then sharing toys (after prompts from parents), then hoarding toys, then sharing toys again. The cycle of toddler play.
We learned that Aaron's birthday was August 11 and his surgery was scheduled for August 4 so it was very likely that he would be in the hospital on his birthday. That is not a fun way for a 2 year old to spend his birthday. So Princess, Kari and I decided we would do something special for Aaron and his family. We would make him cupcakes. Very simple. We decided cupcakes because we learned that Aaron loves them (like most other toddlers I know). We asked around and found ingredients for our little venture and got started.
The experience of making the cupcakes was more than I could have hoped for. The Le Blancs joined us and it turned into a two family adventure. We all got to bond and strengthen our relationships with our boys (quality time) and learned to operate a mixer (Rene and I didn't have a clue and so Princess provided some valuable instructions).
Meeting and spending time with the Le Blancs was a pleasant experience and we believe we have formed a new friendship. As Princess says, "for kids, there is no cupcakes without sprinkles." The same way for adults, life is not meaningful without family and friends.
