Mommy/Biskutee, Daddy/Muse Time Together

One of the best things about adopting "older" children (for us, at least), has been the countless opportunities to do things that both children would enjoy, together as a family, or, individually with one parent.  For Doug's birthday, I bought him tickets to go see motorcross at the old Worcester Centrum.  In the past, the tickets would have probably been for us, but this year, they were for Daddy and Muse.  They had a fun boys night out.  And now, I can only blame myself that all that Muse talks about is, "Muse motorcycle!"  Over, and over, and over again.

Doug returned the favor, and for my birthday, he bought Biskut and I tickets to go see Disney's Princesses on Ice.  Although it was definitely *not* something I would have done with Doug, to see the joy and amazement on a 5 year old girl's face was, well, amazing.  Her face lit up as Tinkerbell took the ice.  Now, for my disclaimer.....other than Princess Tiana (who was unfortunately not a part of this all-white Princess cast), she has no idea who Cinderella, Belle, or Ariel are.  I just haven't introduced her to all of the Princesses.  Luckily, Minnie, Mickey and Goofy took the ice, and she smiled and clapped her hands.  Then, every single time the audience clapped, she would turn to me and say "all done?"  Every. Single. Time.  Oh, and I made the mistake of buying a snow-cone from a vendor walking around, and she noticed that I raised my hand to get his attention.  The next thing I know, she starts raising her hand every single time a vendor walked by with something that she wanted (including a $22 flashlight....I think not.....it was bad enough I got suckered into a $15 snow cone).  I had to react quickly and grab her arm, smile, and tell them "sorry...no thank you." 

We went sledding (and this wasn't just ordinary sledding, folks) at Auntie Heidi's and Uncle Norman's house.  Auntie Heidi loves parties, and she had a huge sledding party for the kids (uhm, really, for the adults).  There were probably 30 people there.  Their driveway is 1/4 mile long, with elevation, twists and turns.  Hop on a runner sled, and off you go.  Most of the little ones had to go down with an adult.  Heck, I should have gone down with an adult :)  I nearly killed myself the first trip down (or was that the SUV that decided to stop in the middle of the driveway?)....needless to say, I survived.  Its always a good day when you have fun, get to exercise and then eat like the piglets that we are!  Yum!

Muse and Doug went snowmobiling for an entire weekend up in Jay Peak, VT.  First, it was the motorcycle, and then it was "snow" motorcycling.  Its a guy/boy thing, because it is all I have heard about in the past two weeks, and not just from Muse.  This was Muse's first time away from home; so far, he has been a bit of a homebody.  When we are out and about, he doesn't shy away from telling us when *he* is ready to go home.  Even with the almost 4 hour drive, each way, Doug said he did very well.  So well, that they are planning trip two in March.  Although Biskut would love to go too, she is still a little young.  We had to buy a helmet for Muse, and we don't have one small enough for the Biscuit.  I may have to get creative when they take off for trip two.  While they were away, Biskut and I got to play!  We went out to dinner, went shopping, attended the Ethiopian/American Timkat party with Grammy Susie and Little A, and then went to ride the merry-go-round.

Little Miss B, Grammy Susie and I also went for a pedicure at the salon this month.  Something I have always enjoyed doing (Biskut doesn't let me forget about my "Ethiopian" toes when she first met me....I had them painted red-yellow-green before I left in honor of them), and now find it even more enjoyable with a little girl.  She giggled and laughed hysterically when the tech went to scrub her feet.  Too cute.

Adopting older children isn't for everyone, and I can totally understand why.  It works for us, and our almost 40-something year old lifestyle.  There are days when I think how I would love to do this, one more time....but only time will tell.......