Today kicked off the Vacation Without Leaving Home in which I intend to wow my kids with the wonder and beauty of our local area. We started with the zoo.
The 13-year olds hate the zoo. Or claim they hate the zoo and refuse to go. Then they get in the car, have a fine time and forget that they hated the zoo in the first place.
My car smelled like the inside of a kitty litter box combined with the stench of worn-out sneakers worn by 13-year old boys and a touch of undeodorized migrant farm worker. Why? Because I had two 13-year old boys within my Mercury Sable and they hadn’t showered since Sunday morning.
Oh, and let me describe the appearance of my children. My 8-year old wore normal clothing–Teva sandals, black shorts, orange (easy to spot in a crowd) shirt. My 3-year old wore matching pants and shirt–and underneath it all? Her swimsuit. (I have no idea why she decided to do so, but it was a blessing in disguise because she got wet jumping in a fountain and we peeled off her clothes to reveal her swimsuit.)
My twins? One wore sweatpants with a hole in the knee. They were too short and stopped right above his socks. His shirt? Okay.
The other wore ratty red shorts fit only for wearing to bed with his yellow Fiesta! shirt from last week.
I was horrified and of course, at Costco, we ran into people we knew twice. Glory be. I need a t-shirt that says “They dressed themselves.” I don’t think any of my boys combed their hair, either, today.
So, the zoo. Then Costco for lunch, dropping off film and a little shopping. After that, to the video game store and video store for movies. We didn’t return home until 4:00 p.m. At 6:40 p..m, we took the 8-year old to the YMCA for his Judo class.
I am so happy that everyone’s quiet and in bed now.
Tomorrow? Either mountains or city. I can’t decide. Also, a commercial endorsement for this organizer and this book by Barbara Curtis.
But now, I’m turning on the television and stretching out in the recliner for awhile.
Actual Unretouched Photo 
Laughing with you (not at you) about the twins. It must be the age, though I don’t remember being a slovenly pig at 13, because my daughter is the same way….”I’ve been in the pool every day. Why do I need a bath? So what if it’s obvious my shirt came from the bottom of the hamper. No one cares. Combs? Combs? What are those?” She starts high school next month. I’m hoping cleanliness moves up on her list of important things in the new social setting.
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Oops, I forgot to mention I moved (and renamed)my blog. Not much there yet, but the site’s up.
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so the fact that i cannot get my 9 year old OUT of the shower should not bring me too much joy at this point. what you’re saying is that at 13, it all changes?? oh boy.
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That is my kind of vacation… even if they smelled like migrant farm workers. At least the smells at the zoo masked that lovely odor.
And I always say with lots of pride and eyebrows being raised up and down, “He dressed himself today!” And most parents know what I’m talking about.
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*giggle*
well, that’s one way to burn off the calories ;P
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I think that most of us who have children would never judge another parent by the way their children are dressed. I can’t even begin to tell you the outlandish things my kids have worn out in public. And I let them. Why? Because I’m too old and tired to protest… lol…
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It’s a Murphy’s Law thing to run into people when you are disheveled and stinky, isn’t it?
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Sounds like you had a fun day! My kids love, love, love the zoo! The Oregon Zoo is wonderful!
Glad you had a good day!
Julie
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You mean I’m not the only one? I should make a recording of “they dressed themselves” and just push play.
Unless it’s something important (and few things are), I make sure they don’t look too much hootchies and just let it go.
Rochelle is big on stripes with prints or unmatched seasons. Long sleeve sweater with shorts? Rebecca is Miss Vanity and usually drags out half the closet before she’s satisfied. Elcie loves long dresses no matter the occasion.
Words to live by – don’t sweat the small stuff and most of it is small stuff. I choose my issues or I’d go insane.
And they all wear their bathing suits under their clothes.
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