Weekend Warriors

We have spent the weekend celebrating with grandparents. Saturday we celebrated Grandmother Scott's 65th birthday with a trip to Lenox Mall in Atlanta and an evening in Centennial Park followed by al fresco dining downtown. The evening was capped off enjoying Christmas music performed by a jazz musician. The mild temperatures made an early Winter night feel more like early Summer. I'd say these faces are fairly accurate representation of the fun we had!

Last night before bed, P said, "Mom, I really liked this day!"

Today we travelled to my hometown to celebrate Christmas with my side of the family. My mother's family is huge (she is one of 6). There are lots and cousins and extended family, so the children were in big kid heaven!

This afternoon we sensed that they were going to meltdown without naps, so we did what any resourceful parent would do. We loaded them up in the car and went driving! It took less than 5 minutes for the first one to fall asleep. All three were out within 10 minutes. I knew people did this with newborns, but I never dreamed it would still be effective with overstimulated, super excited 4.5 year olds.

My husband and I were thrilled with the opportunity for an hour of adult conversation! We discussed the fact that our children were resistant to the thought of naps. They assured us they were not tired and wanted to keep playing. Yet, within minutes their slumber reminded us of a central truth of parenting. Children often do not know what they need. They know what they want (sometimes) but not what they need. That is why they have parents. We must have the courage to lead them, rather than be lead by them.

Tonight as I sat in the living room at my Grandmama's where I have spent the last 34 Christmases, watching my children build memories before my very eyes, I couldn't help but reflect on what an amazing gift family is. None of our families are perfect. Every closet has skeletons. We hurt each other. We know each others' stuff--and yet, we have a bond. We have history. We have love.

We are back on the road for home in the morning, where we plan to nestle down in our cozy home for the remainder of our Christmas celebrations.