Weekend Family Fun

After the week we had, everyone in our house was a little grumpy (even the dog). But Harry had a little surprise up his sleeve. Last night he told us there would be a party in his room after dinner and we were all invited (not the dog). Kate put on her best tutu and arrived at the soiree (escorted by King Daddy), then I went stag as did Will. Harry began the party with this announcement:

"I know we have all had a tough week. Will had the flu. Kate had surgery and I had a stomach bug. But that is no reason this family cannot have a little FUN!"

He put some dance music on his i-pod and got the dancing started. We all danced around his room for a while. Kate was so funny. We were all fast dancing and she was doing classical ballet moves. It is as if that is the only way she knows how to dance. Then, Harry did a "laser" (flashlight) show on his bedroom ceiling. Finally, we played I-spy Bingo. It was awesome. Harry managed to lighten everyone's mood and make us laugh for a little while. What a great 8 year old!

If you are a long time reader, then you know we have "dates" with the boys individually. We will also do this with Kate soon. A few weeks ago Harry asked Dave to take him to Dave and Buster's on a date and they had a ball. So it was Will's turn and he had been requesting a date with me at the Museum of Fine Arts. We finally had a chance to go. Incidentally, Dave and I had our second date at the MFA (15 years ago).

I was so impressed that my 12 year old son wanted to go to the art museum. We have always taken our children to museums and we are members of several. So, I am glad to see some art appreciation has rubbed off on him. We had lunch at the museum. Will's favorite American artist was Frederic Remington. However, he was most fascinated by a modern installation called Hydrospatial City by Argentine artist Gyula Kosice. I must admit it was pretty cool even though I am a bit more traditional in my art preferences.

It was Family Free Day (thanks to Target;) and they had all sorts of activities at the museum today. Will and I did some "sketching." We sat in front of this

(taken with my I-phone and I was scolded by a security guard! Lots of people were taking photos.)

painting (which is incredible by the way) and we choose parts to sketch. I am THE WORST artist ever...so I looked for the easiest thing to do. Will actually is pretty artistic (but his real strength is abstract art). Here are our meager attempts...go ahead....you can laugh at my mushroom man. Although if you compare it to the original, it isn't THAT bad:)

(my sketch)

(Will's sketch-he did the scuba diver to the left of my mushroom man)

Will and I had a great time together and I look forward to my next date with him. Harry wants me to take him to some guinea pig movie (G-force?) on our next date!

Footnote: My editor/husband/houseboy think this post sounds WAY better than our weekend actually was. In reality, it was kind of boring and mundane. He suggested I add that Kate rode her bike to the end of our street and back twice (that was a first). I also wanted to add a disclaimer that our boys are wonderful but far from perfect. There was an air hockey incident involving a dispute, a flying (thrown) air hockey paddle, a bloody lip, slipcover and ottoman. It was NOT pretty and someone spent the day in his room!

I also know that a lot of this is pretty boring stuff but it is stuff I hope to remember down the road and mostly...I want the kids to remember it all.