While Mom Was Away

This weekend I attended the Boys Thrive Summit at Shoreline Community College.  I gained so much insight into how boys learn.  It was great.  I look forward to reading more by the main speaker, Dr. Michael Gurian.

While Mama was off learning how to be a better educator and parent while earning clock hours, I left the troops home with Dave.  It does not happen too often that Dave has all three kids by himself all day long.  He did great and thank goodness the weather cooperated.

First he took the kids on a hike through Hamlin Park in Shoreline.

Oh the cuteness.

The kids had a great time and got pretty tuckered out.  They hunted for bugs, hiked on trails, and played hard.

 Apparently, Robin really loved all the posts with arrows.

After the hike, Dave braved a real sit down restaurant with all three.  Eileen had her very first soccer game in the afternoon.  Luckily, the conference ended early enough for me to speed down to Edmonds to catch the game (I missed practice).  Eileen is playing on a team with all her preschool friends.  She has never been super enthusiastic about sports, until this opportunity came along.

When I arrived at the field, I asked Eileen who did her hair.  It looked great.  I was shocked when she replied, "My dad."  I had no idea he knew how to part hair into two even ponytails or braid.  He surprised himself as well.

I'll be honest.  Eileen is not the most athletic person.  She was easily distracted and kept just talking to the other girls on the field.  She did run up and down the field, following the herd, but never quite really "played soccer."  No matter.  She had a great time and loves her pink soccer socks and shin guards.   This is her first time being on a sports team.  Preschool soccer is really more about a mass of children running and tripping and yelling "don't use your hands" from the sidelines.

I'm glad Eileen decided to step outside her comfort zone and play soccer.  I'm even more glad that I could go "adulting" and everything would be just fine.  Good job Dave.  I will happily pass the responsibility of Eileen's hair onto you.  You've proven yourself.