11 Jan 2008

Pets And Parties

Christopher usually picks his brother up from school, but on Thursdays and Fridays, Benjamin finishes early, leaving Mike and I on pick-up duty. Given the two minute walk home from school, B boy really should be able to come home alone, however, if you know my baby boy, you already know that he won't be old enough for such an endeavour until he's...15?

It's not a safety concern - there's no traffic to speak of on these little roads. In truth it's mostly to spare myself the aggravation of having to trudge back up to school every day to pick up whatever he'd be bound to forget. This is a child who could forget body parts if they weren't attached to him (and yes, I have occasionally asked him where he's left his head today).

Besides, I don't mind picking him up a couple of times a week (except when it rains - then I send Mike). So it all works out.

On our walk home from school yesterday, the sun was shining and our boots made loud crunching sounds in the snow as B boy chatted about soccer lessons, his desperate need to go the bathroom (though apparently not desperate enough to go while at school), how wet and yucky his socks were in his boots, all the while trying to negotiate playtime before homework time.

We somehow got onto the playdate he'd had yesterday, and how one friend always brings chocolate when he comes for a visit. This has impressed Benjamin, who is clearly his father's son when it comes to chocolate.

B: "Can we buy him a present next time he comes over?"

Me: "That's a great idea, B boy. Let's definitely do that."

B: "Good!"

Me: "What kind of chocolate would you like to buy?"

B: "Oh, I wasn't going to buy him chocolate."

Me: "Well, there's also cookies, or chips. We could even bake a cake?"

B: "Nah....I want to buy him a dog!"

Something tells me that B boy and his little friend are taking Nintendogs a bit too seriously...

************************

Today is the beginning of the Birthday Weekend. We are celebrating my dad's 65th birthday today with a dinner party hosted by his children, attended by family and friends.

Tomorrow, Christopher has invited some friends to pizza and a movie downtown. On his actual birthday, this coming Tuesday, we'll have family over for dinner and cake.

Happy Weekend everyone!

41 comments:

Stomper Girl said...

I think 7 is still a baby so I'd be picking him up too. Except on rainy days, I like your plan of fobbing that off on Mike.

Well seeing as I'm first I will get in early and wish your Dad and Christopher many happy returns!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday weekend!

Beth Cotell said...

Have a great weekend and enjoy all the parties!

Laura said...

a dog!??!??!? Too funny and cute!

While Christmas shopping DJ wanted to buy my girlfriend a huge vase, the kind that sits on the floor - it was almost as tall as him, his reasoning, it is beautiful and Suzanne is beautiful!!!!!

thanks for sharing - happy birthday weekend!

Cindy D. said...

My boys get out of school at different times each day so when I pick them up at school, it's just me and one boy - I love having that just-after-school-time to give them my totally undivided attention as they tell me about their day or whatever is on their mind.

kimmy said...

I still wait outside for the kids to get off the bus and they are 8 and 6. Besides, they are always happy to see me and are eager to tell me about their day at school!

Have fun celebrating your Dad's birthday!

Kimmy

Candy said...

Hey, I have a dog Benjamin could have! This could work out good for both of us. Symbiosis at its best!

Have a great weekend, celebrate well!

Christie said...

That is just too funny. Wouldn't that mother just love you if you got her son a dog?

Misty said...

We have birthdays coming up soon as well! So fun.

Ice Cream said...

My daughter is always asking if she can take chocolate in lunches to school. Not for herself,though, but to feed her chocoholic friend =). She hasn't recieved any dogs in return though =(.

Happy Celebrating!

Kyla said...

Have a fun birthday weekend!

Chantal said...

Heidi, thanks for always dropping by these past weeks. I am feeling better. D got an iDog for Christmas and treats it like a real dog. The other day he told me that he could handle a real dog, look how good he is with his iDog. Poor kid. Sounds like a joyful weekend! Take Care.

dawn klinge said...

Your son sounds adorable. Have a wonderful weekend.

Kat said...

Wow. That is a very generous boy you've got there! Chocolate and dogs, there about even, right? ;)
Happy weekend, and Happy Birthday, Dad!

sandy shoes said...

Happy Birthday Weekend!

Don Mills Diva said...

Have a great weekend - sounds like you have lots of fun in store.

She She said...

Oooh, you have a Capricorn first born, too? Lucky you. Happy Birthday, Christopher!

B-boy can really cover a lot of conversational ground in two minutes. Sounds like my Nora.

Katie Zeller said...

I love the negotiating techniques of kids!
Have a great Birthday Weekend!

the dragonfly said...

Funny boy. I'd rather have the chocolate, though. ;)

Enjoy the parties!

Steph said...

Too cute. I'm with you on sending Mike on rainy days!!

Happy Birthday to your Dad and Christopher! Have fun celebrating!!

Julie Pippert said...

babe I am so sorry but I'm LOL...your absent-minded little sweetie and his desire to buy a dog for his friend. He's great.

My nieces have that nintendo dog thing.

They have infected Patience with the desire for one. I'm tempted to get her a cat one (is there such a thing?) because there is no way we are getting another real cat.

But wait. No, that just seems to make them want a real one more. LOL

jennwa said...

Sounds like you are going to have a fun weekend.

Rima said...

What a generous heart that B boy has. And, really, there's no better way to ingratiate yourself with another mother by buying her kid a dog.

Happy weekend to you, too, Heidi!

Lisa said...

Happy Birthday to those two important guys!

painted maypole said...

gee, i bet his parents would LOVE you if you bought him a dog!

kim-d said...

Ahhh, Heidi, it sounds like you're going to have a fun family birthday weekend--I have one of those coming up next weekend, and I always look forward to them. And I also think that your little B-Boy sounds like an absolutely delightful, happy little boy. I'll bet he always surprises you! Good times!!

Gina said...

Have a great birthday weekend! It sounds like it will be lots of fun!

Unknown said...

When I was in high school, some friends and I gave a kitten to a friend whose cat had recently died. One nasty phone call from her mom to all of our parents and wa-la, the kitten was returned to the pound. I thought her mother was so mean at the time. Now that I'm a mom, I laugh so hard thinking about our good intentions gone wrong. I would be so pissed if someone gave my son a pet without talking to me first.

Jennifer (Jen on the Edge) said...

There's no way I'd trust my resident 7 year old to get home alone and with all of her stuff, even if we lived across the street from the school.

My girls have Nintendogs too and are loving it.

Mrs. G. said...

Happy Birthday to all!

Mighty Morphin' Mama said...

Happy Birthday weekend!
I love how impractical the mind of a child is. Dog is definitely the perfect host gift. hmm.

Karen MEG said...

B boy is such a generous pal (lucky Liam knows first hand! -- He would love a dog, so we just won't let him read this post!
Happy Birthday to your Dad and to Big bro Christopher!!!

Liesl said...

Happy Birthday to Everyone!

(Isn't it fun to have one kid's undivided attention?? (AHEM-ISN;T IT FUN TO DEVOTE THYSELF TO ONE CHILD?? Even if the questions are a bit wacky??)

The Lady Who Doesn't Lunch: said...

You son is funny and a very thoughtful to want to give his friend the gift he really wants.

Besides, the kid has enough chocolate since he's always giving it away.

Valarie said...

Happy 65th Birthday to your Dad! I bet he would be the most popular kid in school if he starting giving away puppies!

Kellan said...

He wants to buy him a dog - that is hysterical and very cute!! Have a good weekend with your family celebrating - Happy 65th Birthday to your father!! Have fun and see you soon. Kellan

Cathy, Amy and Kristina said...

Have a great weekend and fun at those parties!

Barrie said...

Heidi--Go on! Surprise everyone! Get that kid a dog as a gift. :)

Happy Birthday Celebration Weekend!

Beck said...

Seven IS a baby! My eight year old isn't allowed to go anywhere by herself. I walk her alllll the way to school on the rare days when she has to walk.

Jennifer said...

A dog. Hmmm. Just remind me not to accept a playdate at your house. ;)

Happy Birthday Weekend!

carrie said...

Glad I'm not the only one with kids who want to buy everyone they know one of their "virtual" dogs from the video game! It's so aggravating!

Have a good weekend celebrating birthdays!