Yesterday morning I took Grace and Whit to Buttonwood Zoo in New Bedford. It was a crystalline blue-sky, 82 degree day: perfect. They ran around, looked at the animals, rode the little train, took pony rides (Grace took two because Whit, in a rare fit of anxiety, didn’t want to go), had chicken nuggets and french fries for lunch and huge Spiderman popsicles. Other than a couple of scream-the-rafters-down tantrums by Whit it was a lovely morning.
Went home for “naptime” which was really an exercise in hours of frustration and shouting. Needless to say Whit continued his delightful ways. I tell you 3.5 is absolutely not my favorite age.
Late afternoon was a beach trip. Will someone please tell me how to enjoy the beach with Grace and Whit? I don’t particularly want to spent an hour in the chilly water, so once I’ve done my token dip and played with the children for a few minutes I’m ready to be done. They, of course, want to play forever. Can’t really do this without an adult nearby. I wind up standing in the ankle-deep water shivering and shouting at them every time they venture too far out. Not really super fun. I know of many parents who enjoy hours at the beach with their kids. Please, please give me some tips. I need them.
Then it was time for dinner around the corner with Brent (dad), Andy (8), and Jake (6). I played lifeguard to four children in the pool (notable only because one of them – Whit, naturally – really cannot swim). I shucked corn and watched like a hawk as Andy rowed Whit around the pool in this fabulous inflatable raft. My nap-free children were running on fumes and gradually becoming more and more whiny & hair-triggery. Not enough sauvignon blanc in the world to make this fun for me.
