My kids are very fortunate to have these amazing friendships. The kids I am specifically talking about have been in their lives since Ian was 2 years old and before Sam was even born. It is a beautiful thing to watch them grow up together. They don't go to the same elementary school, but we do see them regularly through religious school, various events/holidays and the many days we've had off from school.
It's the kind of friends that I know I can call, text or email at the very last minute and arrange some much needed playdates or sleepovers. Likewise, the friendships are reciprocal and I welcome their kids into our homes and lives whenever it is desired. It has become a semi-regular thing to ask for sleepovers because plans have been made that might otherwise require a babysitter.
In the past week, we had one of Sam's friends over who came with us to Baltimore for the Hamentaschen baking, spent the night and then accompanied us to the Purim Carnival at our synagogue the next morning. It is not an exaggeration to say that having 1 more kid is like having 2 less. Ruby and Sam did beautifully together. Not once did we hear Sam say, "I am bored". Not once did Sam whine, scream, meltdown or be demanding. It was refreshing they had each other to keep entertained. In a heartbeat I would have Ruby over again. What a dream it was having these girls together for all that time.
With all the snow days we've been experiencing, the best thing ever is when a text comes and asks what are you up to? It's a wonderful thing to fill that unexpected free day with good friends. On one of our most recent snow days (this past Monday), we met up with Susanne and her kids for lunch at a nearby restaurant. Afterwards, I took 2 of her 3 kids and had them play at our house while she put in a few hours of work at her office nearby. For close to 5 hours, the four kids (2 of hers, 2 of mine) were in Ian's room (the smallest room in the house!) and played Minecraft on their iPads, all creating the same town being connected through our wifi. 5 hours! The kids didn't come out of Ian's room for 5 hours!! They played harmoniously together. I'd check on them periodically and ask if they needed a drink or snack. Nope, they were good to go and just wanted to keep playing. Crazy!
Having Susanne's kids at my house was just the thing I needed to survive yet another day off from school. First thing the same exact morning, Ian and Sam woke up ready for battle. It didn't take long from when I told them there was no school today (due to all the ice) to non-stop fighting. By 7:50am I had them go to separate rooms. Thank G-d for friends to come through and help the make the time go by faster. Peace may not be in the Middle East, but it certainly was in our house.
"Best friends make the good times better and the hard times easier." ~Author Unknown
Can we adopt all of them, please?
 |
| At the Purim Carnival. Come dressed in your pajamas! |
 |
| These were the 4 kids in Ian's room for 5 hours! All on iPads playing Minecraft. |
No comments:
Post a Comment