A Good Day

Yesterday I spent the entire day preparing for the Relief Society picnic (which came off very well, I think) and expected the kids to basically take care of each other. To make up for that, and to reward them for doing such a good job being ignored by me, I declared today "No Chore Day".

I am thrilled that this announcement was met with cheers. That must mean that our chores are routine and effective enough that their absence is something to celebrate.

I added that they did still have to dress and brush their teeth. Dallin piped up, "And make our beds." He offered, so I accepted. Sure, and make your beds.

Then we started deciding what activities we would do. After ruling out anything in Salt Lake, anything with water (we're swimming tomorrow already), and clarifying that, yes, we were doing things together, so, no, you're not staying home with your iTouch...after all that we planned:

• a picnic at the playground with cousins
• a trip to the PERC (a place at the library that loans games and educational activities)
• a visit to the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point
• attending tonight's animal show at the Monte Bean Science Museum

Ambitious, aren't we? Might as well pack it in, I guess.

Here's the best thing, now that I'm near the end of the festivities--we had fun, even those who initially complained! They played together, I didn't go into labor, there was only one wet accident, and only one bloody nose. Additionally, I witnessed the following happy sibling interactions:

"I'll figure out the instructions for that game and play it with you."

"Hey, come work with me on brushing this part of the fossil."

"I think Nate would love this."

"I'll take care of the boys while you take Jamie Beth to the bathroom."

"Nate, chase me!"

You can see why I had to document such a good day as this.