My Buddy and Me

So, you remember those commercials from back in the 80's for "My Buddy?"  My buddy, (my buddy), my buddy, (my buddy) -- my buddy and me!!!  Hahahaha.  As I've been mentally preparing this blog post for tonight, I've had that jingle stuck in my head.  Because, you see, this weekend was ALL about my buddy and me.  Alex and I spent a good 48 hours together, all on our own, while Scott took the older kids over to the cousin's house for our nephew Jake's mission farewell.  I had to stay behind to take care of Primary on Sunday {and also because my pregnant self can no longer handle extended road-tripping}, and Alex had to stay behind because there wasn't enough room in Scott's car.  And I can't drive a stick shift, so he couldn't take the van.  AND I figured Scott didn't REALLY want to be on his own to handle all 5 kids while trying to also spend time with his family.  Hahaha.

As a result, it was me and Alex for better or worse for two whole days.  And by better I mean that his love and affection was easily bought through our various outings and purchases.  And by worse I mean that it still wasn't quite enough to compensate for being left behind and out of the fun with the "Aunt Krisitns."  Hahaha. 

Friday evening took us to Meijer's once the big kids were gone, to do some early birthday shopping.  Not only did he add a new Wolverine "Super Hero Masher" to his collection, but he also got a new box of crayons and markers, a batman puzzle, and a little pack of Avengers coloring sheets that were on clearance in the Crayola aisle.  AND he got a pack of starbursts at the check out.  Not too shabby a gig, eh?

Saturday morning I thought he would love starting out our day by going for a walk on my favorite trail and then throwing rocks in the river.  I thought wrong.  Instead, he spent the whole 20 minutes I attempted to walk, whining and complaining about wanting to go home.  Boo.  

After coming home and spending HOURS working on folding and putting away laundry (some of which Alex actually helped with), we went out for a little treat and some more errands.  Because there's nothing like a little Paradise with a side of Target.  At least not for this kid.  Hahaha.

Shark Attack!!

"My buddy (my buddy)...

...my buddy (my buddy) -- 

-- my buddy and me!!!"

I kid you not -- this place is pretty much his favorite destination in the world.  Probably because in his mind Target = new action figures.  DOH!  I've been working VERY hard to undo this damage.  Unfortunately, this weekend he wore me down.  I had a return to make and only needed a couple of things while we were there, but when Alex saw a Spiderman/Rhino action figure combo pack, he turned on the waterworks and milked his abandonment from the cousin expedition, and in the end we worked out a compromise.  I let him get the action figures, but told him it would have to count as one of his birthday presents from the kids. It was a win-win negotiation experience. :)  On the way home, I decided to make him even happier and make my life even easier by stopping at a Sonic drive-thru for dinner.  One wacky pack and green apple slush later and we were on our way home. 

Life is Good

I found him snuggled up like this at bedtime with elephant and his brand new junk.  Hahaha.  Those plastic figurines are just so comfy cozy.

Sunday was our last day on our own, and it went very much like all the rest -- extreme vacillations between excitement and joy while playing with his new toys, and mega-meltdown fits over missing dad and the kids and wanting to go the Aunt Kristins instead.  It was delightful.  Not.  Hahaha.  

This particular meltdown on Sunday occurred because of buyer's remorse for his particular breed of superhero masher -- and it was all my fault he said.  He wanted Electro and apparently I told him he could only choose between Spiderman and Wolverine.  My favorite line in the exchange, though, came from his response when I told him that I had asked him 100 times at the store if he was SURE he wanted Wolverine and not any of the other options (his buyer's remorse happens A LOT).  He paused in his fit to look at me quizzically and ask "What did I say?"  Hahaha.  You told me you WERE sure you crazy little nut!  Hahaha.  Oh Alex.  Another fit occurred over his church outfit -- "Everyone will laugh at me" he said after I put this plaid shirt on him instead of his usual polo.  This kid.  I don't know what I'm going to do with him.  :)

Scott and Jane made it back home on Sunday evening, and even though Alex was disappointed that the big kids had stayed behind at the cousins' house, he sure was happy to have someone else to play with.  He and Jane have been happily playing "house" almost every waking moment since she's been back.  It sure is nice when they just get along.  :)  All in all, it was a memorable (if expensive) weekend.  The summer is winding down and Back to School will be here before we know it.