Five boys and one sweet little girl

That's what we had at our house this past weekend. Aging from 2 to 13. The plans were to go to the pool for most of the day, but it was raining in the morning, so plan B had to be executed. We loaded everyone in the truck and headed over to Jumpin' Jacks. A good start to making sure that they would be tired at the end of the day. They climbed, bounced, jumped, ran, and yelled for about two hours and then they were hungry. By this time the rain had stopped so we ate a quick lunch and started to get ready for the pool. Just as everyone had on their swimsuits we heard thunder again. We knew the storm would pass quickly so we just waited a little longer to go up to the pool. It was during this time that the noise level increased by about a thousand decibels. I just stood and observed for a few minutes. At one point each one had a tool (from Claxton's collection) of some sort playing with it - one was cutting down Christmas trees, one was using the weed eater as a metal detector to mine for gold, two were working on putting the airplane back together, and I can't remember was the fifth one was doing. Of course all the toys they chose to play with were noise makers. Why would it be any other way. The manufacturers obviously have not done a fair analysis of the age appropriateness of the toys. All in our house are targeted for 2-3 year olds, yet it was unbelievable how quickly these older boys were attracted to and fascinated by these toys! Julia's never had so much stimulation. Quite amusing. The storm passed and we made it to the pool after all for a couple more hours of fun. Of course according to them they were not tired at all. Claxton couldn't even keep his eyes open at dinner, so he went down much earlier than normal. Two of the boys went home between 8 and 8:30. I said to Brian after they left we should send the other two to bed by 9 pm. At that time they were occupied with Play Station. I heard them coming up from the basement expecting to hear that they wanted something to drink or something else, but much to my surprise they said "can we go to bed now?". Brian and I looked at each other in amazement. It was 8:45. Mission accomplished!!

Silly faces everyone!

Julia trying to get a break from all the commotion

"Daddy, do dizzy, do dizzy again Daddy!"

The four older boys spent most of the time plotting how they could take Brian down. There was a great deal of effort and energy put forth, but it never happened. All that scheming is probably what wore them out.

There is a big span between the ages, but that doesn't stop Claxton from thinking he's one of the big boys.


Boys, thanks for a fun weekend. We'll see you again next summer!