I told the boys at dinner last night that I had a riddle for them to work on together, but only after everyone finished eating and cleaned up his spot. We met in the living room, and I handed each of them a folded square of paper with a clipart picture on it:
- Army dude saluting the flag
- map drawing of California
- airplane
- suitcase
- the word “Friday”
I told them to show their pictures to each other, and we’d play a game like Blues Clues to figure out Mom’s riddle. One of the little ones guessed that Dad went on an airplane for his Army job. Well, yes, I said, but that has already happened; this riddle is for some new news. Someone else guessed that Dad would be flying home early on Friday. No, I said, he’s still coming home on Sunday.
Jeremy is the one who figured it out. He guessed that WE were going to go to California to see Dad at his Army job! When realization set in, everyone’s eyes got round and jaws dropped. Donovan raised his arms in the air as if to pump his fists and say “Yesss!” but hesitated just for a few seconds until he knew it to be true.
I loved that moment of surprise and seeing absolute joy on their faces. I hope everyone within a three-block radius will forgive the outburst of screaming & cheering that went on for several minutes. The loudest hoots & hollers were when I told them that they would be skipping school on Friday! LOL
Aidan & Ryan each flew on an airplane with me when they were babies. Jeremy flew in utero. Neither Donovan nor Riley have ever flown at all. Everyone was beside themselves with excitement. They immediately wanted to start packing, but I tried to rein them in and suggested that they each find their matching “name” bags and put them in the living room for me to sort. We’ll start packing tonight. 🙂
faith, sweat & tears 