290 + 186 Weeks

OK, so every time I think Arley is getting easier to be around, he throws me for a doozy.  He has been on and off naughty all week, but today he took it to a whole new level.  He was horrible.  He screams and hits and snatches toys and throws tantrums.  I think it is a combination of frustration and power struggle.  I had him running around the cul-de-sac with Carmie, to get some energy out, and of course he screamed and tantrummed about not winning the race, even though they weren't racing.  I took them to the park to climb and swing.  Tonight we had him go jump on the trampoline to get his energy out.  Thankfully today our neighbours took pity on us and had him and Carmie over to play with their little girl (apparently she is a good match for Arley - they say he keeps her in line!)  But today has been a LONGGGGGGGGG day.  He is asleep in bed now, thank goodness.

I just hope he gets it out of his system, because Pop (Jeff's dad) is arriving from the States tomorrow! He hasn't seen the kids since they were 3 and a half, and six months.  I am hoping Arley is on his best behaviour, but I am doubtful!

Other than this, we have had a good week.  My cousin and aunt came down from Sydney this weekend, with 6 kids, Carmie's and Arley's second cousins.  It was SO nice for them to have other kids to play with.  The kids ranged in ages from 2 to 10.  Carmie and Arley spent the day at the farm with them all while I was in the gallery, and then I went over for dinner and to pick them up.  After dinner I went upstairs to round them up, and they had tucked themselves up into bed with their cousins to watch a movie, and refused to come home with me.  So, they had an impromptu sleep over, and got more playing in the next morning.  Dida had to drive the kids around in the farm truck - 8 kids!  Craziness :)

The kids also went to a party at the library.  They were part of the Summer Reading Club, so they went to the wrap-up party yesterday.  They had tons of fun, making masks, playing with balloons and bubbles, eating cake, and Carmie definitely dressed the part (see photos below).  We also made it out to the beach at Manyana, and to the inlet at Dolphin Point as well.  The beaches weren't too crowded, but we are looking forward to school going back next week so we can have them all to ourselves again :)  The kids also went bowling for the first time.  We met Carmie's friend Ness there.  Arley has asked to go again every day since, so it was definitely a hit.  Afterwards, the kids did the holiday craft session offered at the Dunn Lewis Centre.  Carmie was insatiable, and kept doing activity after activity, while Arley did a few, until he found a piano to bang on and drive everyone crazy :)

All in all, a really busy week!

Making pancakes for breakfast

 We let Carmie in on a big secret: that she actually has four monkeys, not one.  She couldn't believe her luck!

 On the farm truck - yes, I went for a ride too!

 Couldn't drag them home!

 Cousins

All dressed for the library party

 Bella getting her belly swept

 Ready to go out for a walk