Getting out
One of the downsides of the lovely, sunny weather is that you tend to go out more. No longer can you slouch under the duvet, watching TV whilst the elements play havoc outside. Now, there is a whole world to be explored - the beach, garden, parks….Bloomin' nightmare!Why? Where shall I start? Firstly, there is the actual process of getting out the door in the first place - a simple procedure you might think, but one which inevitably results in battle lines being drawn and chaos ensuing. Leaving aside the screaming abjabs we get from our anxious son because "I don't want to go out! Stay 'ome" there are the negotiations of United Nations proportions that ensue, that it really isn't a good idea to go out in your pyjamas to the beach! Then there is the 'chase me around the house' game - and I use that term loosely! - to actually get teeth cleaned and clothes and shoes on. Once that is achieved there is toileting, which then results in another change of clothes due to one or the other, or even both of them, aiming horizontally and getting soaked!
By this time we are both knackered and questioning whether it is worth going out at all, but persevere we do. Our son is pretty good at getting in the car, but Elise always seems to think that this is the opportunity to practice her 'I am going to pretend to be a ladder and go rigid' workout. Eventually, strapped in and with a minimum of one screaming child, we set off on our merry way, to get down the road and realise that we have either left Michaels comforter or Elise's earmuffs at home, so back we go at which point one of them then decides that they need the toilet again! (Go back to previous para to repeat following procedure!)
Once out, despite running off and having little danger awareness, Michael generally has a great time, apart from the fact that we usually have screaming abjabs when we need to go home as "No want go home - stay 'ere!" Elise, on the other hand is a different kettle of fish! Due to adoption issues, she gets worried when we are out, subconsciously concerned as to whether or not we really are going home again. This results in frequent screaming episodes, refusing to walk and a seemingly determined effort to get onto Supermarket Sweep, emptying shelves as she goes! Combine this with her fly phobia and extreme sensitivity to noise, a great time is usually had by all! I honestly think that we could win "Britain's got Talent", the stares and apparent audience that seems to follow us wherever we go! Ah well, at least there is Winter to look forward to!!