With the holiday season approaching I am looking at the changes of the past few years. It has gone from two people from different families trying to meld, create, or maintain traditions to me trying to figure out what I'm doing! This much I do know, Christmas starts a lot sooner when you're doing the shopping for little kids, there are way too many things my kids (especially James) want, and online shopping can make things sooo much easier if you already know what you want.
Rockin the hearts!
Having some fun at the local Pumpkin Walk.
More fun!
Just chillin' together!
Halloween was fun with the kids dressing up and 'begging' for candy from seemingly random people. It's interesting how strange a custom or tradition can sound when it is restated or related to others who don't have the same or similar reference points. Rather than carve pumpkins we opted for glow in the dark stickers though the glowing part was severely lacking...
One side of the not so glow in the dark pumpkins.
The other side of their pumpkins (avoided a lot of mess with the stickers)
The practice run for trick or treating.
At the beginning of October I had the thought to get together with other single parents occasionally on Monday nights. When I contacted someone I know with kids it turns out they had been doing something similar in the recent past so they just started it back up and added me into the mix. It's nice to get together with other people and their kids. Children just bring an extra energy to a gathering. That energy isn't always welcome such as when you're sick or not feeling well, but when you're down and need a hug or a good belly laugh kids are there for you.
Winter can't get here soon enough for them!
Monkey see, monkey do!
They love to have fun together.
The daddy jungle gym.
But daddy, it can't be time for bed, I'm not tired at all!
A spur of the moment trip to the cemetery.
James came up with the idea for this homemade lightsaber and put it together solo!
Crashing in dad's room (on the floor!) for the weekly sleepover.
Some more creative costuming and accessorizing by James!
Right now I'm just living life and doing my best to enjoy the fun moments with my kids. Sometimes it gets a little lonely not having a spouse to talk to or bounce ideas off of but I am figuring out other ways to fill that part of my life whether it is talking to or spending time with family, co-workers, or friends going through something similar. We're all in this together so we might as well be there for each other. Please feel free to comment or contact me.
Braden
