Back to Work

Greetings friends and family,

Happy Independence Day!  I know, this post is a few days late, but I've been busy doing "nothing" for the last time before heading back to work.  We've been in every person's pool we know!  My friend, David, neighbor Tracy, Aunt Joan, Fitness center, and probably a few others I'm missing.  The record-high temperatures over the holiday week relegated us to indoor activities and pool time.  Sadly, parks and zoos and trails were off limits.

I'll use a few animal pictures to describe the week.  First, this is how I feel except I had TWO cubs.  Dad is happy to be a heavily-used jungle gym also.

Obviously I didn't take the leopard picture, but I captured the next picture from Mom and Dad's backyard.  There were up to five squirrels laying flat on their bellies all day long.  Apparently there is some threshold of heat where above that the squirrels just give up on all activity besides staying alive.  They spread themselves out flat in the shade and just exist for hours at a time.  Yeah, we felt a little like that, but with zero sympathy from my Phoenix friends who baked at a temperature 5-10 degrees hotter than we did every day.

I took a random selfie of me and my princess.  Our shirt colors matched (roughly) and that was cause enough for a celebration dance.  Layla can get amped up about the smallest things.  She shows me often how much joy can be found in the little things of life.

Part of our indoor fun time is the creative training ground of lego building.  The twins ask, "where are the instructions?"  I said, "instructions?  Where we're going we don't NEED instructions!  It's called your imagination and this is how it works.  You think of something you want to build and then... you build it.  that's it!"  We finished our first creative effort with a one-winged plane and a rolling stick.  Everybody starts somewhere!

The independence day festivities included the annual neighborhood block party on Mom and Dad's court.  The rented bounce house and blow-up kid-sized pool were both heavily used.  The adults sweated our butts off while eating burgers and waiting for the sun to go down.

The best picture of the night was of Kendra.  She was capable of standing still long enough to take the picture.  Easton and Layla were too amped up.  Holding perfectly still with a sparkler in their hands was too much to ask.  We didn't get a 4 Webbs 4th of July picture either so this is it:  My lovely wife and mother of the most wonderful kids... Kendra.

Layla and Easton needed rash guards because Daddy forgot to pack them.  We went to Target and the only one I found for Layla included a bikini swimsuit with it.  I have conflicting feelings about Layla in a two-piece bathing suit.  half of me feels this is not setting her up to dress modestly when she gets older.  The other half of me realizes her innocence and the heart behind her wanting to be like Mommy. It's not productive to tell her she can't, but Mommy can for a reason I don't know.  Anyway, I gave in and let her wear it at Aunt Joan's pool one day.  She's still my sweet princess, baby girl!  I don't want her to have pierced ears yet, but somehow this is OK?

Not everything and every decision I make is congruent, but parenting is a work in progress.

See you soon!

Being a Daddy's Girl

Greetings friends and family,

Ever heard someone described as a "Daddy's girl"?  Sometimes it's used as a term of endearment and sometimes with sarcasm or spite.  I'm dedicating this post to describe what it means to me.

I refuse to let any boy tell Layla who she is.  As an adult I know the source of my identity is God alone.     I am who He says I am.  I don't let the TV or friends or family or even my own thoughts dictate my identity.  Have you ever made a mistake and thought, "You big dummy!"?  Those thoughts and words have a powerful impact on our own lives.  Even something as insignificant as that can have devastating long term effects because we start to believe whatever we think and say whether it's true or not.  I still think negative thoughts sometimes, but I've come to the place where I'm open enough to challenge what I and others say about me by comparing it against whom God says I am.

Here's the problem.  Layla isn't mature enough to build her identity based on God's Word (because she can't read yet) or his voice (she's starting to hear, but it takes time to develop that).  So for now, that responsibility of being Layla's inner voice is up to me.  What I tell her about herself has a direct impact on her self-esteem, confidence, courage, and outlook on her future. This is the coolest superhero power ever!  but it's short-lived.  I only get a few years to convince her of the truth.  If I tell her she's lovely and wonderful and worth my time then she believes me!

When I do this correctly and consistently then she gives me more permission speak into her life.  She craves my attention, affection, and approval.  This is normal and proper.  If I don't meet her needs now then she will develop judgements against me and against men and against God.  She'll attempt to fill these needs with other people or things or achievements or (insert anything a girl seeks that is improper).  However IF I meet her needs now then she develops this intensely useful thing called trust. She knows how to give love because she knows how to receive love.  She knows how to share because she live out of abundance and not out of scarcity.

Sometimes her love needs feel like a bottomless pit, but I know every seed I plant will lead to good fruit.  in time.  That's a tough part of having a Daddy's girl.  Her needs seem to be unending, but with every seed I plant, I'm building her capacity to love others and live a life of greatness.  My goal is to make her mind so filled with compliments, encouragement, and love that the words of others will have no room to squeeze in her ears.

One of the most prolific concepts she gets is how important she is to me.  I have her convinced she is the second most important person on the entire planet to me.  Kendra is first.  Layla is second (in a tie with Easton, of course).  It's one thing to feel loved, but totally different to feel like you are more important than anything or anyone else in the world.

I've lived life with that in mind, but just recently explained it to her in words.  Now she tests me on it. In the car she'll say, "I'm more important than your friends, right?"  and I reassure her with a resounding "yes!"  Then, more importantly, I show her.  We had a few people over to our house one night and I went to her room to do the bedtime routine of songs, hugs, and kisses.  I left the people waiting in the living room.  Without me saying anything Layla recognized she IS more important than my friends.  It's not enough to say something over and over.  There must be actions to prove words to be true.  It is possible for a daughter to see her father as authoritarian through his fear tactics or shame or guilt or any number of negatively prescribed manners.

A daughter WILL hear words and see actions of her father to define her identity.  Those Dad's

Using that content as the backdrop I'll describe what it means to be a "Daddy's Girl" or "The apple of her father's eye".  It means she receives love from me at such a deep level that she knows in her heart how important she is.  Not in a spoiled rotten brat kind of way, but in a secure, confident kind of way.  I was not designed to nurture Layla.  that's Kendra's responsibility.  I was designed to speak life into her and define her identity of who she is.  I was made to call her out to become the woman God designed her to be.  by the way, it's never too young to start.

All of this may seem a little too ethereal for some so let me put some concrete examples to my content.  20 hugs per day with at least one being longer than 20 seconds.  That goal is one I set for myself long ago.  Some study somewhere on the internet (which means it must be true) referred to the emotional needs of children regarding hugs.  I believe 12 per day is a minimum of maintaining the current status of a child's emotional stability.  20 is a high water mark I set for myself because I like round numbers.  This doesn't include what she gets from Kendra or relatives or friends or teachers, just me.  Another study suggests a hug longer than 20 seconds produces an increase in trust.  Layla doesn't stay still long enough for me to get too many 20 second hugs in, but when we do I make the most of it.  

Simple things like that lead to a daughter's admiration of her father.  To me this creates a Daddy's girl in the most positive context.

Everything above this comment is just a dump straight from my brain to paper.  I think this could be consolidated and formatted to be useful somehow, but for now it'll remain as just my attempt to put my heart and mind on paper, digitally speaking.  As a more explicit example of the concept above I'll describe the Daddy date we just had.

Yesterday I told Layla we were going on a Daddy date today.  She gets excited about that because we've had some excellent times together in the past during our dates.  I planned this one out more than usual with extra effort and extra dollars going towards this min-celebration.

I made reservations at Chop's steak house for an early time so we wouldn't stretch the bedtime routine too far.  last night's fireworks led to a 10:00 PM bedtime, which happens less than five times per year.  I bought flowers at Trader Joe's, took them and a vase to the restaurant, and asked them to care for the flowers until we arrive.

Back at home I dressed up in the most dressy outfit in my suitcase.  Layla had her hair done-up by Kendra, then dressed in her Merida princess dress and crown.  We drove to the restaurant and arrived promptly on time for the reservation.  Easton or I usually open her door and hold her hand to help her down.  Tonight was no different.  I want her to know how to be treated like a lady long before she ever has to depend on a boy to act like a gentleman.

Inside the restaurant they had the flowers waiting on our table.  A few minutes into our conversation I told Layla the flowers were for her and she can take them home.  She was amazed!  She asked, "Did you really bring those to the restaurant early so they would be on the table?"  I was happy to know she understood what "effort" means when it comes to spending time ON her and not just WITH her.  I spent my time earlier in the day when I could have been doing a million other things.  The little stuff matters... even to a five-year-old.

Every waiter and patron and even the owner of the restaurant came by to talk with Princess Layla.  She was boldly kind, as always, with impressive manners.

I used a buy one get one free for our meals.  That was part of the reason for picking this restaurant.  I know Layla didn't care about getting a good deal, but I do!  She ordered the chicken fettuccini and I ordered the shrimp scampi with noodles.  We slurped our noodles.  The bad behavior was completely out of character for a princess, but she's five and I'm silly so we did it!

Our conversation was filled with loving compliments and encouragement for her as she enters kindergarten.  We talked about how she could be anything she wants and do anything she wants in life.  I was pleased with her willingness to listen and respond as I did my best to share heartfelt thoughts.  I've been waiting since she was born to have a real date with meaningful conversation and allowing her to experience an elegant evening out together.

She posed outside with her flowers to let me capture the moment.  I don't know how many more years she'll want to wear princess attire out in public, but for now I'm enjoying every occasion.

She asked for dessert in the restaurant, but I had a better idea already planned.  Across the street was Pinkberry, the frozen yogurt business.  We tried a few flavors then she settled on cherry with caramel sauce and gummy bears.  Sharing isn't instinct for a two-year-old, but it is getting to be for Layla.  She took the first bite then offered me the second.  As always, I gladly accepted!

We walked along the outdoor mall sidewalk to window shop and let our food settle.  Everyone we passed smiled and stared.  Layla waved at each person making eye contact.  Her joy is contagious.  just walking with her and observing how much beauty she breathes into the world is a real honor.  Calling her a Daddy's girl is a real compliment.

Next stop...  Boy time with Easton.  plans are in progress.  See you soon!

End of the Vacation Road

Greetings friends and family,

I like to help people buy stuff.  I won't say it's a gifting, but because I like to research it is also rewarding when others benefit from my recommendations and advice.  Mom has a bike and Dad needed one so I found a good deal on Craigslist.  He bought it and we went for a ride.  I rode Moms grey and pink hybrid cruiser.  There will not be any pictures of that...  But here's one of the view I had while keeping up with Dad's tree-trunk legs.  The mornings aren't cold, but certainly cool enough to get a ride in!  I love riding so much that I'd probably ride a tricycle around if that's all I had.

Even though the temperature in Sacramento is only 5 degrees cooler than AZ we are still happily relaxing and playing away the last bits of my vacation.  Kendra is spending lots of time with her local friends.  Play dates are a regular occurrence because the Mommy group friends have kids close to Easton and Layla's age.

Part of the summer hibernation includes going to movies.  Not sure where Easton is in all these situations, but he has his own group of buddies.  Layla looks very dark-skinned in this picture.  That's from daily swim time in various pools around town.

We attended Isabella's excellent 5th birthday party.  They set the standard pretty high when it comes to backyard partying.  Kendra and her bestie Megan.

and also with Cam, another high-school friend.  Her husband and I hung out back when we were all single.  It's funny how circles of friends overlap and sometimes get married!

Easton and Layla interacted with the party attenders in the typical manner.  All girls run around like a flock of chatty birds.  All boys stand around staring at the dirt without so much as a "hi my name is..."  but when Easton saw a boy climbing on the equipment he joined in.  Then Layla  saw how much fun they were having and she joined as well.

and then Easton took his first attempt at flirting.  No, son...  girls don't like to be blasted in the face with a water gun.  So much to learn.

Layla took notes during the Chinese Acrobat show in Missouri.  She claimed to be a ballerina acrobat fairy princess.  I agree, but would add "happy" to the description...  very happy.

The pinata whacking was comical.  Isabella's Mexican family members sang a pinata birthday song in Spanish, which I thought was cool.   Easton was in the middle of range for height of the kids in attendance.  The order was based on height and all kids were expected to have a few hits.  Easton connected a few times, but those pinatas are sturdy and thick!

Layla swung harder than most other kids, but still not enough power to bust any candy out.  After the last kid busted it open all of the kids dove in for scavenging candy.  That's always a hoot to watch.

The birthday party included cake and cupcakes.  When given the choice Easton wanted both.  Since there was plenty to go around I let him have his cake and cupcake and eat it too...  with worms.  boys love worms.

I keep in contact with an old friend of mine from 12 years ago.  He still lives in the area with his wife and kids.  He invited me to his house for a pool party.  I mentioned the invitation to Easton and he gave me the same response I've been teaching him for years now.  He said, "why not?" with a shrug of his shoulders.  I agreed so we went up the hill to his house.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but we had an awesome time with about 12 other kids and their parents.  The water feature and hot tub provided good launch points for the brave and courageous.  Layla, of course.  I was looking at this picture trying to figure out what it reminds me of...

Dear God, she's Trinity from "The Matrix"!

I don't know how many times they jumped off the waterfall and hot tub wall, but I joined them for about 20 times throughout the day.  We spent five hours there having fun and making new friends.

They were playing hide and seek with me by hiding behind the waterfall.  Their camouflage wasn't great, but that wasn't the point of playing together at all.  They fit behind the waterfall together just fine, but I doubt that will be possible next year as they grow into kindergarteners.

This is a very transitional time for all of the 4 Webbs.  I'm excited for what's to come, but change is never easy.  Me going back to work, Easton and Layla finishing summer at Ouma and Oupa's house before starting kindergarten in August, and Kendra figuring out what her time will be spent doing for the rest of the year.

I have a hard time accepting the vacation of a lifetime is over, but when I look back at all the adventures and time spent together it feels like it should be over.  The damage to our bank account is painfully visible, but I determined at the beginning not to calculate the cost of the sabbatical.  Even so, it's been worth the cost whatever it is.  There may be no way to put a value on the family bonding we experienced.  The word "bonding" doesn't really do justice to the increased connection we have with each other as a result of our time together.   completely worth it.

Now I get to head back to work while the rest of the people in Ouma and Oupa's house continue the summer time fun.  Such is life!

See you soon.

Vacation Waning

Greetings friends and family,

Those few nights in my own bed were heavenly, but the rest we are getting by taking advantage of grandparents living in the same house are even better.  The longest vacation of my life is almost over.  I can't believe 70 days has come and gone.  However, I don't feel any regret of wasting this time or missing out on anything.  The family bonding time is irreplaceable.  Also, I feel well rested and almost ready to go back to work.

We took a family walk on the neverending bike path that runs through town.  Taking walks, working out at the gym, and being active is at the top of my list.

Layla's flower girl dress arrived.  She did a fashion walk through the living room to show it off.  such a sweet princess.  I can't wait to see the 4 Webbs in Logan and Bree's wedding.

While shopping at some department stores the battery on our Pilot died.  I went to rescue Kendra, Ouma, and kids.  Then Dad came to rescue me with tools and a Costco card to replace the battery.  Anyway, Easton was so excited to show me what Kendra bought him.  real astronaut food!  Ice cream, no less...  After dinner he shared his incredible gift with all of us.  I couldn't believe how excited he was about eating the same food as real astronauts, but I'm glad he is passionate!

My week has been ultra-low-key.  Like, I don't even leave the house or see any other person outside our family some days.  This is exactly what I want for my last week of total freedom before starting work again.  I've been able to sleep in as well as interact with the kids as much and as often as I like.  I even talk on the phone with Easton sometimes.  You know...  ring, ring, ring, banana phooooooone!  Easton...  I am your father.

Kendra got all dressed up.  That's not a huge deal, but it rarely happens because of me.  Usually she's going out with her girlfriends or to a church event.  But this day she dressed up just for me because we went on this thing called... uh, a date.  yeah, I remember now what it's like to go out with just her and I alone.  it's a little late in the year to be making new year's resolutions, but if I had one it would be to spend an entire evening out at least once per month.  I'm blessed to have such an attractive wife.

One of the many things Easton was looking forward to this trip is golf time with Oupa.  Easton started back at the basics of putting and chipping.  He picks up concepts really easily.  I was impressed with his stick-to-it attitude.  In many other areas he loses interest easily and defaults to an "I can't" attitude, but with things he is interested in there is no deterring his focus.

He did well at chipping, but preferred putting.  Those are some good fundamentals!

The reason I have so much about Easton is because Layla and Kendra stayed the night with her friend Megan and her daughter Isabella.  The Mommies are great friends and the girls are best friends.  Layla has talked about seeing Isabella for months.  She would randomly bring up Isa and say how much she misses her.  All I could say was, "we'll be there soon!"  When we arrived she begged to go Isa the very next morning.  I was glad for them to spend an evening together.

We had our own fun at home though.  I found a recipe online for how to make homemade applesauce.  Easton and I jumped into the kitchen to make it.  We realized how we were in over our head and Ouma came to the rescue.

The applesauce turned out well, but because Easton is so used to the pre-packaged junk he wasn't amazed by it.  He liked the fruit sushi though.  I peeled a banana, rolled a fruit rollup around it, and cut it like sushi.  I'm a terrible chef, but Easton didn't care or notice.  I'm still in the superhero category with him because he doesn't know any better yet.  I'll enjoy my status as long as he allows it.

We invaded Aunt Joan's pool like we do every summer.  The high wall provided a good jump point for the twins.  The solar heater produced a 90 degree pool in 98 degree heat, but it was still refreshing.

These two make life extremely interesting and fulfilling.  I can't imagine fewer kids or more kids and I can't imagine being a single parent.  I appreciate the life and opportunities I have.

One of my goals is to live a life of no regrets (or as few as possible).  I've never met an older person who says, "I wish I would have worked more at my job" or "I spent too much time with my spouse and kids".  I won't be on the wrong side of that conversation when I get old.  These are the days we remember.

See you soon!

Daddy Weekend

Greetings friends and family,

I saved a few special outings with the twins for a rainy day, but since we live in Phoenix there was no better time than the present.  It's hot outside and there can only be so much time we can spend in the pool before we reach an official state of waterlogged.

The three of us missed Mommy, but knew she was busy preparing for Bree's parties.  Having just the three Webbs was not fulfilling as a family, but as a Dad and his kids we had an amazing time.  I continually teach Easton how to be a gentleman.  One way he practice is by helping Layla out of the car.  He gets out and goes around where Layla usually has the door open and is waiting for him.  He offers his hand and she steps down like a princess.

We hold hands when we walk together.  Easton is on the traffic side, Layla is in the middle, and I'm on the inside.  They both understand that the man protects the woman and puts himself in harms way in selflessness.  If Easton forgets to fill his role Layla is there with a stern yell saying, "Easton!  Be a gentleman!"  I have to temper her expectations by saying, "Layla you can't make a guy be a gentleman.  you have to let him choose to be one."

During a previous birthday party at Peter Piper Pizza we had to leave early.  I pocketed the remaining coins for a later date.  Well, this day was "a later date" so we had a full day of Peter Piper Pizza and games.  Skee ball was where we dumped the largest percentage of our free coins.  Easton figured it out quickly and had great results.  I chased several of Layla's skee balls on the other lanes and across the floor behind her.  She kept on going though and I didn't make a big deal about the errant balls because it wasn't my house or my stuff!

It is of the utmost importance that Easton and Layla know they can fail and still be loved without shame or fault.  That doesn't mean removing bad consequences that result from bad choices though.  It just means when accidents happen and they are learning that grace abounds.

We ran out of coins and headed for the exits.  The twins both stopped and asked for us to eat pizza there instead of going home for sandwiches.  I agreed and we ate our money's worth of the buffet.  Our bellies were full, but somehow they had room to lick the lollipops they won with the skee ball tickets.  Who'd have thought they still had room for lollipops?  

Easton is a sharing boy to the max.  He graciously offered his lollipop so I could pose in the picture with Layla.  Such a sweet, considerate kid and he did it with no prompting from me.  kudos to Big Time.  Layla and Easton both know that we don't necessarily always eat the whole treat whether it is ice cream or candy.  I want them to know it's ok to have a few bites of something and then throw it out.  The depression is over and I refuse to instill in the twins the hoarding and "you must eat all of your food whether your tummy is full or not" mentality.  so, after a few more licks these massive suckers went in the trash and we went on our merry way with content hearts for what we were able to enjoy.

With Daddy doing three meals and two snacks per day we had an exceptionally well balanced diet (if I do say so myself).  Well, I DO have to say so myself because there wasn't another person around to see my meal preparation skills in action.

Fruit.  We ate tons of fruit.  For breakfast I made my oft-requested eggs, cheese, and turkey omelette along with a variety of fruit bites.  Hair is combed, clothes are on right-side up, and food prepared.  My day was successful based on this one picture.

On another day our outing included returning library books and strength training.  Well, it's technically called AirWorx, but it's just a big warehouse with wall to wall trampolines and bounce houses.  They were strength training whether Easton and Layla know it or not.

We arrived early, which meant there was no one else around to play with for the first half of our visit.  No problem! built-in playmates...

They climbed and slid and jumped without stopping for an entire hour.  Some other kids their age showed up and the two split up with their new friends for girl time and boy time.  Then occasionally they would join forces again and play like best friends do.

We walked between businesses and I noticed a cicada walking across the ground.  We've talked about them for months, but they hadn't seen one alive until this one.  Layla held her hand out and requested I let it crawl on her finger.

Then she asked, "does it bite?"  Her question should have been asked before allowing me to place it on her finger, but I guess that's good ole' fashioned trust in her Daddy.  Easton verified with Layla that her finger was not being eaten off by the little critter.  Then he asked to hold it.  Atta boy.

We spent every waking moment together for four full days and then we had a new challenge to tackle:  Driving to Sacramento without Mommy.  The hardest part of this challenge was packing because for the past 5 years Kendra has been the one to make a list and check it twice.  I did OK with the packing, but still forgot some basics like Easton's swimming suit.

Anyway, we hit the road at 8 AM sharp across the desert.  We stopped in LA at a poorly chosen exit and wound up at a denny's-like restaurant in Glendale, CA.  I took a quick selfie and we hopped back in the car.

The 12 hour drive was flawless when it comes to gas, food, and pee break synchronization.  We didn't have to make a single unscheduled stop!  We hit some rain showers along the way, which broke up the day a bit.  A few minutes before arriving at Ouma and Oupa's house we were treated to a double rainbow.

Rolling onto the driveway felt like crossing a finish line for me.  I wanted to hear some Chariots of Fire music and have an award hung around my neck for not only surviving, but thriving in the midst of very unfamiliar territory for me.  I was Mommy and Daddy for just a few days.  Although everyone can endure something for a while I have more respect than ever for single parents who do this for years unending.  God bless them for having to fill both roles.  I am grateful for the way Kendra and I are able to be a team for the twins.

And now...  time for adventures in Sacramento with Ouma and Oupa.

See you soon!

Daddy Week

Greetings friends and family,

To recap our previous few weeks, I've been off work now since April 25 (roughly 8 weeks).  Kendra and I attended a conference in Dallas, the 4 Webbs joined Kendra's family for a week in Disneyland, and then the 4 Webbs took a tour of the midwest for 30 days.  Talk about a once in a lifetime opportunity!  Being away from home was everything and more of what I envisioned when we planned my sabbatical several months ago.  However, even with the best of plans there are limits and drawbacks because of opportunity costs.

During the last week at Aunt Mary's house Easton and Layla both were missing home to the point that they expressed it daily.  Their longing to be back in their own rooms and familiar environment had nothing to do with Mary's.  The longing was due to the long absence from their bed and toys and day-to-day life.

When the day finally came to fly home, the twins were excited and ready.  Our departure was delayed, but eventually Southwest came through and gave us a plane to board.  Seeing our plane taxi up to the runway was cause for celebration.

I sat with Easton and Kendra sat with Layla.  Even though we checked-in online and printed our boarding passes within seconds of the availability window we were still way far in the back for boarding.  There were no three seats together like when we flew to OKC.  There weren't many two seats together either.  Easton wasn't able to get a window seat, but there are worse things in life than missing out on the views afforded by a window seat.

We arrived home safely and slept like bears in a coma, tucked into our own comfy beds.  Watching the sunset over our big Saguaro cactus was a sight for sore eyes.

There was one picture I neglected to post from our OKC trip.  This one of Easton and Layla.  It is significant because of the expression conveyed in it.  As I walked with them between businesses in a shopping area I purposefully stood behind them with guidance for where we are going.  I pointed in that direction and said, "go ahead, I'm right behind you."  They walked hand in hand abiding by the street crossings and people traffic patterns.  Easton lifted Layla's hand and kissed it just as I took this.

Two things expressed here.  One is that I'm giving them a chance to lead more often and quietly observing their behavior without correcting them unless it is absolutely necessary.  They are headed into Kindergarten in 6 weeks so their internal guidance systems need to be given more room to navigate through life without Kendra and I involved.  Two is that Easton is taking care of Layla more and more now.  Not in a co-dependent way, but in a big brother way.  I'm glad to see him stepping up and acting like a gentleman on his own prompting and choices.

After two short days back at the home sweet home Kendra flew to Sacramento.  that's right, she left me alone with the twins for five days!

I was excited for her to have kid-free time with Mom and her Bree, her future sister in law.  She threw the wedding shower and bachelorette party for Bree.  That means her vacation from the kids and me wasn't really a vacation, but at least it was a chance to spend a few days away after being around us for 30 days straight.

The twins and I had a great week together.  It was fun to be responsible for all meals, schooling, and adventures.  Well, it was fun for a few days anyway.  Not sure I could do this full time, but I can do anything for a few days...

First stop after dropping Mommy at the airport was a trip to the grocery store.  The fridge was bone dry from being gone 30 days so i had to replenish it with enough food to last us 5 days.  I gave the twins a chance to push the cart just for fun.  They didn't hit anyone and kept it between the shelves.  They gotta learn how to drive sometime, right?

Back at home I realized there was nothing to eat (just a joke) so we went to sushi.  happy hour prices make it reasonably priced and eating healthy certainly has a cost.

With one of them on each side of me we chowed down and conversed with the sushi chef since we sat at the bar.  Easton likes all the same sashimi (raw fish) I like.  big surprise, huh.  If only i can get him to like carrots and tomatoes....

 At home we had full days of playtime and school time.  After getting out of the pool Layla put on her Snow White attire and exclaimed, "my hair is black when it's wet so I need to wear my Snow White outfit because her hair is black."  Makes sense to me.

Out of five days I only included two people (Jacob and Kyle) for a total of four hours.  I could have packed my days with having friends over to hang out, but I intentionally kept the front door locked and my phone off.  I wanted the twins to have my full attention and daddy time.

We went to Culver's for an ice cream sandwich treat after swimming.  Mint Chocolate Chip is their new favorite flavor.  Smash it between two big Oreo cookies and you have a tasty treat.

While we were touring the midwest our friends used the pool to keep from melting in the AZ heat.  Chris discovered the deflated orca whale and blew it up.  The last time the twins saw the inflated orca whale was last year, but it was too scary then.  They decided to have some fun playing on it.

I gave them a lot of independence during our Daddy week.  One example of this was the freedom to choose their own clothes.  I did my best to give them responsibility for the morning and bedtime routines.  Layla came out wearing her special dress made by Ouma.  She was ecstatic about wearing it.  Ta Da!

I stumbled on a coupon for Jamba Juice so one of the days we went to cool off and get some berries with protein.

Layla saw my sunglasses on my desk and tried them on.  She looks uber cool, but her reasoning as to why she had to have them is because they match her dress.  She's so observant.

We had some form of schooling each day.  Kindergarten is coming up quickly so we need to start ramping up the learning.  We took one morning to learn about one of my favorite topics:  money.  Until this day they saw all coins as equal value.  However, now they can argue over who's stack of coins is worth more as well as who has the most coins.  greaaaaaat!  Easton was most interested in the quarters with state emblems on the back.  I was asked to read from which state each and every quarter came from.  He was smart enough to ask me if these quarters are worth more.

The money learning exercises led to earning some of the coins.  That led to the reintroduction of the Give, Save, Spend containers.  Each time they earned coins they loaded up their containers in the proper order.  There was some seriously good behavior going on as they filled them up.

Each day I made a list of ways they can earn money.  I kept this handy so I could watch for good behaviors resulting from right attitudes.

I searched the clearance rack at Target and found Easton a gem:  Angry Birds pajamas!  He is a big fan of Angry Birds and also had a real need for new pajamas that he could fit in.

The sunrise to sunset regimen was not stressful or taxing, just long.  It was worth it because I felt more connected to Easton and Layla than any time in their lives.  Their excitement to spend time with me and include me in everything was very fulfilling.  They invited me to see every bug on the sidewalk, every pirouette, every new Xbox discovery.

I accepted their invitation and paid attention because I believe that if I am interested in their lives now for the little things, then they'll continue to invite me to be a part of the big things when they get older.  This is all just theory because I've never parented teenage kids, but based on my own experience and observation of other families I'm sticking with my theory.  Many parents ignore their kid's request to be involved in the little things.  I've seen how those kids turn out.

There are many things I keep in the front of my mind when it comes to being a father, but few are more front-and-center than this one belief Easton and Layla need more than just my presence in the same house or park or restaurant.  They want my attention, affection, and approval.  I don't want them think they are the center of the world, but I want them to know they are the center of my world, after Mommy.  As I review my list of priorities I'm content with how I'm living that out day to day:

God
Kendra
Easton and Layla
Career
Others
Me

By the way, church is included in the "others" section.  That means the only person on Earth more important than Easton and Layla is Kendra.  I don't want to tell them that...  I show them.  To me that defines the nature of a parent-child relationship.  If they don't feel important then they aren't.

This last section was just me writing out my thoughts.   Notice there was no "thus saith the Lord".  I'll have to chew on that a little more to discover the truth or lies in there.

See you soon!