Cross it out. Check it off. Whew. #61 complete. Babysit a friend's children so they can have a night out. Done.
We stayed with these kids. The Lakey children. From tallest / oldest: Ashleigh, Austin, Amy, Anna, & Abe. We were there for a whole 24 hours. And let me just tell you - Ryan and I are glad we don't have 5 kids. And we are glad the God's plan usually includes one or two BABIES at a time that really don't go anywhere. Thank goodness. However, that said, we did have a great time and really enjoyed seeing what having kids would be like.
We arrived Friday night and took this kiddos to the Carnival night at their school. The two older ones were basically on their own. We bought their tickets and told them to eat "real food" not just candy and pop and to check in around 7:45. The three little ones, were with Ryan and I the whole time. It was so weird to think about how much food does a 3 year old eat, should they have pizza or a hot dog, and can they paint their faces? Decisions we've never made before - but it worked out.
We decided yes on face painting and the crazy hair station - obviously. Oh and in the process Anna asked the lady doing their hair, "What's in your belly?" She was like..."umm...a baby."
We also decided yes to the petting zoo (yes that is Abe trying to give his binky to the duck) and the bouncy slide thing (only for the girls despite Abe's multiple attempts to climb aboard).
Then Saturday we fished almost all day and went to McDonalds. Both were an adventure for sure. Fishing was so successful, the big kids caught about 20 fish apiece. It was impressive. The littles, however, were unsuccessful despite amazing patience for 3 and 5 year olds. Abe didn't seem to mind - he just ate Dandelions. McDonalds was just funny. Again ordering food for kids was weird but the best part was watching the people around us stare and I know they were thinking - you two are in over your heads. They were also thinking, are you old enough to be parents to these kids. We needed signs that said - Babysitting.
So we now have a list of questions that must be answered before we even consider having our own little bundles of joy.
1. When do you ever take a shower?
2. How do you go to the bathroom by yourself?
3. Is anything ever, really, clean?
4. When the sippy cup or binky goes on the floor - do you really need to wash it every time - or just if the duck licks it?
5. Are you always tired?
6. Where does the money come from to feed and clothe these always hungry and dirty little people?
7. Are all strollers difficult to work?
8. Do you ever really have to quit having nap time?
9. How far can a 2-year old really run if given the opportunity?
10. When can you give them back?