It’s not often that Daddy gets to share evening play time with me and the boys, especially during the week. Usually, by the time he gets home from work, Brayden is already in bed and Zackery and I are quietly snuggled up on the couch reading stories. But last night was a special treat, for all of us.
Brayden had taken a later than usual afternoon nap, waking up just before dinner at 5:30pm. I knew he wouldn’t go back down for bedtime at 7:30pm, so we had some time to kill. Daddy got home right about 8:00pm (his usual), and was immediately welcomed with giant smiles, screeches, hugs and open arms (the boys’ usual). This always makes me just as happy as I’m sure it makes Will.
It is just recently that the boys have been able to really play together without me intervening every 10 seconds. This is such an awesome experience and a huge milestone, again, for all of us. It makes me so proud to watch them interact together – laughing, hugging, truly playing. Of course it doesn’t always last long, and I am always right there, with my super Mommy eyes and ears, ready to jump in at the first sign of someone getting upset. But all in all, it is a wonderful occurrence.
With Daddy changed out of his work clothes, he joins us on the living room floor. Toys and “buddies” strewn across the floor, we were obviously having a fun time. The couch pillows also on the floor, Will grabbed one and I laid my head down on another. It felt good to just lay there, not having to move. It was, oddly, somewhat relaxing, even with the boys climbing all over us like a giant jungle gym!
It was beautiful to see Brayden and Zack playing, and particularly to see Will’s face as he watched them. It was gratifying to lay next to my husband, being part of the adventure. But what it was most of all, was a wondrous family evening; all 3 of my boys and I together, playing and enjoying each other, radiating joy and happiness, and just having pure, good-old-fashioned fun!