Mom for a week

It worked out perfectly, Dave happened to be going on a business trip the same week that my dad was flying to Utah for a surgery.  My mom was distraught with the idea of her having to stay home and take care of 2 kids while my dad was in another state getting surgery and recovering.  They would never ask me to leave my husband and help, but since he'd be gone anyways I offered to come out and play mom for the week.  My mother literally screamed for joy, I was so happy I could help. Dave and I actually got to sit next to eachother on the plane out to LA where we said our goodbyes for the week and I continued up to Fresno.  

We decided to go to my sisters house and surprise the nieces.  We stargazed in the back while we waited for them to arrive and then snuck up into their 3 beds while they were brushing their teeth.  We didn't get the reaction we were expecting, but once they realized it was just us and not monsters in their beds they smiled and gave us big hugs through all their tears and trembling bodies.

The week was great.  I got up early to make them breakfast and get them out the door by 6:15. First stop, drop Tia off at seminary, then Emily off at school, then go back and pick Tia up again and take her to school.  I took them each out to lunch during the week and then picked up Emily after school and Tia later after practice.  Then there were the evening church activities and dance classes.  I felt like I spent at least half the day in the car.  I also got to sign papers as their parent/guardian and help them with their homework and studying for tests and quizzes. I cannot believe that my mother had 6 kids to drive around back in my day, it was crazy with just 2.

Whenever I had a few hours in a row to spare I went over to my sisters to spend time with her and her kids. 

 We had a great time at the zoo eating snacks and seeing all the animals, including the new sea lion exhibit.

 I also got to babysit these two one day.  We spent the morning at the park climbing, sliding and their favorite...collecting lots of acorns and sliding them all down the slide.

 I did cook during the week, but I made sure to fit in a few of my favorite treats 

 Fresh and delicious maple bars and then a Thrifty ice cream date.

 And an added bonus, I got to eat plenty of fresh oranges off our orange tree and they were delicious!!!  This week was a blast for me and 100 times better than being home by myself while Dave was gone!  My parents came back the night before I left so I got to see them briefly and everything went great with dad's surgery.  I'm glad it worked out and I was able to let my mom go support my dad.  I don't know how my mom does it!