One on One

I've always known that one on one time with my kids is very important. I've learned recently that it really doesn't matter what you're doing when you're with them though, as long as you're having fun together. I was going through the pictures on my phone and wanted to share. The pictures above are from a little shopping trip Alex and I went on together. When it's just the two of us, she opens up a bit more and tells me all about what's on her mind and what's been going on in her life. It's hard to admit that she is independent and living in the world around her. But I can't hold her in my grasp forever and it's good to know what goes on in her quickly maturing mind. It's nice to laugh together instead of arguing over chores and meals and homework.
Over spring break we went skiing together, just the two of us, and our favorite time was when we were sitting on the chair lift and could watch the snowflakes land softly on our jackets. It was the first time either of us have seen an actual snowflake in it's true form; with all of the branches and crystals formed in little individual patterns. It was magical and we were able to experience it together.

Then yesterday Johnny and I had optometrist appointments. He was nervous and curious at the same time. We played the game boy together as we were waiting for our turn. I went first in the big chair and he watched closely as they did all the usual tests on my eyes with their "spy gear" instruments and little flashlight. He impressed everyone with how still he was when getting dilating drops in his eyes and when they had to take pictures of his eyes. He thought it was so weird when he couldn't see very well (because of the drops) and that wearing my glasses (top picture) helped him see a little better. We had fun trying on the different glasses they had there in the shop and picking out ones for each other to try on. The doctor wrote him a Rx for a TCBY treat and gave him glasses to wear out in the sun. I left my shades in the car so he held my hand and guided me to the car and then unlocked it for me since I couldn't open my eyes very well in the light. It was fun one on one time with Johnny and it was just a visit to the optometrist. By the way, he is a little far sighted, which I guess is normal in a lot of little kids so there isn't anything to worry about. No glasses at this stage for him.

I guess my point in all of this is to make sure and take those little opportunities where it's just the two of us and make the most of them!