Summer Moments with the Kids

Drive Thru – May 26

F and I had a quick drive thru date at Chik-fila. That morning was F’s orthodontic appointment and he was disappointed to not have enough adult teeth yet to start his braces. Baby was in the car with us and we had just come from Henry’s feeding therapy appointment where F was a big assistant with that.

I’m so fortunate to have a son who loves to be helpful and enjoys spending time with me asking questions the entire time in the car. He asked me why I wear makeup, and I told him I’m trying to look a little more put together. “Then… why do you wear clothes with holes in them?” I looked down and saw that my blouse was completely ripped. It made me laugh so hard! I didn’t even realize, and he was absolutely right to be confused.

Favorite Restaurant – June 5

The day before W’s birthday I figured to take him on a date. He went and told Jer that it was so special and that it felt like back when he was really little in kindergarten and it was just he and I.

W wanted to share with me his favorite place to eat, Panda Express. I asked Jer what they normally order (orange chicken) so that’s what we got—plus a special drink in a glass bottle. This kiddo is like his daddy and loves pairing the right beverage with his food. “You have a kind and generous heart” his fortune said, and I completely agree about this sweetheart.

Mandolorian Movie – June 9

This pic is actually from when we bought the tickets at the theater, but Jer took the kids to see the new Mandalorian and Grogu movie which they are now all obsessed with. They came home telling me how much baby Henry is just like Grogu, how funny and amazing the story was, and how it’s their favorite movie. Jer says we are getting it as soon as it is released on Blu-Ray, which is rare that we ever buy movies to watch at home now but he wants to own it.

Frozen Yogurt – June 11

It’s hot this summer and I’ve wanted every excuse to take each of them out for frozen yogurt. We used all our froyo coupons and still keep coming back! I love seeing what their toppings say about them.

W for instance loves putting gummy worms, chocolate dipped waffle cones, and an assortment of cookies because he has a major sweet tooth. F does a sparse variety so he can taste most of the yogurt flavor. L always has a very fruity taste, even the yogurt is pineapple and coconut or piña colada.

More Frozen Yogurt – June 19

W helped me run errands, so we got a cold treat of frozen yogurt on the way home. It was a quick stop before all our groceries melted, but I got to try cantaloupe yogurt and W was satisfied with his cup.

Bean Museum – June 22

Jer took the kids out and wanted to go somewhere inside since it was so hot out. They went to the Bean Life Science Museum with some sketching supplies. Jer drew a baby black bear climbing up a tree, F drew a parrot and desert hawk, L drew a wolverine, and W drew some fish. They even went out for lunch and had sub sandwiches.

Texas Roadhouse – June 29

W worked so hard and read enough in school to earn a free meal at Texas Roadhouse, I’m so proud of him! He wanted to go there with me. We had attempted to go there another time but it was before they opened, so this time we made sure to go after 3:30pm.

We had very similar food- basically kabobs! W did not want to try any of my food, but he did allow me to split a bread roll with him when we were too full to have just one more. He is very much into the cinnamon butter (who isn’t??). We sat at a special booth called Kent’s Korner in honor of the founder of the restaurant, which W had a fun time checking out all the pictures and memorabilia on the wall. He enjoyed playing the electronic games with me at the table.

Minions and Monsters – July 29

Jer and W had a dinner and movie date to see “Minions and Monsters” and go to Panda Express. It was all W’s idea! He was craving Milk Duds so Jer made it special and got him some. “It was one of the best dates ever because we went to Panda Express and we also went to the movies and the movie was very funny!”

Spider-Man and Pasta – August 6

F and I had a “dinner and a movie” date and watched Spiderman Brand New Day at the theater. It was so sweet he held my hand so tight at the intense parts. For my pasta loving boy, we decided to try Olive Garden for his first time. We arrived just in time for the lunch special (lucky!), and ended up ordering exactly the same thing: shrimp scampi, chicken gnocchi soup, and endless breadsticks. We were so full though that we didn’t get refills on stuff, but we came home satisfied and with delicious leftovers!

Paletería – September 7

This is a new paletería in Payson called Dulce Snack, and we’ve come here every chance we can for dates! I love the energetic atmosphere and delicious treats. It was finally the kids’ turn to try the fresh fruit treats and elote corn—everyone gave it a thumbs up! Our favorite aqua Fresca is the Lime Cucumber. My favorite paleta is the strawberry kiwi. Jer has yet to order anything other than the corn, but he says the only thing that might sway him next time is the horchata with rice flavor of ice cream.