I grew up with two sisters and would never consider myself very active. The most activity I did when I was a kid was either riding bikes or playing Barbies. But this past Sunday, September 6, I got to be all kinds of active while hanging out with De’Aveon and Noah in Lodi. They were up with their mom, Ashley, visiting Grandma and Grandpa.
Spending a day with boys who are nine and five years old, can be quite exhausting. As soon as I arrived, Noah and I went downstairs to play a game of pool on one of those kiddie pool tables. It’s kind of old, so all the balls gravitate to the middle of the table. That gave us good practice in our breaking skills. I did make a couple of good shots, but I really can’t brag. The pool table can’t be more than 3 feet by 4 feet. Minnesota Fats, I’m not!
After that, De’Aveon convinced me to join him, Uncle Bobby and Noah for a game of football. Noah, God bless his heart, wanted to be on my team. I told him when he gets older, he won’t be picking me for his team. Until then, I’ll relish playing with him every chance I get! Bobby and De’Aveon made some really great plays. D’ is so fast and a great receiver. He was able to dodge my attempts to catch him—once or twice. Noah did great, too. He ran for a couple of touchdowns. Ashley was the referee. She was so enthralled with one play, she missed a blatant hold. I’m not complaining, but Bobby sure did! The score ended up being 34 to 28 with D’ and Bobby being the champions.
The boys and I took a break and watched the end of Cars II. During that time we enjoyed popsicles and cooling off a little. When the movie was done, Noah and I headed out for some chalk art on the sidewalk. (Bobby had to leave for a Fantasy Football draft and De’Aveon was starting to not feel well.) I tried to teach Noah how I played hopscotch when I was a kid. We weren’t that good, but we had a great time with it. Then we drew houses and mountains and chairs and flowers and all kinds of things with the chalk. One of the nice things hanging out with a five year old, there is no judgment on your artistic abilities.
Almost as soon as we were done with our artwork, it started to rain. Since there wasn’t any lightning, Noah and I stayed outside in the rain for a little bit. We played hopscotch again, all the while the rain was making it fade away. We cooled down and then went inside.
We ate watermelon, pickles and hot dogs (well, I had a coney dog) for dinner. Then enjoyed the last half of the movie Tangled. By the time it ended, it was time for me to head home. I think as an adult you appreciate days like this, when you can just hang out and be a kid again. Thanks De’Aveon and Noah! You make your aunt feel cool.
If you have stories of times spent with children, I’d love to hear them. Leave your comments below.
