Summer, Summer, Summertime...

It's been so hard keeping the boys entertained this summer. They complain about everything--including the stuff that's supposed to entertain them, keep them busy, and give me some sanity. Gymnastics for the summer? Hell yeah! When I was a kid, I would've killed for some kind of lesson, any kind of lesson so help me G-D. But no, my darling children don't know how good they've got it, so I get attitude when I interrupt a game of Ratatouille on the rarely used Playstation 2 (whole other story) to go to said activities.

Getting out of bed, grooming myself enough to look at least half-female, dressing myself and Miss C., while simultaneously yelling to the boys to get their clothes on for the third time has been enough for me to consider throwing in the dirty dish towel and let them be. I mean, my summers as a kid were never planned out to keep me busy, let alone happy and entertained. Summer was a time to stay home all day long with my older sister and cousin Laura, watch TV, walk to La Esquina Market corner store, (hello scary random cholo dudes) and do absolutely nothing. And you know what? I was fine. Nothing but the best for my little darlings, though, so gymnastics, swim lessons, field trips, and designated reading time fill their schedules. And still, with all of this planned activity I get, “I’m bored,” (said in a drawn out whine, of course) and constant mini matches of WWF…Not. Good.

So I think I’ve given up. They’ll go to their little extra-curricular activities, have some fun, and if their summer doesn’t turn out perfect, oh well. I tried. If all these activities don't have them bragging about their summer vacation on the first day of school, at least they’ll have fond memories of their chores this summer. Probably not, but I will. Seeing your eight and four year old boys with hats on their heads, plastic bags on their hands, and ready to work is enough to make you smile. Then seeing those same boys with hats and bags picking up your dog’s duty is just, well, gleeful.

I know, I know. I’m evil. But I love them.