Before I start sharing about how I've completely over scheduled my kids, I thought I'd save grace with my readers (both of you) by talking about "mommy & me" time. My company extends summer Fridays through the end of September. It's a great benefit and I use it whenever I can. It seems like my workload slows a bit in September and kicks into high gear in October, so it's a bit of the calm before the storm.
Since Violet is at Montessori until 6, I've been meeting London at the bus stop at 3 and we've been just hanging out together. We've taken walks and stopped for ice cream more than once. London took his allowance to the toy store one day and we spent an hour while he decided what he wanted to buy. Last week we bought a tent for the backyard -- or the basement. The best part is that I can focus all of my attention on him which he needs and I think really enjoys. He's such a big boy some times.
I feel like I really listen when my kids talk, but they obviously don't because they keep yelling my name, "Mommy, mommy, mommy. Mom!" Or London always asks, "Mom, can I tell you something?" Usually they are both yelling at the same time, while the dog barks and the phone rings. All of this crazy makes a quiet afternoon with just one kid seem like a big prize to me.