GoMom

Came up with a winner this weekend, I think!

We invented a new game called Golfiator, which is kind of like a mix of golf and gladiator (no chariots). Goes like this: we're all in the yard with pitching wedges and whiffle ball golf balls. We try to hit each other, but you have to be a fair target, meaning you have to stand still if there's a ball coming at you. The adults and teens are worth 5 points. Jakey the 5er is worth 10 points, but if you tag him when he's running or in motion, it's an automatic win. Play up to 25 points.  Winner gets a 30 second victory dance.

My friend bikes her little girls, ages 1 and 3 years, around in one of those little trailers. It's just for the pleasure of getting out into the summer--she only rides on the city's dedicated bike trails. The other day, her darlings fell asleep in the trailer, and both of them woke up crying, the older one complaining of a sore neck. You see, this conscientious mom makes them wear tiny little baby bike helmets, and that makes it hard for the girls to snuggle, and pinches their heads into weird angles if they doze off. So "I took off their helmets,"admiits my friend. "I felt like I was getting the stink eye from some people, but they were much happier." With cars out of the picture and a trailer specifically designed to protect its kiddie inhabitants, is it really worth using the bike helmets when it makes the children so miserable?

I think my kids are addicted to adrenaline. School's out, the stress of finals are over, today is the first real Monday of Summer, and I've already heard it: I'm bored. You know you're going to hear it too. Maybe we can get a collection of activities started, like a big yummy idea pool in which we can dip for responses to the dreadful phrase.

Most people see this holiday as a kick-off for the summmer season. Do you have any traditions? Do you throw a big picnic? Do you travel to a family event (made a little more difficult due to gas prices this year)? In the past, we've made an attempt to get to Fort Snelling and talk about the importance of remembering those who have sacrificed for us. Mostly, my husband uses it as an excuse to watch Tora Tora Tora or the entire Band of Brothers series. What will you do this weekend?

Ahh, the open road. Smell that country air... is that manure? Whether heading to Grandma's house or a long weekend, road trip season is upon us. What do you do to keep the kids entertained en route?