We decided to take a zoo trip the other morning.  I had to think of something to do.  I got up at 5:30 and packed breakfast and loaded the car.  I got everyone ready and we were out the door by 7:45!  I was pretty proud of myself.  Jaylyn got up in a terrible mood and Jaxon seemed unusually clingy—should have been my first hint that it was going to be a long morning.  And it was!

The kids whined, fussed, and threw fits over and over again.  I was trying to maneuver a double stroller loaded with gear while trying to keep the one walking child within arms reach.  I was getting a little stressed.  Finally, I had both Jaylyn and Jaxon walking because they were both fighting over who would ride in the stroller.  Ellie was finally asleep and they were NOT going to wake her up! 

Jaylyn:

“I can’t walk!  My legs hurt!  This is hurting my legs!!!  My back hurts!  I’m too tired!!!  I’m hungry, I’m hungry, I’m HUNGRY!!   I want a snack!  I’m so hot!  Mommy, I’m tired; I’m too TIRED!  I can’t walk anymore!!!” 

The drama………

Jaxon:

He would refuse to walk, standing in the middle of the pathway.  I would walk on ahead (all of 5 feet), he would run screaming and smack into the back of my legs, falling to the ground, sometimes taking my shorts down with him. 

Finally, Jaxon was so cranky he sat down on the pathway, screaming and kicking his legs.  He refused to budge.  I’m standing nearby with the stroller while Jaylyn and I simply stared at Jaxon.  I was so tired.  I guess Jaylyn knew that I just didn’t know what to do, and even if I did, I didn’t know how I would have the energy to do it.  So Jaylyn, ever the little mother, walked over to Jaxon and crouched down to his level.

“Buddy, do you want to go see some animals?  Come on Buddy!  Let’s go find the giraffes!  Get up Buddy!!  Do you want to keep walking?”

Jaxon stopped his screaming long enough to listen to her.  He frowned up at her as she questioned him.  He still refused to get up.  Jaylyn sensed her tactic wasn’t working so she changed her plan and asked only one more question.

“Buddy, do you want to get run over?”

This was asked in the most cheerful little voice. 

At that point, I laughed so hard I cried.  I needed that.  Jaylyn took over for me and was doing her best to help.  And she did eventually get Jaxon to stand up and keep going.  She’s such a good helper—most of the time.