. . . the kids will play!

And did they ever!  While Kevin and I were gone on our romantic weekend, my amazing friend Marilyn and her family watched Derek and Lily.  They live downstairs, and so it was very convenient, and the kids were even able to sleep in their own beds every night.  I asked Marilyn what the highlights were for her, and here they are . . .

• Derek coming in every morning at 5:45am and climbing into bed with her.  He would lay there and twirl her wedding ring while she got to go back to sleep until Lily came in 45 minutes later.
• Teaching Lily to blend words, and watching her learn it and love it.  (Marylin is a first grade teacher, and is taking this year off while they are in Georgia.)  This was Lily's favorite part, as it was the first time she has really leaned phonics, since they are only doing sight words at school.
• Having Lily say to her at breakfast on Saturday, "Marilyn, you feed me breakfast just like a mom."  (Marilyn has 3 kids of her own and IS a mom – he he!)
• Getting to experience Derek's escape artistry as she got him ready for bed and while trying to get him to stay in bed after he was tucked in.  The last night she told him that if he got out of bed again, she would close the door tight.  Lily quickly piped in, "Derek, you better not get out of bed, or she will close the door tight!"  He didn't come out of the room that night, but later she did find him asleep in Lily's bed, so I guess he thought that counted as staying in bed.
• Taking Lily to the Savannah Children's Book Festival at Forsyth Park.  The two of them had a fantastic time.  Lily got to do crafts, build towers with books, meet authors and illustrators, and even got a couple new books. 

Lily's favorite part was listening to Mo Williams read – he is the author of the Pigeon books.  Marylin said that Lily stood there the whole time with her hand raised, since she had a question and wanted her book signed.  There was a massive crowd, and so she decided to take matters into her own hands and march right up to him, but Marilyn was able to stop her in time.

• Coming back from the book festival, and having Jordan (her 19 yr old) and Derek taking a nap together on the couch, with Star Wars playing in the background.

Getting to laugh and laugh at all the hilarious things Lily and Derek did all weekend.

The kids really had so much fun, that they didn't have any time to miss us.  I am so thankful for such great friends (and kids).

PS. When I asked Derek is he missed me while I was away, he said, "No way!  I missed Daddy!"  Nice.