Day 1155
Today, I was so excited to take out the Goldens’ new splash pad and watch the predictable joy to follow! They were NOT enthralled! In their defense, it may have looked like a new “bath opportunity” and they scurried away as if it were some hideous trap! Oh well…
There have been a few other instances in my life when a seemingly great plan went “south!” For example, there was the time we took our 1st graders outside for an Easter Egg Hunt and the squirrels got to our bagged candy before we did! Or when I decided that Jimmy was old enough to ride ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ at WDW and he chomped down on my arm during the water drop (Yes, there was blood involved!).
One of the biggest planning mistakes was a family trip out to the Dakotas. I had planned a fun-filled, exciting vacation when another family invited themselves along. Plans were drastically changed to accommodate their needs and desires. My children were NOT pleased! We still talk about that trip today and joke about one of the other family’s young son, who was a naughty challenge! At one point, he clambered up a rocky path to get closer to a mountain goat. After his father tried to convince him of the dangers (the mama goat had a baby with her) and failed to force him back to safety, I turned to look at my own four. To my surprise, they were all watching with morbid fascination and nodding as if to say, “He is finally going to get what we think he deserves and we have front row seats!” The young lad escaped the Mama Horns and didn’t learn a lesson at all! We reminisce with laughter now and wonder what ever happened to him!
So often, it is the failures we remember with a smile. The experiences that go smoothly do not hold the same place in our memories as those that went an unexpected route!. (My 2nd grade teacher taught me that! Miss Moen.)
Well, it’s time to bring the puppy splash pad in for another day. Before I do, I might just try to entice the Goldens on it myself. If that fails, perhaps I need to get the neighborhood kids to enjoy it… there’s always a Plan B!
