A Mom Day with Michael

Short background: Nick was taking Nathan to the country with my dad, thus leaving Michael with me. I worried that Michael would feel left out, so pushed a bit for him to go with them. That would mean I could sneak to Houston (with the dog, my fearless protector and traveling buddy) to SEW baby bed stuff with my mom and Elizabeth. Oh, my machine was roaring-ready to go!

Michael chose NOT to go for 24 hours of the testosterone fest. Squish went the possibilities of sewing. I was a bit bummed, but delighted to spend the time with Michael. Maybe he was more wise than me: we needed some time "just us."

This morning, we scooted out to the World Hunger Relief Farm for their fall farm day. It was our first adventure out there, and definitely WON'T be the last. Super cool place. It makes me sad that I never made it out to Urban Harvest in Houston because it is probably very similar. I must take the boys sometime when we're in town. Farm Day was fantastic. It's a nice sampling of a farm environment.

We went on the hayride, pulled ever so modernly by a Dodge pick-up truck! Awesome! We saw goats, chickens, and turkeys ("happy turkeys" as the hayride dude called them with their days numbered--not so sure how happy they really are). We walked through rows and rows of crops in various stages of growth. We observed, we appreciated, we discovered, we talked. We held hands without protest.

And in the middle of this glorious time together, he randomly stopped, looked up at me, and said, "Mom, farm day is fun." Michael is a man of few words. He speaks when necessary, but it is often thoughtful and profound when he does. Farm Day WAS fun. It was more than just a trip to experience a farm. We needed some time together. And as much as I would've enjoyed some sewing and another dose of Houston, I realize now that what I really needed was a dose of Michael.

On the way home, we stopped for a date at Whataburger--HIS choice, not exactly mine. We came home, he beat me at Checkers, we made and ate brownies, and he's back to piddling around with toys. I'm glad he didn't go with the guys!