Well, we started a new tradition…and it might be one of my favorites.
It was several of you girls who actually gave me the idea. About two months ago, I mentioned how Kensington was disappointed sometimes that Ashby gets to spend the whole day with me by herself and she doesn’t. I told her that she did have her turn…from birth to 16 months, it was all us…but then Smith came along and it was the three of us. (She had her turn, she just doesn’t remember it.) She wanted a little during the day alone time with mommy…so, many of you mentioned having a skip day.
I. Loved. This. Idea.
Thus, a tradition was born.
I told my kiddos that each year during the month of May, I will show up at school and surprise them with the rest of the day off. Annnnd…we would do whatever it was that they wanted to do…just the two of us. For this year, I made sure I scheduled these days on one of Ashby’s preschool days (so that they got my full attention), checked with their teachers and picked good days for them to leave early and spend alone time with mama. Now that I’ve done it with both kids, we agreed that we’ll continue to do it every year through 12th grade. Let’s see if 18 year old Smith wants to spend the day with his mama…he says he will (and I pray he’s right!)…but he also says that he’ll still want to go to Legoland ;).
Here’s a little look at our Skip Days 2016…
Skip day!! Kensington is my “cries when she’s happy kid”, so the minute she came around the corner at school and saw me (the office had called her class and asked for her to come to the front ready to be dismissed for the day), she burst into happy tears. She was so excited!! Our plan was to go to the American Girl store and have lunch. We were off!
Couldn’t love her more.
The girl of the year this year is Lea. Lea loves the beach and baseball…so, Kensington has been eyeing her since January 1. Here she is seeing her in person for the first time.
The look of happy!
We love American Girls at our house :).
Posing next to the cut out of Lea. How old does she look here?!?!
Kensington and Lea.
Lovin’ on Lea at lunch too.
We ate lunch and then she asked for cake for dessert. Who am I to deny red velvet cake?!?!
When we got home, we decided to walk to school to meet up with the other two kiddos. Lea came along too. Such a special day with my sweet girl.
The next week, I surprised Smith at school with his Skip Day! He wanted to visit Legoland, so off we went!
This boy has my heart!
Smith is my talker. He talked non-stop on the way there and the whole time we were inside. He loves to talk, so we had some great conversations that weren’t interrupted by sisters. (He talks so much that Ashby will often say “stop talking Smith” because she just wants quiet!)
Smith was so serious on this ride. I was taking selfies and he was focused with his laser gun!
My favorite room was the Lego room that looked just like Dallas/Fort Worth. Smith loved the Cowboys’ stadium the most!
The 4D movie was a blast because it rained and snowed on us!
He got to drive a Lego car…
And we flew high in the sky on another ride too!
Smith loves building with Legos, so making a Lego car for the track was one of his favorite things.
He did the car track for about an hour!
I’m not quite sure why we had never been to Legoland before??? It was a BLAST! Smith and I had the best time!
Legoland is located right next to Rainforest Cafe…so, off we went for lunch!
My boy with the world’s largest restaurant drink ;).
So, those are our Skip Days 2016!
When I look back at this school year, I know that both days will be remembered by all three of us. I spend a lot of time with my kiddos…but this extra time really spoke into all of our hearts. They were two very special days where we talked, we laughed, we shared, we held hands, and we loved on each other even more than normal. You know what they say…the days are long but the years are short. It’s still hard to believe they’re going into 1st and 2nd grade. It seems like yesterday they were both babies and we were surviving on Cheerios and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I’m trying to soak in as much as I can…because I know that I’m going to blink and this phase will be over too. xo
Alright…who knows what’s for dinner tonight? If you don’t, have no fear…Meal Planning Monday is here!
See all five supper recipes (plus a dessert and breakfast recipe) here!
Enjoy your day friends!
And don’t forget, keep up with Every Day in May here. Today is a particuarally good one!
xo
Erika Slaughter says
When I asked, both of your kiddos couldn't stop talking about the fun they had! Making memories, friend!! XOXO
Erica says
Ok, that cut out of American girl Lea looks like you, Erika Slaughter!!
Samantha Harris says
The time does go by so fast. This is do special. You are a great mom!
Kati Matthews says
Ummm I want a skip day! Love this idea!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Skip days are a great idea, and doing them in May is so smart since school is winding down! I love this!
Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts
kimm atwood says
Aj just had a field trip to legoland and loved it !
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Well, this is just so much fun! I love that K burst into tears out of sheer happiness! So sweet. And Smith obviously had a blast with his mama!
Mama Of Boys says
We start this tradition TOMORROW, can't wait to see his face!!
Tammy says
We did skip days too. What a great time you spent with you kids 🙂 Here's to a wonderful Monday !
Jill R says
Legoland doesn't have any field trips on Mondays, last time I asked. It's the best day to go, FYI.
Cathy and Marshall says
What special memories! One-on-one time with kiddos is so meaningful. My only question is, how were you allowed to take them out of school without a doctor's note? I don't think our school would let us do that, unfortunately. It would be so fun, though!
Mix and Match Mama says
We can take our kids out for any reason at any time. We don't need permission to take them out of school since they're our kiddos. They always ask us why we're taking them out and note it…and they told me they noted "mental health time" for my kiddos :). I guess since their teachers and administrators get mental health days during the year, they think the kiddos can have some time away for that too? 🙂
Cherit says
Love it!
Skye says
Our school is like that… Where they discourage you taking them out for any reason other than sickness or doctor visits. It's quite sad when teachers and administrators get "mental health days." So, we do our skip days as full days because I can always write a parent note but they will send a letter home threatening "in school suspension" if they are checked out without a doctors note. 🙁 some schools have gone a little overboard.
I love that your school lets you do this with your kiddos! It's so awesome making those memories!!! 🙂
dresselfamily.blogspot.com says
We can do that in elementary.. it's for sure frowned upon I'm Jr high and up!
Katie says
In the state of Texas, public school funding is tied to attendance, so that is probably why some schools have discouraged kids missing school for reasons other than illness. And having been a teacher myself, I don't begrudge a teacher taking a mental health day, though I can tell you that most of the good ones are so committed to their students that they don't even take off time for being legitimately ill.
Amy says
Cheerios & Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is my life (9mo & 3yo) ?? Trying to remember that sweet saying on the longest of days! LOVE the idea of skip days. I'll definitely be doing this when the kids are older!
kelly says
Looks like y'all had such a great time. This idea is such a good one! Stealin' it! Thank you! !
Aubrey says
Such a fun idea! Looks like you guys had awesome days!
Mygirlsmama says
Yes! Do this as long as you can…because they definitely will not want to do a skip day with you in their teens…not because they don't love you, but because it is in the middle of final exams 🙂 Just remember, someday they will go to bed at midnight instead of 8 so you will have special nights you can plan with them instead of days. My girls actually drive ME to starbucks for coffee dates now…lol!
Casey says
I'm sure she could adjust it once they start with exams. My mom did this with me when I was in school and we just did it a little earlier, like April. I remember and appreciate those days more than anything I could have learned that day in school 🙂
Tara G. says
Maybe one of your vacations should be to CA or Denmark to the big Legolands…we loved it!
Katelyn Magerko says
Your comment about cheerios and mickey mouse clubhouse is my life right now and it just got me so emotional! I hope I remember to do this with my kids when they're in school because it's amazing!
Charbelle4 says
I have coworkers who have 18 year old sons who still want to hang out with their moms. It's really sweet the relationships that they have! As far as legos go, my brother is 34 and before his first son was even born he already started buying new sets, LOL!
Kjlb37 says
I'm sure that 18yo Smith will want to have a skip day with his momma, especially if it includes lunch!;). Great idea, Shay! I wish I would have thought of that when my olders were in school. I homeschool my 14yo twin sons and they "get" to spend everyday with me, ha!!
rene pingel says
Whew! I'm with Kensington! I burst into happy tears all the time!
Lizzie Simantz says
I just LOVE this! My son is in Kindergarten right now so maybe I should start this this year with him! Do you tell them what day you are picking them up early or is it a surprise? Do you know ahead of time what they want to do or is spur of the moment once you pick them up?
Leigh (Balancing By Faith) says
What fun days – you are a great mama and they will remember this forever!! I have a special place in my heart for Lea Clark….since she shares my name (Leigh Clark) 😉
Rebecca Jo says
When I was in school (MANY MANY years ago) My mom would always just say, "Why dont you stay home & lets have a game day" – I'd get about 4 or 5 of those a year … & they were the best days. To this day, I still remember those days & the happiness of spending time with my mom. Good for you making these memories with your kiddos.
Shari Florio says
Love this idea and new tradition! Want to do it in the future with my kids 🙂 The days are long, but the years are short is my favorite saying right now, it gets me through those long days with my 2.5 year and 3 month old.
Three Gals and a Guy says
I ABSOLUTELY love this idea! What a great way to spend some individual time with each kiddo! And the idea of skipping out on school is so much fun! Thanks for the great idea!
Laura says
Yay for skip days with mom!
Paige Cowart says
Love the skip day!!! So special!!! Definitely a "do" for us when Greer starts K in a few years☺️ Thanks for sharing!!!
4sweetboys1princess says
We love doing this, I am surprising my little guy with a Rough Riders baseball game next Monday morning: ) he is going to be so excited
Bri Bliss says
This year has been a huge transition for my 3 year old, because we all know that adding a newborn into the mix is a lifechanger. Since I feel like she is craving just a little extra one on one time, I've decided to send my youngest to the sitter one day a week this summer, while I stay home with just my oldest. I'm hoping that these one-on-one days will be memorable for her & me both 🙂
Stacey Walden says
This is such a great idea!
Megan says
Such a sweet idea and days they will remember forever!!!
Lauren Honeycutt says
What a FANTASTIC idea! I am definitely remembering this for when I have kiddos!
Jodi Guntle says
I'm 30 years old and growing up I had a great childhood but both of my parents worked full time. I want a skip day! Someone call my mom and tell her to take the day off work and come get me from my work and we can have a skip day!
Cassie {Hi Sugarplum} says
I could not love this post more!!!! You are creating memories they will have forever…and probably incorporate with their own kids! Now that makes me want to bawl, thinking about those sweet little faces all grown up!!!!
Molly Middleton says
Oh yes! My mom started doing this for me where every day on my birthday (or a day close to it if it was on the weekend) she would take me out and we'd get chick-fil-a breakfast and then cruise down to Dallas to shop and do whatever we wanted. I still remember it like it was yesterday. So worth it and so much fun! I'm so glad you decided to do it! How stinking sweet is K to start crying when she saw you??? Precious kiddos!
Jen @ Love, the Arthurs says
What a fun idea! We are considering homeschool next year but if we change our minds we'll definitely need to incorporate this!
Xo, Jen @ bellenbrooks
Mary E says
I am planning to homeschool, but that's a few years down the road. If that doesn't happen/plans change, I'm definitely doing this!
mom 2jorcon says
Oh Shay, what a beautiful thing to do with you kids! Yes, the days are long but the years are short indeed. My "baby" boy graduates on Friday. He is 18 but he still loves to take off a day and spend with his mama. I know Smith will too!! Now let me get the tissue box and begin my week of crying. Wendy O.
LaurenM12 says
This is such a great idea, I hope I remember it when I have kids someday!! You are seriously the best mom, and you are an inspiration. So glad I found your blog through Sean/Catherine 🙂
jschaedler says
It is a very nice thing to do with your kids – enjoy it while they are able to take a day off of school without repercussions. While my daughter was in elementary school, I use to take her out of school one day a year & take her to Disneyland (we live in Los Angeles). We had practically the whole place to ourselves & had a blast running on & off rides all day long. I think that stopped by the time she was in 7th grade/middle school. She plays sports & always needs to be at after school practices. And it always seems like missing classes will give her some stress. High School is much more intense & involved than in elementary school. If you ever get to that point with your kids, maybe you can give each kid 1 devoted Saturday during the month of their birthday, in place of the school day.
Maryellen says
What amazing beautiful memories you are creating with your precious ones.
We all can use a "skip" day. Please come pick me up at work – I'll even go to lego land HAH
Kathy Martens says
I did skip days with my kids when they were younger. I would always take them out on their birthdays for extra one on one time but I like the idea of doing it on just ordinary days. My kids are now 20, 17, and 11 and I agree that the years are short! Good for you for savouring these days with your children. I miss them…
Elise @ Her Heart and Home says
This is the sweetest tradition!!! Memories made indeed! So precious and intentional! xx
Whitney Pegram says
Oh my heart! Skip days. That is such a fun tradition … may have to steal it & do that with my kiddos! 🙂 Love your blog & your family is beautiful!
Queen In Between says
I really do love this idea! I need to build in a vacation day to take off and do something with mine next year. They will be gone before I know it! Sweet memories!
Shelly||The Queen in Between
Edye Nicole says
Looks like two great days filled with lots of sweet memories 🙂 That red velvet cake looks SO yummy!!
Blessings,
Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.wordpress.com