Friendsday...a new day of the week.

I have to say that I think there is a myth out there regarding large families.  I think many people assume that the children in large families are blessed to have their best friend and playmate only one room away and that those children must think the same thing!.  Heck, I'm even one of those people that have put some thought into that myth.  I mean, why not?  Why wouldn't kids from a large family be so happy to always have someone to play with?  Beats me, but in our family, inevitably, whoever is readily available and willing to play is NOT the one the child seeking a playmate was hoping for.  Never.  Nope.  4 siblings just aren't good enough to choose from.

As much as I beat my head against the wall wake up each morning praying 'please let today be the day they love each other's company', I know that they still deserve to have friends of their own...friends that are not related in any way, shape or form.  I also have been reassured by good friends who have grown up in large families that the kids will indeed love one another when they are 40 years old  grow up!  But back to friends that aren't related.......there are many times I have 'promised' that we'll 'try' to have a friend over for a play date.  (At age 11, I'm not sure what to call a play date anymore.....that phrase just doesn't sound right!).  Well, where that might typically be a phrase used to just get them off my back, this summer, I want to be sure I really try to stick to a promise. 

So last week I did.  3 separate friend visits within the span of 2 days.  One sleepover, 2 pool hang out sessions, one visit from Aaron too......and the term 'community friend' has been born out of all that.  You see, if a friend comes over to our house, he or she is immediately considered community property.  It doesn't really matter if the friend is 11 years older or 5 years old or 8 years old....it's all good.

The first visitor was Gregory's friend.  Although technically he is Jacob's friend too.  But more Gregory's friend than Jacob's friend.  yet Jacob and said friend spent an hour playing Legos while Gregory laid on the floor next to them reading a book.  What?!  Said friend also brought Beatles Rock Band for the XBox 360........fun was had by all.  And I do mean all!   Let me say that Gregory is not comfortable singing, dancing or calling attention to himself in public.  The living room does count as 'public' in his book. However, the Beatles bring something out in him and he was belting out songs like crazy!  Thank you Beatles!!!

So, said friend spends the night and leaves the next afternoon overwhelmed by our noise and the constant pull he felt being 'community property' for the duration.  Said friend is an only child.  yeah, we'll see if ever wants to come back!  But before he leaves, Luke and Laurel's godmother and her terrific boys arrive for an afternoon visit.  They too got to experience Beatles Rock band. 

G's friend leaves and then it's into the pool with the rest of them!

Whew!  On to day 2 of friend visits and it's L and L's turn.  Trinity is a friend from preschool and they spent their afternoon play date playing with a bazillion pet shop animals until it was time to 'jump' into the pool!  L and L swam for quite a while but Trinity ended up hanging out in the pool with the other brothers.  Again, community property!!

Still on the list, a couple more sleepovers and a few more friend visits.  And hey, there's only 20 some odd days left until school starts.  Best get planning.