Kicked Out

We've had a couple of busy weeks and finally had a free Friday night at home.  But, our home wasn't feeling that happy.  In rare form, our boys were actually the ones who were grumpy with each other.  Not fighting necessarily but passively fighting, which irritates me more!  It totally bugged me and Ken that instead of getting to have a movie night we ended up needing to have extensive conversations with Darin and Nathan separately.  It turns out that there were some minor issues with hurt feelings/grudges that hadn't been resolved because we had been on the go a lot, but really they just missed each other.  Go figure-- fighting and driving each other crazy equates to missing your brother.

Anyway, for their punishment (well, other then having to talk to us about it because that is seriously cruel punishment in their book) we kicked them out of the house Saturday evening for a Brother's Night Out.  Ken told them he was giving them $30 and they needed to plan something fun to do together.  They could spend more of their money if they wanted too. We would drop them off and pick them up when they were done but they were on their own (with a cell phone).

Darin and Nathan were pretty excited to be kicked out.  Honestly, we hoped this would offer a few positive experiences.  First, they would become more independent.  It feels like independence is the theme for the year, and it's crazy to me that our boys have never gone to the movies, bowling, or anything with just friends and no parents around.  I had done all those things plus more by the time I was 12 and they are 13 1/2 and 15 now.  2nd, that doing something unfamiliar would make them rely on each other and appreciate each other more. And 3rd, that they would have fun together and become closer.

They decided to see the Lego Movie at our local theater.  One thing we learned is that Darin and Nathan refused to spend their own money.  We tried to encourage them to grab some fast food for dinner beforehand but because of the cost of the tickets and popcorn and drinks they didn't want to dip into their own funds.  Instead they made themselves sandwiches at home.  I am glad they are frugal, but really that wasn't the lesson we wanted them to learn tonight:)

I had to mark their first solo excursion with a few pictures.

Of course, Big Brothers going out for the evening did not sit well with Rose and Ginger.  Life was so unfair and we heard a lot of "But, why can't I go?" "But, I want to see that movie!" "But, ..."  Rose even broke into tears a few times.  Thankfully the girls can still be bought off with ice cream so we took them to the grocery store and let them choose fun toppings and basically whatever treat they wanted.  We came home and made sundaes and watched cartoons until the boys were done.

By the end of Saturday night everyone was back home and our home was Happy again!