Twosome Tuesday

It's official - we have now instituted a new Parker family ritual - one on one time with each of the kiddos. We have done this a few times in the past, but just for the purpose of splitting up to accomplish more errands in a shorter period of time.

From now on, we will plan a full morning of nothing but fun activities tailored specifically to Ella and Aidan's interests.  No errands - just fun!

Today, it was Daddy / Aidan and Mommy / Ella since those seem to be their natural preferences anyway! Next time, I cannot wait for a date with my little man, and I know that Mike yearns for some little princess time as well!

Mike and Aidan headed off to the dealership to get new tires put on Mike's truck. Aidan had been talking about the "tire store" for days and was beyond excited! They played in every unlocked car at the dealership, had a fun lunch at Five Guys, and capped off their guy time with a trip to the John Deere store.

Aidan was in heaven getting to play on every kind of tractor, backhoe, forklift, etc that he could imagine, and even brought home his very own "gator" souvenir.

Ella and I had a much more "girlie" affair!

We began our morning with manicure/pedicures, where Ella chose OPI's Strawberry Margarita for her little fingers and toes. She LOVED every minute at the "polish store" and fit right in with the crowd. 

Then it was off to Joseph Beth Booksellers to play and have lunch in their cafe, followed up with a little shopping in the mall.

It was an amazing experience to witness each of them without their counterpart. When you think about it, they are never (and never have been) alone or apart from one another. Mike and I were both a little surprised at how quiet each of them were, especially Ella. Normally "in charge", outgoing, talkative and bossy - Ella was quiet, demure and borderline shy.  Don't get me wrong, they each held their own, never whined or fussed, minded their manners and had a great time.....but...

...the twin connection was definitely at work. A part of them was missing and they both knew it, and were a little lost without each other. It was obvious that their dynamic was a bit off and they really and truly missed each other.

I am excited to make this more of a tradition for us and the kids.  It is so easy to forget that while they are twins, they are also individuals with their own little personalities, likes and dislikes. One on one time is so important in fostering their own identities and shaping who they will become as they grow up in the world, and it is our job as their parents to nurture this growth....and to have fun with our little people as much as possible!