Dad...the moon!

Oh, the dreaded bedtime. When we only had one child (do you sense a theme of too many kids yet?), bedtimes were so easy and so easily enforceable. 7:30 the kid went to bed - mom and dad got some quiet time together or I could get work done. The child was well rested and happy each morning.

I never understood the parents who couldn't get their kids in bed before midnight. I get it now. Wait, my kids go to be well before midnight, but a 7:30 or 8:00pm bedtime are dreams of the past.

Kevin and I agree, almost every week, that we need to get the kids (especially the younger two) into bed earlier. The problem is in the execution. If we have an activity after school, like soccer, forget it. By the time we get home and eat dinner, it is already 7:30. Trying to round up the kids, let alone get baths done, is impossible.

At 8:00 we realize we have failed and insist they get ready for bed. It goes like this:

Emmett get off the iPhone and get ready for bed - he ignores you. You start the bath, and he ignores you. You drag him into the bathtub, and he plays for the next 40 minutes while you chase the three year old around.

Ellis runs from you - around and around the couch. You finally grab him to change the diaper and get him into pajamas but he squirms away and the chase begins, again. You yell at Emmett to get out of the tub and then Ellis insists you find his blanket and make him a sippy cup.

Ethan comes out and wants to know if he can stay up another hour to watch some TV show - you ignore him because you are still trying to chase the three year old and get Emmett to put on some underwear.

Finally, you get them all in their rooms in their beds, but you have to do the bedtime routine: tuck them in, find the blanket or stuffed animal, cuddle, and turn on the moon nightlight that has a great 20 minute timer.

Okay, great you shut the door.

Emmett yells he is thirsty and Ethan is hungry.

You tell them both to be quiet and go to bed.

Emmett yells he is hot, so you go and turn on the fan - Ellis runs out the door, so you chase him down.

Everyone now is happy.

Peace and quiet is here.

Until you hear a scream, "Dad!!! The moon turned off!"

Did I mention it is now 10:00?