For what it's worth every minute

Penguins!

Truth: I sometimes encourage a movie after dinner so that I can cuddle on the couch with my kids without actually having to give any more physical or mental energy away.

Sometimes we sing This Old Man...He Played [Number], and I skip all odd numbers, so that we can finish our bedtime routine just a hair faster than usual.

Sometimes, we play Trouble with only two pegs per person, instead of four pegs. And you don't have to roll a six to start.

Sometimes, after a less-than-stellar day at the office, a dinner full of (delicious!) carbs, and a quick once over of the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room, I'd like the kids to put me to bed at 8:00 -- instead of the other way around.

Sometimes.

Ken's Play Dough
snowman

And then, I listen to the chatter, engage in the conversation, watch. And I'm reminded why we do this crazy thing called life. 
Examples of household dialogue tonight:

[Dad] "Georgia, eat your food."

[Georgia] "No thank you."

[Ken] "It's okay Georgia. You can use the poddy when your older. Then, when you're done pooping, you can scream for Mom or Dad or Kate."

[Sam] "Yeah, or Katie Perry."

Fish!

[Sam] "Dad, can we listen to the Beatles and have a dance party?"

Ken -- Smack dab in the middle of building his Lego tower, declares his sudden urge to see a man about a dog. He then proceeds to belt Frozen's Do you Want to Build a Snowman? at the top of his lungs whilst taking care of business.

[Ken] "I'd like to watch a show. How about you, Sam?"

[Sam] "Yep, me too. What show should we watch, Georgia?"

[Georgia] "Dora!"

[Ken] "I'm okay with that."

And I decide: yes. It's all worth it.

mbc