A couple of months ago, in our life group, the idea was brought up about starting a babysitting co-op amongst us in the group who wanted to take part in it. Originally someone mentioned every Friday, that was way too often for us and come to find out almost all the other couples agreed.
There are now 5 families who decided that once a month we could do this co-op. One couple watches all the kids while the other 4 couples go out on a date. We have four hours, from 6:00-10:00, to enjoy each other as a couple, or to entertain the children.
We were suppose to begin in February but for unforeseen circumstances the "babysitting" couple was unable to do it. So March was when it began.
We ended up being the family that got to watch the kids first.
There are 15 kids total if all the families participate that night, but there were two kids gone, so we had 13 kids ranging from the ages of 1-11 years.
We tried to lay out a plan, praying that we would have nice weather so the kids could spend the first hour or so in the cul-de-sac. We got rain and cold. So plan B went into effect.
We did play-doh.
We got out construction paper, markers, scissors and glue and they got crafty.
Preston was surrounded by GIRLS!
Some just played, of course mostly boys.
We had snacks and a movie.
Some didn't last long with the movie.
When that was over there was just a little time left before the parents were suppose to show up so Jeff took the kids downstairs, laid down a mattress, and the kids got to take turns jumping on that and tumbling.
The night went smoothly with all things considered, and Jeff did a great job with helping. He actually ended up entertaining the two youngest, who are 1 yr and 2 yrs old. Although I got to experience "the changing of the diapers". I, also got to supervise the "crafts" and take pictures.
We now have four months of dates before we have to conquer this again!
There are now 5 families who decided that once a month we could do this co-op. One couple watches all the kids while the other 4 couples go out on a date. We have four hours, from 6:00-10:00, to enjoy each other as a couple, or to entertain the children.
We were suppose to begin in February but for unforeseen circumstances the "babysitting" couple was unable to do it. So March was when it began.
We ended up being the family that got to watch the kids first.
There are 15 kids total if all the families participate that night, but there were two kids gone, so we had 13 kids ranging from the ages of 1-11 years.
We tried to lay out a plan, praying that we would have nice weather so the kids could spend the first hour or so in the cul-de-sac. We got rain and cold. So plan B went into effect.
We did play-doh.
We got out construction paper, markers, scissors and glue and they got crafty.
Preston was surrounded by GIRLS!
Some just played, of course mostly boys.
We had snacks and a movie.
Some didn't last long with the movie.
When that was over there was just a little time left before the parents were suppose to show up so Jeff took the kids downstairs, laid down a mattress, and the kids got to take turns jumping on that and tumbling.
The night went smoothly with all things considered, and Jeff did a great job with helping. He actually ended up entertaining the two youngest, who are 1 yr and 2 yrs old. Although I got to experience "the changing of the diapers". I, also got to supervise the "crafts" and take pictures.
We now have four months of dates before we have to conquer this again!
1 comment:
That is awesome! You guys did a great job. I hope the rest of the parents can measure up or the kids might stage a coup and demand you back every single time! :)
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