Boys day out

Not that Eli isn't a boy (e's still the "baby"), but Tom took Tobey out today. Since one of the dads of our Monday playgroup is nearing the end of his post-baby 7-week sabbatical, the dads all took a day off to take the 3 (older) boys to the Monterey Aquarium today.

It was somewhat interesting to see the dads prepare for the trip and how it might be different than a bunch of moms. First of all, not by Tom's doing or preference, the plans weren't completely settled until last night about 12 hours before intended outing time. So even after we put Tobey down to bed, we weren't sure if Tom was going to work or if this dad trip was going to happen.

The way the plans were finalized was pretty funny. First it was email discussion for a week and then phone tag for a day but plans couldn't quite get nailed down because of shifting schedules and shifting weather. So finally, the guys did a 3-way conference call on the cell phones so that they could all talk at the same time. I don't know of any moms who have used the 3-way feature on their cells. Especially with Cindy and Angela on Monday mornings, I think we are queens of, "Oh, I'll call and tell her" or "I'll call her and I'll call you back." 3-way is techie, but admittedly, more efficient.

Once date and place is finalized, next topic is always food. Will they pack lunches or buy? I was impressed that the question came up in the 3-way. But the answer to that question was unclear. Tom said that they mentioned something about seeing what everyone brings and go from there. What does that mean? Moms would be wondering if that meant snack or if we're supposed to bring lunch for the kids or maybe even bring lunches for adults or someone brings fruit and someone else brings munchies? In the end, I packed enough snacks and lunch for Tobey, but Tom is on his own since there's nothing in our fridge from a weekend of being away.

Finally, strollers. Tom and I found ourselves both wanting the single stroller for the day. But after a quick mom phone call to coordinate, Tom'll share a double with one of the other dads and the third dad has a bunch of umbrella strollers. Gosh, 3 dads strolling down Cannery Row. I wonder how many wondering looks they will get from people. This is northern California, you know.

I tried not to take over with Tom's preparation for the day and yet I wanted to help. I picked Tobey's clothes and I did end up packing "the bag". Out of courtesy, I didn't pack every "just in case" item that usually makes the bag 5 lbs. heavier than it needs. With a quick reminder of where the Purell was (for all the germy things Tobey will touch), they were out the door. Well, they were out the door not before Tom asked, "Wait, where am I going? Where's Angela's house?" I desperately wished I could have a secret camera, not to spy on them, but just out of curiosity how things go differently when the moms aren't there to fuss over everyone.