A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Backyard

Gommie had sent the kids a Valentine's Day package with these great, sturdy parachute guys, so we decided to head outside around 4 p.m. to test them. Bud was in pajama pants, which I let slide because I didn't think we'd be out long (because it was about 25F outside!); his coat was in the car.

And then I realized I'd left my keys in the house. We were locked out.

Which meant I couldn't fetch Bud's coat from the car either. Because I always lock my car.

Just like I always take my keys with me.

Oddly, I had my cell phone in my pocket, which I don't usually take out on short outside ventures--I wonder if I thought I'd grabbed my keys? So I called Mama and warned her what was up as I began to search for the keys in our secret hiding place. She said to call back in 5 minutes or she would be heading home, knowing it was just that cold. Meanwhile, Bud and Sis were running around the yard playing excitedly with their new toys.

I called my friend, Mama Teacher, who keeps a spare key at her house about a half mile away and she said she'd bring it over on her way home from work (she's a teacher and was almost home when I called).

And then I heard screaming. Bud had fallen off the swing and was upset. I was upset when I saw blood on his mouth, but soon realized it was only a small cut which he hadn't even noticed. Not wanting him to freak about blood, I didn't even mention it. And luckily, Sis hadn't seen it.

Because she was thinking that she had to poop.

I tried my car doors in a last-hope effort and realized they were unlocked. So Bud got his coat and Sis got her portable potty. But my wipes were frozen. And then I spotted a pack of toilet paper that we'd accidentally left in the car on our last trip to the warehouse store. Saved.

After I got that all settled and they were playing again, I found the keys! But I couldn't get them to work. So I called Mama again (believe it or not, that all happened in the space of only about 7 minutes)--if my secret key didn't work, would Mama Teacher's? Mama headed home.

And it's true, Mama Teacher's spare key didn't work. She was disappointed that she hadn't been able to rescue us (you're still Super Mama Teacher to me, though!). She then offered to put my car seats in her car so we could be warm at her house, but I knew Mama would be home. So, we had a quick, freezing playdate in the backyard, unscheduled but completely (well, maybe not completely, as it was getting colder!) enjoyable.

Mama showed up. And she managed to open the door with the secret key! Of course. She must have the gift. And we had thought the keys all worked because she had checked them. (My strategy, which was to leave one window unlocked so I could always shimmy in was rejected when the double-hung panes kept slipping and setting off the house alarm! But it worked like a charm the one other time I've locked myself out, that time, with the kids in the house.)

My dad, when I told him the story last night, said that you have to test a system with the weakest link.

But I say, all's well that ends well.

And thanks for those parachute guys, Gommie!