Rub a Dub Dub, Two Kids in a Tub

What happens when you put these two boys in the tub together? Normally, things work out just fine. You get the occasional small puddle on the floor and scuffle over a boat.  And sometimes they fight over who sits where.  Last night they decided to give themselves a new reputation.

Normally, I put the kids in the tub to clean them. I don't usually go with the idea that I will also clean the bathroom, by default.

I put them in the tub and they were getting along famously.  Max relinquished the front seat to George in exchange for being the first to play with the boat.  I went downstairs to make cookies.  A few minutes later, I heard screaming. I went upstairs.  They were fighting over a washcloth.  I got out another one. Now they each had one.  Solved the problem, right? Wrong.  Apparently, the washcloth was just an excuse. However, it did appease them for awhile.

I had melted chocolate for my cookies and put the chocolate in the dough.  In all the hubbub, I didn't actually mix the chocolate right away.  In my absence, the chocolate partially hardened. This was bitter baking chocolate.  So tiny chips of bitter chocolate were all over in the dough. No matter, the cookies are for starving fifth and sixth graders for tomorrow's knowledge bowl practice. I decided to just go with it. I continued mixing and heard screaming. I sent Sam upstairs to check on them. Maddie followed.

Sam ran downstairs and said, "They need you." I heard Maddie open the door, and then quickly scream, "Stop (to the boys)!" as she immediately ran out. Then she ran downstairs and said, "They are throwing water at each other." Great. I left the dough and ran upstairs. 

I opened the door. Max was standing up, crying, and screaming at George. There was water all over the floor, shutters, walls, window, and cabinets. I quickly grabbed the offending cup from Max and told him to stop crying. He had a hard time with that. I bathed the screaming boys, got them out, and gave each one a towel to clean up with.

Of course, I had to clean up after they were done cleaning up. When we got downstairs, I told the boys "No dessert." Apparently, this hits home. George immediately drew a heart for me and wrote I love Mom in the inside of the heart. I told him thank you. About 30 minutes later, he asked me for dessert. I said, "No." I think he was disappointed that the heart didn't have the results he was banking on.

This morning, while I was doing her hair, Maddie commented, "At least Sam doesn't have to clean the floor this week." Yes, nor the shutters, windowsill, or cabinets. As for the cookies? I just finished baking them. Not my best effort, but I think 5th and 6th graders will eat them regardless.