Cory is a Funcle

 The Whistler trip Brady was typically invited to was up in the air for a long period of time due to COVID.  When the invite came, we did not have child care and it looked very unlikely that we could attend.  This was all happening after Iceland and Cory mentioned in passing that he could probably come out and take care of our kids.  That seemed ridiculous--he works full-time and what is really in it for him?  The truth is, there is only relationships in it for him and he is good at fostering relationships.  It seemed too good to be true but Cory and Walker came out and did the Uber-parent/remote student and employee week so Brady and I could run off on yet another couple's trip.

They arrived on Sunday and the request was for a day in Hanalei.  We scored a breathtaking day and even though there were no waves, we made our fun with the pier, hand trampoline, and tossing footballs.

Love the close ups:

Walker as Baymax:

Zachary will forever be the sandman in our family.

Cory is the king of good food and we had fresh ahi for lunch and Wailua Shave Ice for linner.

Brady and I took off on Tuesday morning, and the fun-without-parents began in earnest.  Cory bought Owen a hat for his "ballin" hairstyle.

Cory, Walker, Owen, Kate and Roxy went on a beach walk.

Cory didn't just assembled tacos; he assembled art.

Cory and Walker found a few outings: the bike path and Monastery.

The only thing exciting to my kids about piano lessons that week were the treats they scored from "Uncle Cory-Cory."

Breakfast (lunch?) specials: fruit and Nutella smeared on bread and faces.

I love Walker for the way he approaches his life, and during this week, I loved Walker for jumping in to hang out with his cousins and dad, even though that meant a lot of down (bored) time for him while kids were at school and Cory worked.  He ended up in a bunch of photos with Owen and Iʻm hoping Kate remembers how much fun the two of them had together all week.  One night on the phone, she said, "Mom, it is too soon to tell but I am pretty sure this is the best experience I have ever had with you away.  Cory is so fun and Walker and I are having a blast!"

Owen worked for a month to get his tricks "just right" to show Walker.

"Salmon dusted with bacon" plus The Right Slice (or as I like to call them, the $7-Per-Slice) pies.  See?  More art, and this from the man who ran all over Kauaʻi picking up our kids.

Friday night, the kids swam at Koloa Landing and then enjoyed a fancy meal pool-side.  

Saturday, the day revolved around the BYU game.  I can count on one hand the number of times my kids have watched a game (with Zac as the new exception), and never have they watched from start to finish.  But when Cory comes to town and makes it a Tailgate party with individually selected treats and snacks, the kids shout and cheer and stay mostly captivated to the very last minute of a double-overtime game.  Zac said they were all jumping up and down and screaming.

This photo is the reason we always leave a medical release:

Cory sent one last photo before we arrived home: teaching the kids to rub and marinate the chicken while you are at church as the secret to success.

Cory, thank you with our whole hearts.  It's astounding to me that it crossed your mind as a possibility and makes me want to pass on this great act of kindness.  You bonded with the kids, served them in every way, and made it a week of memories rather than a week that ticked by without Mom and Dad.  Huge thanks to you, too, Walker-man.  You made it a party.

And a p.s.  Cory left the house spotless and sheets cleaned.  Unbelievable.