The other side of things

Amanda drove to Utah with the rest of the family, but then left immediately for Japan.  She was sorely missed.  This is sort of how it went.

Your mother might give you soda, Jacob, but things are going to change when I'm in charge.

Now sit still and listen.  I put together a powerpoint presentation about Daddy's rules.

Jacob!  Pay attention!
Emily, this is serious.  
Elinor, come back here right now!

The weather in Utah is drier than we're accustomed to.  Your skin will dry out a bit.  And when we go out hiking, if you get lost, just hug a tree and stay there.

 Dad!  I think I'm lost.

 I got lost too.

 I just like to hug things!

 You kids think you're funny, huh.  I want you to sit on this rock and think about showing some respect!

 I can show you respect from this rock too, Daddy.  I'll show you respect by climbing All the rocks!

 Obviously we need to do some serious psychological re-training to get you kids where you need to be.  I've heard that high blood-sugar levels can make you more susceptible to suggestion.  These neon cupcakes we made should do the trick.  I'm pretty sure they're made with all-natural ingredients.

 ...

...
 Hmm... maybe we'll try going up into the canyon again.

Here's some fish food.  Throw a little bit into the pond at a time.

No! A little bit.  A LITTLE bit.

You guys can climb around a little bit.  Caleb, I want you to be...

...um... careful.

I guess I should have seen that coming.  Jacob wasn't surprised either.

 Okay kids.  Mama's coming home soon.  I want you to look nice so that she thinks, knows I've taken good care of you.

You were a little rough at first, Dad, but we all got into the swing of things.

When Mama gets home, I'll put my best foot forward.