I Hate Bedtime!

I hate bedtime. I hated bedtime as a kid and now I am beginning to hate bedtime as an adult. Jordi hates bedtime too (thus the problem).

Starting at 8:30 it ain't nothin but heartache at my house. Jordi hates to settle down for bed. Sleeping equals not playing, and that is so not cool in the mind of a four year old. We finally moved him to his own bed in hopes that bedtime could be more structured, but now he is just angry and he avoids trying to lay down.

His bedtime needs include reading ten million books (literally), having a "snick snack" (who can say no to that), getting a drink of water, needing to brush his teeth again and using the bathroom multiple times. This is all before we turn off the light.

Once the light is off he needs to potty AGAIN, he is still hungry, "lets make up our own story," he has to rearrange all the pillows and blankets to make his "nest" and then we have to sing and sing.

This may sound cute, but after an hour and a half of this it ain't so cute anymore. I hate bedtime. Any suggestions?