The Going Place

If you know my family at all you know about the "going place."  You pile in the car not knowing where you are headed.  It could be the bank, the ice cream parlor, or something really exciting--you just never know--sometimes can be fun, sometimes not so much.  Almost everyday this week, we have had a "going place" after camp.  Yesterday's was the Water Park at the Village at Fairview.  It's located right next to our favorite Mexican restaurant, Gloria's which has a patio where you can eat and keep an eye on them.  So, when I told the kids to put on their swimsuits, we are going to the "going place" for dinner, they were extremely confused, but delightfully surprised when we pulled up. 

They were treated with "full-sugar" Coke and Dr. Pepper with chicken nuggets and french fries while bouncing back and forth between the table and the splash park. 

I could be wrong, but I think they had a good time! 

Splitsville

We had another fun-filled day today.  After making tail mix and bug collecting jars at camp among other things,  I took the kids to Splitsville to bowl.  It was our first time to visit and I must say, I was impressed.  Very clean and nice.  But that is beside the point....

We had to wait about 10 minutes for a lane, since there are only 13 and they were all full.  So, we got out-fitted for shoes, sat down at a table and waited.  I was thinking, "We aren't going to order any food, but let's see what is on the menu..."  Just as the waitress was coming up, I saw the famous word--ICEE.  We were sold--hook, line and sinker.  Two Coca-Cola Icees and one Diet Coke for the momma.  By the time our drinks were ready, so was our lane.

Anna Grace was a bit reluctant at first, but within no time she was a pro!  Cavett beat us all on the first game, and then Anna Grace beat Cavett on game #2. 

Sitting around the dinner table, it was decided that that was definitely one of the "highs" of the day!

The Great Cousin Swap

This past Spring Candace and I thought it would be a great idea if our kids had more time together.  We decided on a week this summer and we would switch a kid.  I got Anna Grace and she got Kendrick.  This afternoon was our trade day and we met just east of Tyler on I-20 for the big swap. 

On the way home the kids started singing, "I Got a Feelin'" by the Black Eyed Peas and cracking jokes saying, "You got it, chief!"  The giggles were contagious.

This evening after a well-eaten dinner of pigs-n-a-blanket, carrots, pineapple, and canteloupe and much swimming, they were given ice cream bars.  As they were sitting by the side of the pool, to sum it up, Anna Grace said, "Tonight was a good night." 

Well stated, dear niece and I look forward to 5 more "good" days and nights!

Soccer Sub

While we were in Shreveport, Anna Grace's soccer team needed a little help. (Players 32 and 33)They were down several players, so Cavett graciously stepped in. It was so fun to watch the two of them together play. Afterwards we celebrated Candace's birthday at Strawn's.

Managing

I would say that today was not as good as yesterday, but ended well. Last night was a bit rough. I didn't get to bed until midnight and at 12:30, Z woke up and went back to bed after a little soothing. At 1:15 C crawled in bed with me. At 2:00 I realized C really needed to be back in his bed because K wakes up way too early and would wake C up. I put him back in his bed and took some Benedryl for myself.

6:15 K is up. We try to cuddle in bed hoping he would fall back asleep. Sort of worked until Z joined us at 6:45 and then I had to start a Little Einsteins. Everyone was grumpy this morning. Everyone except AG. She was my ray of sunshine through the day and she knew exactly why! She's got the sleep idea down! Don't let her fool you, sister!

We headed to Target first thing, because on Thursday at the grocery store I forgotten one of the things most needed--bread. We were also out of jelly. This was the task that I dreaded most, only because I know how my children behave in this situation. However, it was awesome! The herd mentality can really work for you. We all held hands and made a train. The two little ones buckled into the cart and the biggers either walked along or rode in the big part. It was a short trip, but by the time we checked out it was pouring. I had my handy iphone and checked the radar to see when it would pass and it only took a minute of waiting. We then ran out and got buckled in record speed.

On to Wiggly Play Center in Frisco. So, I found this place in a magazine and it was our first time to go. Yet another reson for doubt, ok, that and that it was themed for the "Wiggles." I wasn't really impressed. Kids were tired, hungry and cranky. The pancakes for breakfast didn't hold very long. The place was jammed with birthday parties and the playground area was a little too much for Z who got stuck at the top and would come down. We left after and hour and a half.

Lunch was mac 'n cheese and I just couldn't get it made fast enough! All four waited at the table the entire time it was cooking. Naps followed and AG and C watched "Snoopy Come Home" as I caught an hour nap as well. Z woke screaming, which made K wake screaming. After much holding and coddling, we ended up playing in the game room and then on to the dress up clothes.

The most endearing moment was when AG insisted that I needed to wear her tiara. How did she know I needed that reassurance? No shower, greasy hair, no make-up and all. Sweet heart that kid has.

We ended the day at Chick-Fil-A. I get some really weird looks with 4 kids and only 2 ages. We managed though eating very well. We even had one dropped ice cream cone and had 3 different potty incidences and I had to let the big kids go alone after having the "going to the restroom alone" speech/rules. Good thing we were pretty much the only ones there.

They were all in bed by 7:30 and didn't hear a peep after that. Better get to bed quick. Whew!

The Great Exchange-Part II

If you missed part one, go check out my sister's blog. But long story short, she kept mine and now I'm keeping hers.

Part II began yesterday with a quite complicated list of transportation arrangements. Luckily the weather cooperated and both Candace and I made our flights and Candice, the babysitter filled in the interum to shuttle to and from the airport and watch the kids for an hour or two.

Yesterday evening went well--they got thier "surprises" from my trip to San Francisco with Stephen, dinner, bath and bed. Easy. Done by 7:45. All slept through the night execpt for me. I was still on Pacific time and I was too worried about who might wake up and where they might end up if I don't wake up. Z did wake up at 5:30, but hee went straight back to bed.

Today began at 6:30 with cuddles with K in bed. I missed this boy!!! Z joined at 7 with C and AG not far behind and we began breakfast of blueberry muffins. Sesame Street ensued and the cabinets spwed toys while I got dressed and things ready for the day. We headed to Boomerang's at 9:30 for some energy emmision. But it seemed the arcade games seem to take most of the draw no matter that there were no coins to put in them.

We had packed a picnic lunch since it was only to get to 90 today and we headed to a park just off Alma next to the fire station. We ate, we played, we swang and it felt hotter than 90 so we headed home for naps. My fav--cuddling with C and AG on the sofa while watching a movie.

After naps, we snacked and headed back out again, this time to a spray park in McKinney. Now at this point, I'm sure Candace is reading this thinking, "Uh, oh. She's Onion Creeking." But, all was well and we had a great time. I think the best part was when they discovered horse apples. QUite a discovery and so many uses--racing them, trying to crack them, dropping them off high bridges, using them as bowling balls. Luckily, there were 4.

Since we became quite dirty we headed straight for the shower, then dinner and a tribute to Dadoo. Just as we were headed to the bedroom, I came around the corner and found K and Z at the piano. So, "three fingers" showed up to play a few ditties for dancing and singing. It was the highlight of the day. If only it could have been Dadoo playing instead of me. Hopefully, I can post video soon.

I feel like I am doing a pretty good job at this. Now don't get me wrong, it's hard, way hard, but I'm hanging tough. Check me on Monday though.

P.S.--I know you are wondering about our trip and maybe I'll get around to it, but suffice it to say, we ate and drank well and it was much needed after the past 7 months.

Wordless Wednesday

This was the scene as our cousins were leaving this past weekend.

Go 'Stros

We jsut had a fabulous weekend with our Chaney relatives. I don't think it could have been a better time--a relaxing Saturday with beautiful pool weather and an Astros game with 2 very cute 3 year olds. You may be thinking, Astros game with 3 year olds? Not so much fun, but don't knock it unless you've tried it. I don't think I have ever been more entertained. We watched them eat and feed popcorn to each other and then proceed to put the bucket on their head as well as have 2 very different experiences with cotton candy-one refused and the other was uncontrolably putting it away as her Aunt Jenny was feeding it too her.

If only we had more time to spend with each other. Love y'all!

Manuh-manuh!

My sister, Candace and her daughter showed us their favorite YouTube clip this weekend. It is the first sketch from Season 1 of the Muppet Show. Great stuff!

Now we can't get it out of our head! We are passing it on to you! Manuh-manuh!