First family vacation in 10 years!

The last time this family had a vacation on the road was 10 years ago. 

We have traveled, we have done things, but always as a part of something else.

Hockey tournaments, business trips, swim meets, etc.

Since that last trip we have added Dad's Bud and The Man. 

There are no children in diapers or potty training. 

No car seats!

Life has become immensely easier. 

We have also learned to pack efficiently. 

Those weekender trips have trained us well.  Travel light have more fun. 

 

So when my sister linked me in a face book message about a crib.

I didn't have to think long.

Sure, we can pick up a crib and fit it in the van. 

 

Only little thing..... I forgot to consider the mattress.

 

Cribs break down. 

That is what I was thinking.
There is no deflating of a mattress. 

 

Being the master packer that I am...I managed to get us all in the van,

all our stuff and the crib.

 

There was just a little bit of complaining.

 

To which, I could only reply, but we love our sweet new baby cousin

 and it is ONLY 8-9 hours. 

 

Fun Girl described us: "We were packed in tighter than a squirrel with a mouth full of nuts"

 

Except I think we were the nuts.

 

Sugar and spice

Every once in a while it is just me and one of my sweet kiddos! 

The urge hits to do something special just them and me.

After a day at the home school conference, my sweet Princess and I

had ice cream for dinner!  Oh yeah!

We ate at the park to prevent the inevitable chorus, "What about me?"

I love times like these with my kids. 

A Dog's Best Friend

Gus was being a nuisance this spring.  In addition, we had to put him in the front yard while we started the reseeding process of the backyard.  Boredom is an issue for this beast.  My term of endearment for him.  You would think with all these children around he wouldn't be bored.  Daily walks were initiated to help wear him out, to no avail.  Then I was at the commissary and they had femur bones for sale.  Oh yeah!  Score one for mom.  As long as he has one of these big bones, he is quiet.  He doesn't even care if the kids are out in the yard.  He just wants his bone. 

Soccer ~ Spring 2013

This Spring was the start of something new....Soccer.  The Man loves soccer.  He started talking about soccer last fall.  Too late to start on any leagues or teams.  Talked so much about it, his aunt shopped soccer gear for Christmas.  Long wait till spring, but he made it!

Free today on Amazon : Raising a Modern Day Joseph, Kindle Version

 

the above link is an affiliate link.  please read my disclosure statement on the above tab.

Homeschooling humor

I have a dear friend working with my youngest this winter/spring. (I have no idea what the season is right now!). He is my last learning to reader and she has one learning to read. She works with them both.
This morning, on May 2nd, we woke to sleet and snow flurries. Temperatures in the 30's. Yesterday it was in the 70's. Time to get ready, I told him. He responded, "I don't think we are having school today! It is a horrible storm. ". I laughed. Only with a call to the teacher to confirm her educational plans, did my Man get ready for school. The closest my kids have been to a school closing for weather.

A new quoteable courtesy of The Man!

I love my "Man".  He really is The Man.  He has a super big heart.  Wants everyone to be happy. 

He has a creative, artistic streak that makes me look at the world differently and smile. 

So when I was getting ready for church and cruised through the living room, I stopped to ask him what he needed to do to be ready himself. 

He launched into an explanation about his outfit.  He is a clothing expert.  He has an opinion on colors, fabrics, textures, and designs.  Honestly, he has really good taste. 

So when he proceeded to tell me, "This is the only shirt that goes with these shorts." I was really proud of my ability to stay straight face and proceed into a normal conversation.  I honestly have to credit God with my composure.  His heart is so big, he genuinely was serious, I didn't want to hurt or frustrate him.  But I was truly in awe that he really thought these two items went together!

I explained he need to wear nice jeans or khakis...shorts or pants.  Not athletic shorts.  Pulled a pair out of the laundry not quite folded, but perfect for church.  I didn't snicker, didn't laugh and didn't try to correct him.  I did ask him if I could take his picture. 

 

Later, I would learn from Hockey Player, he only pulled his jeans on over his perfect shorts.  I definitely need to pull out the totes to help him find the perfect shirt for his perfect shorts.