Back to reality

After a few weeks of adventures, we are back in Michigan. We had a great time, took many pictures and saw many friends. There were some friends we missed and I sure do wish we could have fit them all in. I'll post some pictures and try to write about our adventures.

Where to begin

I have completely slacked on blogging this summer. I was doing alright, but lost all hope this trip. We had a great time at Orchid's house. Thursday N went back to MI and it was me against 5! I wasn't so nervous about my group, but Baby Orchid was my wild card. At one point I was nursing one baby while rocking the other. My older kids came in and said "two babies at once!" What else was I going to do? Same thing happened on Friday morning when we watched Baby Orchid. That wasn't an all day event. After Orchid came home, we headed to the Mall Of America. My kids love the MOA. Last time we just happened to receive mystery tickets. Luckily, one contained 100 points and we were able to ride all day for free! FYI MOA has fair rides in the center. Well, this time around we weren't doing rides. We planned to hit Legoland and then to the food court for mini corn dogs. This is our ritual when it comes to the MOA. They are celebrating 20 years of being open. I remember when it opened. What a huge deal it was for MN. We got our Lego's. We stopped at Children's place. I don't know why, but I never shop there. I was so thrilled to find three new pairs of jeans for Four. She also got a really cute top. She was excited, as was I. We got our mini corn dogs, stopped by Old Navy and left. That was enough for me. What a zoo that place was on a Friday afternoon. Friday night we finished up our projects and waited for G & G to arrive. Saturday we took our time getting out the door. A group trip to a brand new Goodwill was a fun outing. We then made our way to the Sculpture Park in downtown Mpls area. That was a good time and was followed by a picnic at the beach on Lake Minnetonka. A fire in the front yard ended our night. Sunday, we made it just in time for church. A quick lunch and packed our stuff; we were out of there. Baby Girl slept more than half way. We had to wake her up. She did alright after, but was tired of the car close to G & G's. Our arrival here is always exciting. They love coming here. Now we are looking forward to a great vacation. Hope to see lots of family and friends!

5 to 1

Today I am very out numbered. Normally, I wouldn't mind being so over ruled by children. It depends on their ages, but two babies has me slightly nervous. We're staying with my sister, Orchid. Both her and her husband are out today. I'm at their house with the kids. Thankfully 3 out of 5 are big enough to be patient and helpful. Of course both babies were tired and crabby at the exact same time. I was nursing mine and rocking the other. My children looked at me with amazement and said "two babies at once?" What else was I to do with them. Baby Orchid is so sweet. We're loving our time with her. She is a little more active than I am used to. We just take it one thing at a time, story of my life. As I type, Baby Girl is upstairs in the crib, having a moment to herself. For now she is content in the new surroundings. Baby Orchid is in her chair having some lunch. She wouldn't take her bottle when she was tired, but now is rubbing her eyes. She says a few words, but keeps calling Eight and I Mama. I couldn't get through this day without Eight. He carried Baby Girl, helped me get situated with both babies. He is amazing. He's really good with the babies, too. I am proud of the big brother he has become. The middle two are doing great as well. Four will jump to help with any baby request. From fetching a diaper to finding a pacifier, she's helpful as well. Six is just kind of here. He's helpful, but only when motivated. We're looking forward to a late afternoon play date with friends of mine from college and their kids. I hear Baby Girl. Time is up.

The summer adventure has begun

We arrived in Chicago last night, surviving the first trek of our journey. Everyone was in good spirits. Highlights: I put much time and effort into getting new apps for the Ipad Kids would be very entertained by this for the journey. This was my goal. It worked until I realized I forgot to pack the charging cord. We'll see how we fair today without the Ipad. Baby Girl did alright. By Michigan City, she'd was done. She started out crying to every other Beatles song. When she started crying at ever song, we had to stop. The McDonalds we chose was a painful 3 miles off the road. We had to find Wi-Fi for the laptop to register our van on our I-pass. We made it to Chicago and the GPS fails right in the middle of traffic. We missed our exit and had to use the map. We survived, it was a quick fix. Thankfully the baby was happy throughout this stressful time. time to go. more to come.

Nearly worked out

I think we have most of the kinks worked out for our upcoming trip. After I don't know how many phone conversations, the plans are set. Still a few minor details to work out, but we're on our way. Two bags are packed and by the door. I've nearly finished some of my projects. Kids are excited and were very helpful when we packed the bags. We made it to the pool today and hit the store after. We picked up our treats for our trip and I was exhausted after. We came home with pizza and skyped with Baby Orchid. She called out to Six after we did! Six was beaming. She calls me Ris. I can't wait to squeeze her on Wednesday!

Doubts about travel

Logistics can be so complicated. In trying to coordinate our trip to MN, my head begins to spin. It was not until last night that I began to have doubts about our journey. We aren't sure which route to take. We do not know how well Baby Girl will do. We really will not do well all sleeping in the same room. There are no hotels free in the UP. There aren't too many free on the Chicago route. Best plan yet, to drive the Chicago route on Tuesday after N is done with work. We'll stay in a hotel somewhere still in Michigan or Indiana? Then make it all the way to Orchid's on Wednesday to meet my father. He'll take us to TRF from there. N will return home, driving the entire way alone on Thursday. I'm just not sure how everyone will do. We shall see. Leaving a day earlier means I better get my act together and finish up the projects I have in the works. We need to get organized.

The new laundry plan

Lately, I've had the kids put away their own laundry. It works for the most part. Eight and Four always get their things put away in a timely matter. Six on the other hand, does not. His basket will sit in his room for days. I'm embarrassed to say this is what happens. I can have the next round of clean laundry done to add to his basket. My new plan for Six and his laundry is he will not get his clean laundry if he doesn't put it away. I will hold it until he's ready to comply. I think it will work for the boy who likes to only wear certain pieces of clothing.

It's already Wednesday

I'm not sure where the week went, but I've had to rethink what day it is multiple times. Dr appointments took over yesterday and today. Kids enjoyed a trip to the pool. I finished my most recent book. She's an author Daffodil introduced me to. I've read all of her books. The book I just finished was released only last week. It was good, but not my favorite. I might reread some of the others. I've never done that before, but feel like I may this time. Some will be made into movies, according to her FB wall. Not sure of our plans for tomorrow. I feel like so many things are up in the air on N's days off. Friday we're going to the museum with friends. Four will have a guest that afternoon. No plans for the evening. Probably the pool. It seems to be all we do alone. Over the weekend I plan to get all our things for the MN trip ready. I've got a few projects to finish. We'll see. The kids are eager to help make some progress. They can't wait for our trip.