Monday Musings

• Dustin and I had a nice anniversary dinner Thursday night.  It was low-key.  We ended up eating locally because he was so tired from work and still on-call.  We laughed at how we "lived it up".  I guess after 9 years, you are okay with low-key.  We were home by 7 p.m.!  I will still give him a hard time about that.  :-)  We may go out for a longer outing soon, we'll see.  It always depends on babysitters.   My cousin Brandy was nice enough to watch the kids for us to go out Thursday. 
• Friday night we took the kids to the drag strip.  We have wanted to take Carson forever, and we hadn't even planned on going Friday.  Dustin came home and said some friends were going to be there racing, and I said- well, let's go!  We quickly ate a little supper and packed some sippy cups and off we went!  It was a lot of fun!  It was LOUD, but the kids didn't seem to mind once they got used to it.  Carson loved it!  I knew he would.  He wanted to stay after even Dustin and I were ready to go.  Henry didn't cry, he did seem a bit scared at first.  He never cried though and we covered his ears when the really loud cars came up.  Next time, I may try to leave him with a sitter.  They all were thoroughly entertained though-for 3 straight hours!  We sat and they never got restless or anything.  It was a fun family outing for sure!  I know we'll go back.  Dustin and I used to go all the time before we had kids.  We like going on Fridays because anyone can get out there-it's called "Street Wars."  One larger, silver car pulled up to race and Emmy said, "Is that Nanny and Pa?"  We got so tickled at her.  One old truck only hit 33 miles per hour.  It's just fun to watch.  We got home around 11 pm and everyone was pooped!  On the way through town, Emilynn says, "I am tired, you two shouldn't be riding me around, you should be home!".  She always has something clever to add to a situation.  She's taken to calling Dustin and I, "you two".  So funny. 
• Saturday we spent the whole day hanging out at home, I even got a nap!  We finally had a campfire for the kids-they've been wanting one forever.  We cooked hot dogs, steaks, and then of course- s'mores!  It was fun!  It was nothing like camping, as I had to keep running inside for supplies!  Haha!  They want to sleep outside next, so we'll have to try that sometime too.  When I mentioned we don't have a tent, Carson said, "We need to get one at Walmart." 
• I decided Friday to brave "the city" with my kiddos alone!  Yep, I took all 3 kids on a big grocery shopping trip to Sam's Club, Target, and Kroger.  It went remarkably well.  They were a bit loud at Sam's, just excited about everything I think.  So, they did not get gum as we left the store, which was devastating to a 3 year old.  They were much better at the next two places, and then we finished with ice cream and headed home.  I was tired but it was a success for sure!  I was glad I was able to take them, I like being independent! 
• Today we headed back to the Y!  I really wanted to get back into working out, and since we are paying for our membership, we should utilize it!  Henry still cries a LOT when I leave him, so I wasn't sure how it would go.  I dropped the kids off in the Children's Gym and headed to work out.  I hit the elliptical machine like a banshee because I had no idea how long I'd get to work out.  I have been there and not even worked out 5 minutes before they came to tell me Henry was inconsolable.  Today, I made it 45 minutes!  Another success I'd say.  I was able to do cardio, and several weight machines before I saw the girl coming to get me.  I tell you, I was tempted to hide behind some machines, but I was almost done anyway.  I didn't want to push my luck, so I went on and got the kiddos.  Henry actually wasn't crying when I went in to get him, he was outside and it looked like he had been eating mulch.  This may have bothered some folks,  especially if it's your first kid.  I just wiped the mulch off his face and off we went!  Ha!   We then changed and swam for about an hour.  Henry did great swimming, I got him to start blowing bubbles in the water.  Maybe he'll be a little fish like Emmy.  Carson did better too, even getting his head wet.  Emmy floated and did all her underwater routines.  We saw their swim teacher and talked about our next lessons.  I think we are going to do a round of private lessons this time, and see how that goes.  I think Carson would especially benefit from it.  Oh, and I really goofed.  I forgot Emilynn's bathing suit.  Yep, I get mom of the year on that one!  So.....I threw a swimmy diaper on her that I had for Henry (I try to bring an extra for poop incidents), put her puddle-jumper on her....and called it a suit.  I also crossed my fingers Henry wouldn't poop because we'd be done then.  These are the things that happen when you try to pack a bag on the fly with 3 kids distracting you.  Please refer to my previous tips- always pack your bags at night!  After kids are asleep, or your kid may end up swimming practically naked in the pool.  Just a thought.  Going to the Y was kind of a spur of the moment thing today, I had figured I'd have to go at night once Dustin was home, but I thought we'd try it in the morning.  I really don't like going at night because I like being home with Dustin and the kids.  I know it's "me" time, but the whole reason I joined was to be able to go during the day and utilize the child care and swimming pool.  I will keep trying I guess.  We'll see what happens on Wednesday!  It would be ideal to go Monday, Wednesday, Fridays during the day, but we'll play it by ear and see.  I like going those days because it's the same child care worker those days, so the kids (Henry) has someone familiar to get used to.  Also, Mondays are milk days, so that is doubling up on the errands to save gas.  Fridays are groceries, and possibly swim lessons, so that helps too.  Anyway, I still plan to walk at night with Dustin, so we'll see how things go.  If I have to do the Y at night, it will most likely be Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.  I would prefer daytime so Dustin can relax when he gets home.  We'll see. 
• We are going to try Vacation Bible School at Papa's church tonight.  It's right by our house, so we'll see how it goes.  We were at the beach for our church's VBS, so I want them to get to go somewhere.  Carson doesn't want me to leave them, so it may be just Emmy at VBS.  We'll see what happens tonight.  
• We are hoping to get our chicken coop this week.  My dad has to pick it up for us, so it will depend on him and Dustin I guess.  The kids had hoped we go Saturday, but I thought a day at home would be nice and we really needed it.  When I said we weren't going to get the coop, Emilynn said, "Oh, the chicken factory is closed today?".  Something like that!  I hadn't explained the chickens will come from somewhere else, possibly even the post office.  I want to see how many the coop will hold, then figure out how many we need.  I have had several people recommend Rhode Island Reds and Buff Orringtons (I probably butchered that spelling/name).  I also have a lead on some that are almost ready to lay, so those would be better if we can get them.  I have no idea what breed they are.  Actually, we will still have to get eggs from my dad to supplement what ours can lay.  Unless we get enough to lay 1 dozen per day, which is unlikely I think.  Yes, my kids eat that many eggs!  They love them.  If I cook eggs for breakfast for the kids, I have to cook 8 easy.  If Dustin and I are eating too, then it's even more.  The kids are going to love collecting eggs though and having more pets around here!