Literacy for lions

Because a love of books starts in the den.

There's always a track

Boys find a place for their cars and trains no matter where you go!

 

Getting to know our cousins

The boys loved getting to know Baby L - he's a pretty easy going guy which is important with this motley crew. Ms. A is still not sure what to do with all these boys around!

 
 
 

Playing games

We never pass up an opportunity to share our love of Dominion, play a game of chess, or to learn new games.

 
 
 
 

The Family

 

All together!

Getting our energy out

For Thanksgiving this year we decided to drive out to visit the family. This is easier said than done when your family is a 15 hour car ride away and you have 3 small children but our kids love to travel and to read (and we have movies to help out if Mommy's voice gives out and we need a break) so we hopped in the car and off we went. It took us 18 hours each way with stops but was worth it to get to spend time with everyone. We left at 1am which isn't too bad if you go to sleep at 7pm (or so I'm told - I packed the car and then slept during the drive). When everyone wakes up, you're already a good 5-6 hours down the road and no one has even needed to go to the bathroom! A big breakfast and it's time for books and drawing. A movie and a snack tide us over until lunch. Then quiet time (and nap time), a stop at a McDonalds Playspace if you can find one, more books, more movies, dinner (or push on to the hotel if Grandma and Grandpa are waiting with hot food) and then you're there.

We spent the first few days in Indianapolis in a great hotel with a pool (and more importantly a hot tub for those of us with a cold - luckily it really wasn't too hot because Mr. 1 and Mr. 5 loved it too). We got to eat Thanksgiving with David's family and then headed up to Chicago to eat with my family on Friday. Saturday I even got to do a bit of shopping with the girls which doesn't happen too often - and we even went without any kids (except baby Fiona but she's a pretty easy-going shopper so far).

We tried to get out when we could - especially Saturday afternoon before getting back in the car. Mr. 5 and Mr. 7 had a great time exploring Nana and Papa's yard while Mr. 1 discovered the Nativity scene and wondered at the lights.

 
 

Fun with grandparents

Mr. 1 loved the opportunity to get to know his grandparents a little better.

 
 
 

We're sorry we didn't get a better picture with Grandma - thanks for helping Mr. 1 explore the hotel. They were just too busy for pictures!