Thursday, June 04, 2009

My Michelle Duggar Moment

I've finally taken the time to download the pictures off my camera.

This is one excursion I've been feeling the need to share...



Remember my sister's arm? Yea, that. Well Mom and Dad got all worried (as parents do), and had her go to the urgent care to have it checked out. Though we knew there was really nothing they could do, we needed the benefit of the doubt. So Dad takes her to the doctor. I see the look in my mom's eye. She's tired.

It doesn't happen often, but when it does...

So let me set the stage. Mom's been cooking and looking after my uncle, his first wife, two of my cousins, my sister and her three kids, and me and my three kids. Full house - right?!? Yea - my kids and I slept in a tent, but that's a story for another day.

So, like I was saying... My sister and Dad are gone. My Mom's bone tired. I offer to take the kids to the park. Mom says, "Let me go with you." I tell her that will defeat the purpose of her getting a rest if she comes with.

All six of them. My three - Nine, Seven, and nearly Five. And my Sister's three: Two year old twins and a Six Month Old. I hurriedly pack a diaper bag: diapers, wipes, sunscreen, and a sippy for each of her kids. I move her three car seats to my Suburban. Fortunately, we all fit. Every seat was filled.

Also fortunate, my sister had brought along her baby's stroller and my mom had picked up a couple umbrella strollers for the twins.

I threw them in the back of the 'Burb and away we went.

We didn't have far to go. About a mile and half away is a reclaimed gravel quarry.

They put a beautiful walking trail around it. The full loop is three miles. The half loop is one and a half miles.


The kids - all of them - we troopers. Nary a fuss or crab... The little ones enjoyed the ride, and the big ones enjoyed giving the rides.


At the end - or beginning depending on which way you go - is a 'natural sculpture.' Some artist used growing trees as well as other branches to make this:

The kids had a great time running through and exploring. We bought a couple Gatorade-style drinks at the park's vending machine. The kids offered to share, and we gave some to the twins - they loved it!



I will say that I drew a lot of looks. Six kids? I'd just smile. The kids were listening and following directions. I didn't push as stroller, or nag anyone to keep up. I just enjoyed the walk and took a few pictures.

It wasn't a bad way to spend an hour and a half...

...

6 comments:

Wonderful World of Weiners said...

Michelle Duggar would be impressed!! Now you just need to have a dozen more to go for a stroll!!

Hallie

Anonymous said...

Awesome, brave and perfect! Isn't it amazing when kids have a responsibility they love to do? Good thing we both have girl, boy girl to keep everyone happy!

-Aunt Danielle

PS, I got a $50 ice pack out of the deal!

Tree said...

You are simply amazing, my friend!

Those sculptures are simply awesome! I love them.

And your wee one's dress??? Too cute.

said...

So sweet - nice kid wrangling on your part! It's also cool that your kids show pride in helping out :)

Anonymous said...

What wonderful pictures! Fortunate doesn't begin to describe how I feel about being Mom and Grandma to this beautiful family! Kids are amazing at helping out and taking pride in doing so! Love you all very much! Gma

mayberry said...

Wow, what a beautiful place for a walk! It sounds like it was very restorative, too. Bravo for the big kids being such great cousins.