We've had spring break this week, and for much of the week I've been a single parent with all three kids at home because Steve had a business trip for 5 days. I was a little (okay, a lot) unhappy about this arrangement, because with as active as baby Hazel is I was not about to hop on the metro with all three kids by myself and go do anything in the city, and at home Eliza and Hyrum tend to do more bickering and teasing than playing nicely together. Long road trips were out because Hazel needs to be home for her nap every afternoon. To top it off, the weather for the first several days was cold and windy, so going to the zoo or anything outdoors was out too, and then Hyrum and Hazel got pink eye.
We managed to survive with books, movies, the computer, and an indoor picnic downstairs complete with "sleepovers" where Eliza and Hyrum had an indoor campout in the basement 2 nights in a row. I had been staying up really late at night to work on the girl's Easter dresses, so I would try to sleep in as long as the kids would let me in the morning (which was usually between 7 and 8).
ANYWAY...one of those mornings I was very pleasantly surprised to be awakened by Eliza and Hyrum, grinning from ear to ear and bearing a cookie sheet laden with cereal, toast, and these lovely heart-shaped cards they made for me that morning! They even carried up an entire jug of milk for the cereal and my glass, bless their little hearts. I was so touched by their sweet thoughfulness - they had never done anything like this before, and to have them come up with it entirely on their own made it all the more special. It totally made my day. The card above is from Hyrum. He started his poem and then Eliza finished it up for him. I love it.
Later that day, we decided we'd go on a long hike around one of the local lakes here in Virginia (the weather had finally warmed up to a comfortable temperature). I thought it was 3 miles around the lake, which was do-able because I had a double stroller for the kids to take a rest in.
So we started on our way, with Hazel studying every rock on the path and the older kids looking at all the wild birds (even a bald eagle!) along the way. At what I thought was the halfway point, the kids were starting to get tired and hungry, as I had only brought a few snacks and drinks rather than a whole lunch. I thought we'd be back by 1:00 at the latest and could eat lunch at home. I decided to continue on around the lake instead of turning back (oops) and we proceeded with our adventure.
These pictures were taken at the beginning of the trail...
...as evidenced by their happy expressions. I have no pictures of the end of the trail (5 miles and 3 very hungry/grumpy/tired kids later!) because we were in such a rush to get home...after all, it was 3:00 and Hazel had reached her limit because she had missed her nap. It was by far the longest hike that the kids had done, and considering the circumstances they were quite the troopers. Eliza walked almost the whole way, and Hyrum spent about half his time in the stroller, which was pretty good considering we hadn't had lunch and his energy reserves were low.
I feel pretty silly not having done more research about the length of the trail, and not being better prepared with more food. We all survived, however, and it made for a very memorable trip! Next time we'll bring our bikes - and lunch! - and make the trip on wheels. :-)
What sweet kids you have! The know about Mother's day too, right? ;)
At least the hike was great exercise. Next time you'll be prepared.
Sounds like a great day!
Posted by: Missy | April 11, 2009 at 08:34 PM
Tapping my foot waiting patiently (read: IMPATIENTLY) for pictures of the Easter dresses! I just love your eye for color and pattern!
Posted by: Morgen | April 13, 2009 at 10:35 AM