While we were away last week, I took the kids to a small neighborhood playground a few times.

Since we’ve been visiting this same town twice a year for more than five years, I pretty much know my way around. I’m so thankful for this small, simple playground. It provides such a needed release for pent-up-in-a-hotel-room energy. From these photos, you’ll notice that my wacky kids are thankful for the tiny park, too.

So, Ferris may not have enjoyed it as much of the older kids… but she does look peaceful, doesn’t she? 

Maybe Evan got her name from Dale Evans? Happy trails to you…

Connor enjoyed “legal” climbing.

Brady enjoyed climbing … and sliding … and swinging.

Apparently, Andy just liked making goofy faces at his mommy.

I’m not sure where I first saw this tip, but it’s a super yummy one.

For a healthy (and summery!) snack, put a bunch of seedless grapes in the freezer. Whether you eat one at a time or a whole handful, they’re delightfully sweet and fat free! My kids absolutely love them and sometimes even call them “little grape popsicles.”

(As always, remember to cut them into smaller pieces for your itty-bitty kids, since grapes can be a choking hazard.)

For more great ideas from bloggers everywhere, see the Rocks in My Dryer list of Works for Me Wednesday tips!

Ever since we had Ferris, I have been meaning to take some photos of her and Evan together… mainly as a reference later to their size comparison.

Since Evan was a preemie, she’s still much smaller than her age. In fact, last week we met our friend’s seven month old baby and she is the same size as Evan! (I know people look at us and try to do the math when they see us with a newborn! It’s so funny.)

Anyway, I finally took some photos last week while we were in our hotel. The first one was one night after Evan had her bath and was snuggled into her PJs. Ferris is less than thrilled about Evan’s cuddling.

The next two are of the duo in matching outfits Nana bought for them. I tried to get Ferris’ face in the photo, but Evan wouldn’t cooperate.

Finally, I got them to hug… sort of. (Though Evan’s eyes look like she’s falling asleep, she’s not. I just caught her at a bad time.) 

That’s what the price of milk is doing. It’s over the moon!

Yesterday, I bought a gallon for $3.82. Yikes. And that’s the generic store brand. The “real” brand was more than $4 a gallon. AUGH!

I remember when we first moved here a little more than six years ago, we could buy a gallon for $1.88. My how times have changed. I’m sure it’s not just Chicagoland, though. How much does it cost where you are? Is it cheaper to own a cow?

We’re back from our trip… I have many funny stories to tell. I’ll post photos soon, too. 

This morning, Evan was in one of her “loud” moods. (This is true most of the time. What she lacks in size, she makes up for in volume and pure spunk.) She likes to be seen AND heard, so she shouts random syllables at the top of her little lungs.

Connor happened to be in the kitchen with her this morning when she launched into one of her tirades. Perhaps he could translate, because he took great offense at whatever it was she was saying. He kept saying, “No screaming, Evan.”

She continued to do so.

“Stop screaming, Evan,” Connor would say nicely.

She continued, loudly.

Finally, he’d had enough. “NO SCREAMING, EVAN! Mommy, EVAN’S SCREAMING!” At this point, he was, too.

“Connor, you’re screaming, too. Both of you need to stop,” I said.

He looked dead at me and reasoned, “No, Mommy. I not screaming. I YELLING!”

I’m signing off for a week. As I wrote about yesterday, we’re headed to the land of “hup-twos” and about-faces. Where the rifles and yarns are spun. Where the Amish are plenteous and the kids rowdy.

From my post last year at this time, please remember:

And, finally, if you’re a burglar looking for a big heist, look no further. We’ve got quite a bounty for you here:

• Trash cans full of dirty diapers
• Sippy cups of various styles
• Dog bones
• All kinds of toys for little boys, most of which were given to us… many of which Nana has given our kids from McDonald’s happy meals
• Mr. Clean Magic Erasers (you could load up!)
• Dust bunnies
• Balls of dog hair in the basement
• Loads of laundry, both clean and not

So, go ahead and break in. We’ll only notice if you clean up. And don’t mind the bazillion police officer friends Nate has stopping by various times throughout the day. They may look mean in their black uniforms, but most of them are only trained in various forms of physical tactics and in firearms… They’re actually nice guys. Have at ‘em. My money’s on the good guys.

See you in a week!

We’re going to be out of town all next week. It’s time for my hubby’s semi-annual gig as instructor at the Honor Guard Academy again. That means a week of no housework, occasional swimming, and me with five little ones in (two adjoining) hotel rooms. Time to get creative.

My parents came to visit today and took the four older kids to the mall for some fun while I ran errands and tried to prepare for this trip. Packing for seven is never fun… especially when you pack port-a-cribs, diapers, snacks, games, etc. Anyway, I’m grateful to my parents for their help today. Not only did they entertain four kids, but they also brought donuts from my hometown pastry shop for my crazy boys. (They love donuts.) Then my dad surprised Nate and me by paying for our lunch, too. He’s such a nice guy [now that I've blessed him with grandchildren. ] Just teasing.

Nana and Poppy were getting ready to leave. The kids had all thanked them profusely and had given them both hugs. They were getting ready to walk out the door and the boys were in bed, ready for naps. I’m telling my parents good-bye when we hear Brady shout, “Poppy?”

Aw, I thought. He’s going to say thanks again.

Poppy: “Yeah?”

Brady: “Don’t take the donuts!”

Oh, boy. We could not stop giggling under our breath. Leave it to one of my kids to worry about the food.

I’m a child of the 80’s. The majority of my younger childhood was in the eighties. (Not high school, mind you.) Admittedly, I’m one of those people who actually looks on those years somewhat fondly.

I enjoyed rolling up the sleeves on my T-shirts, doubling up on coordinating colored socks, playing games on my Commodore 64, and watching School House Rock, Picture Page and — my all-time favorite — Secret City with Commander Mark.

There is one trend, however, that should stay in the 80’s. Really.

I’ll admit that when I was about six or seven, I owned Jelly Shoes. You remember them, right? Those hideous translucent plastic shoes that were so thin you felt every rock, pebble and piece of gum you ever stepped on? The ones that cracked and fell apart after you wore them only once? Yeah… those should die. Or be burried in an 80’s time capsule.

But Nooooo. Aparently, I may be the only one who feels that way. Can you believe THIS?

Am I the only one who hopes this throwback dies quickly? Am I wrong for praying my daughters never want a pair? What other trends should die and never return? (Besides Zubas… that’s a given. )

In an effort to get the kids to at least help with the housework, I find myself creating lots of “games” to get them motivated. Their current favorite is what they call the “Toy Number Game.” (That’s what they decided to call it when I made it up.)

Basically, it’s a race to see who can put the most number of toys in the toy box in an allotted time. I stand near the toy box and tally the score and make sure the items going in actually belong there. (You know… no dirty dishes, just for points.)

The prize is always something somewhat lame like: “You get to be the first one served at dinner” or “You get to choose your own drink tonight.” Somehow, though, the game thrills the boys to pieces. They’re constantly asking me to play it.

Like just now… Andy said, “Mommy, can we play the Toy Number Game?”

I looked around. Amazingly, the living room is still relatively clean from last night’s competition. “Why don’t we wait until right before bed? There’s not really a lot of stuff out right now.”

So, Andy quickly said, “I know… Brady, we can get a whole lot of stuff out right now! We can make a really big mess!”

Yeah, I know. That’s why I invented the game.

Connor used to climb in bed beside me every morning for a bit of special snuggle time. Unfortunately, that has pretty much stopped. Now he stands beside the bed and basically shouts, “Breff-kiss, Mommy. I want breffkiss. Get up… Now!” Not nearly as cute.

Two days ago, however, he let me snuggle him briefly. I took full advantage of this special time… I hugged, snuggled and kissed him until he was laughing. I kissed his neck a few more times and he struggled to catch his breath between giggles. When his laughter died down, he sweetly smiled at me and said one word: “Favorite.”

Yeah, Bo… Moments like those are my favorites, too.