This week was the kid’s ‘winter break’. Not sure what you’re supposed to do on winter break, but we’re pretty much broke, so we’re not going anywhere.
And usually, we’re pretty good with that.
But yesterday, we got a bit of the wanderlust. And we just really want to go do something.
So I tied up the couple o’ tasks I was working on and jumped in the shower. Then we got the kids ready. And then, 2.75 hours later, we were ready to go.
We started off with the park in mind. It was a beautiful day, well above freezing and the sun was out. The kids each had a bottle of bubbles in hand, they could hardly believe their good fortune… the park and bubbles?!?
But once we arrived at the park, we realized there were a few considerations we hadn’t, well, considered. Like all the snow. Only two of us had on snow boots and even that was a fluke. Just so happens that Jude’s favorite shoes are his snow boots and Vivi’s cutest shoes are her snow boots.
So we turned around and decided to try another park. We chose one that was a bit more wooded and we hoped much less snow-covered.
Turned out we were right on the snow cover, but hadn’t considered that the temperature had made much of the melted snow turn to water. Which, by the time we (and numerous other folks) had arrived to enjoy the day, had turned to mud.
Mud on a few pairs of feet is okay. But not on eighteen feet.
So, we decided to go to a third spot, a beautiful bridge where the kids could get out and see the frozen lake and we could, if nothing else, enjoy the beautiful view.
But halfway down the road to the bridge, the snow plow evidently broke or the driver gave up. The road was impassable.
Strike three.
We’d had enough of the great outdoors and decided to head for the bowling alley. By this time Vivi was asleep and I was halfway to la-la land myself. Chris ran in to see if the prices were reasonable and if there was room in the place for our big crew.
Bowling shoes X 9 = $27
Two games X 9 = $54
Snacks X 9 = $alot
Bowling? Not gonna happen.
So we came home. And the kids blew bubbles in the snow-plowed driveway.
The sweetest part? Not one of our kids complained.
But we all did laugh. A lot.
Ironically, it turned out to be quite a memorable day…. for all the right reasons.
Sounds like fun! After all, the trip is sometimes better than the destination! Good quality family car-time! 🙂
We were also bored but wanted to get out in the sun (and snow). So I took a few clean squirt bottles that I had lying around, filled them with water, and added a few drops of different-colored food coloring to each.
We went out and had some fun! We are the only ones on the block with blue, red, and purple snow!
Just an idea … (a little messy, but fun for all ages)!
Have a lovely weekend!
All the best,
Nicole A. in OH
I so love your family!
It's all about being together!
Sounds like quite the 'adventure'!!!
I am glad y'all had a terrific day!!!
It's the simple things in life that really matter!!!
How fun is that!! Family just spending time together is the more important than anything money can buy. I think it is great though that you tried to do outdoor things first.
It has been gorgeous here in Seattle lately. We have been soaking up the sun on walks and planting things in the backyard. It is in the 50's. Since it rains here so much we have to enjoy it while we can!!
Hugs,
Jody
Awhhh……now that's a nice story. No disappointments or complaining and some laughs….and all free!
Beautiful!
Being all together, celebrating family… priceless.
Wow! Sounds like fun:-)
Just curious, what vehicle did you all fit in (7 kids and 2 adults)? I know you have at least 3 car seats (if not more). We're adopting our 7th and won't fit in our van anymore (we'll have 4 car seats and a booster). Just curious since I know you had an aversion to the big white vans (not that I mind them…kinda a badge of honor:-)
Enjoy reading about your family God has so beautifully knitted together!
Sounds absolutely perfect! Simplicity always works! 🙂
Kiara is finishing up her winter break too…at first I had no clue what to do…and by yesterday, I realized just how awesome it is to enjoy lazy mornings at home together! 🙂
Sounds like a great day:) No complaints ALWAYS makes for a great day:) LOL!
Sounds like a PERFECT family day (for all the right reasons)!
Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim
I love this post. As we consider the adoption of two children, a story like this is immensely encouraging.
LAUGH.OUT.LOUD!!!!
This sounds like it could have been MY family (Yes, 1/3 of the size, but still!!) We have had many days like that 🙂
Making memories, baby!
Wow. What great attitudes your family has! Very nice 🙂
Do you all fit in one car, or was this a caravan?