Let's...Just Chill

When the weather changed our plans to go camping at Bartlett Lake this weekend, we were a little disappointed. We were excited to get out in our trailer again, and we had already taken a weekend to recoup, so we were ready to rumble. Camping, however, requires shopping for, prepping and packing everything we will eat for a few days, on top of packing our other stuff. I was not disappointed to take that off my list of to-dos. 

Our unexpected extra few days to chill ended up being just what we needed (again.) I hit Craft 64 with some work friends to say good-bye to Chau, coupled with a trip to the mall beforehand. I'll never refuse getting time out on my own. I'm so sad to see Chau go...it's an end of an era at DBD. But it's a super exciting time for her, and I'm glad we could give her the send-off that she deserves!

On Saturday, wouldn't you know, I had most of the day to myself yet again. Max and Dylan, on their own accord, took all five boys out for the day. After a quick trip out, I stayed in the house and worked on organizing...and also RELAXING. It was splendid. I felt centered and ready for the chaos to resume when the boys returned in the afternoon. In case I haven't mentioned it before (haha), the noise and chaos of life with a young family is sometimes more than my easily overstimulated brain can manage...and sometimes (just sometimes) it makes me bananas. After this little break, I think I'll be able to keep my wits about me. For at least a few days.

Dylan rigged up a lap belt for Graham with tie-down straps so that he can enjoy riding the RZR, too. 

Blueberry face

He has been VERY busy lately

1 stroller, 4 kids at the AZ Science Center

7 guys, 1 vehicle. The situation with Gavin's car seat made me a little uncomfortable, but far be it for me to complain.

It was finally Dylan's turn to get out on Sunday, and he joined Max and some guys on a 4-wheeling adventure out at Four Peaks. The kids and I got out a little bit, too, but mostly stuck around here. 75% of our family is fighting a weird stomach bug. Not the type that leaves you completely incapacitated for 24 hours...the kind that keeps you functional, yet uncomfortable, and seems to come and go. We are on day #2, and let's just say I'm glad the cleaning service will be here soon because after all these trips to the restroom between Dylan, Gavin and me...well, cleaning the aftermath is just not something that I'd be pleased to tackle on my own.

Dylan bought a hand truck, and its the boys' new favorite toy. What is even the point of buying actual toys?

Graham had the best time pushing Gavin around, but he would get super pissed when they'd run into a wall and it wouldn't go anymore.

It was SO cold out this weekend, but the boys still clocked an ample amount of time in the backyard. I checked in on them periodically from the warmth of the living room.

Playing on the church playground. I was shivering. He didn't feel the cold.

Graham chewed on his toothbrush all morning. Then had it all through church and all through Trader Joe's, too.

Dylan came back in the afternoon, and they wrestled together for like a half hour. I as happy to watch from the couch.

Graham, so far, has come out unscathed. And, actually, he seemed to be back to his normal, super-dooper smiley self yesterday, much to my relief. I spent the night in Gavin's room after he woke up with an incredibly bloated belly. We were halfway dressed and ready to head to the emergency room in the middle of the night because I was so freaked out, but Dr. Google reminded me that the bloating was more likely due to a stomach bug and less likely an appendix about to burst. We both woke up feeling less than 100%, but all in all we are fine and ready to face the week ahead. Happy MLK Day...go check out a National Park today if you can. It's free!