I hope we still have a little spring left.

Ruby had us up every hour or two last night, with what seemed like worsening cold symptoms as the night went on. I’m trying not to think about the non-sleeping, nebulizing, nose-wiping, wheezy-coughing, exhausting frenzy my life is about to turn into if she is sick, so I thought I’d distract myself by blogging. I’ve been letting us out of my germ-restricted comfort zone more and more with the warmer weather among us, and I knew it would catch up to me soon. Oh well, I’m sure I’ll have to accept sickness as a regular part of life as soon as preschool hits, so I’d better lighten up about germs or I might go crazy thinking about all they’ll encounter without my constant micromanagement.

Anyway, spring is still among us and we’re loving it. A few hot, muggy days have already crept in, and it’s hard to imagine the constant unbearable heat coming so soon. We’re trying to enjoy every second of this breezy, sunny spring.

We found a new park to enjoy, Allen Pond. Even though everything was pretty wet and muddy when we went, the kids still made the most of the awesome playgrounds. And we fed the geese for a minute, until it was too nerve-wracking having all those toddlers dancing on the edge of the pond. It’s a gorgeous place, and we can’t wait to go back.The girls think it’s hilarious when we switch their strollers or car seats.

We’ve been meaning to go to the Aviation Museum a few minutes away, and we decided it was the perfect activity one rainy day. They were having a little kids club that day too, so the kids got to listen to a story, and do a craft. They’re still a little young for me to take them to crafty, story type things alone, but Lili helped out, and they did alright. They loved the little play area where they could dress up and do puzzles, etc. Remember when we thought Alex looked like Carl Fredricksen from UP? Well, it wasn’t until he was all dressed up that we realized how much more he resembles him in the pilot gear. And, of course, the elevator was the highlight of the trip.

I ran a great 5k a couple weeks ago. It was in the most gorgeous neighborhoods of University Park. An elementary school put it on, so I was expecting a pretty low budget race, but it still sounded fun, it being was called the Azalea Classic. Who wouldn’t want to run through miles of beautiful azaleas? Well, turns out it was quite the event. Hundreds of people, a marching band, and a small feast at the end. The kids were in heaven with the great playgrounds, and people passing out food and drinks all morning. I wish I lived in a place an beautiful as where I ran. It was a great way to spend the morning together as a family.

We decided last weekend to take the kids to the National Aquarium in DC. It was their first time on the Metro, and they were pretty fascinated. They kept thinking it was an elevator when the door would open and close. And to their delight, there were many actual elevator rides through the trip. The Aquarium was small, but perfect for our little ones. They mostly enjoyed pointing out colors of fish, Nemo, of course, and running in all different directions. Again, the leases were a great idea. We parted with the Ribieras who had other plans, and went to lunch at a delicious gourmet sandwich place. We were pleased to see some kind of wedding or event taking place right where we were eating. The music and dancing had the kids captivated for a while. Gotta love DC.

KC and I thought it would be fun to see Mary Poppins while it is touring in Baltimore. It was a great show at the beautiful Hippodrome Theater. And so fun to have a date night and do something other than the usual dinner or movie. I’m all in the mood to watch the Disney version with the kids now. There is no doubt they’ll love it.  

It’s become tradition to get ice cream every time we go to Costco. The kids have come to expect it now, but I don’t feel like it’s too indulgent, since we split one $1.35 frozen yogurt among 5 people (Elise and I only have a bite or two). It makes them so happy, and usually keeps them in line while we shop, reminding them that if they’re good, they’ll get some ice cream when we’re done. It’s a fun tradition. We’ve made a lot of friends at Costco.

Speaking of Costco, while there, I bought them each a package of undies, in preparation for potty training soon. Apparently, new underwear is the best thing in the world. Each of them took a turn playing with them when we got home. I’ve got to remember to pull those out again when we get bored.

Ikea is a favorite hangout for us these days. We even met KC there one day, it being so close to his office. You can’t beat the free kids meals every Tuesday. And they love this little play place. And, again, the elevator. In fact, when I give them their Ikea leftovers, the all start exclaiming, “Elevator!” Mostly Bennett, but he prompts the others to join in.

Here are my BIG kids at greenbelt park. When did they get old enough for the kids swings? This picture made me happy and sad at the same time.

Ruby is my dare devil. When she sees a challenge, she won’t stop until it’s conquered. She only needed a little help from me to get to the top of this little climbing wall. And she really likes to wear Penny’s hat, and usually backwards.

Here is my usual mess of more miscellaneous pictures:

R, A

B

Alex wedged himself between the couch cushions on the floor for a little down time. He knows how to get comfy.

I found a few more gems from the sisters’ trip.  (Cami, did I get any snuggle pics with you?)

Lili with Ruby

KC with Penny

Hat time

Tub painting ( I might have helped with the awesome hairdos.)A is cracking me up in this one.

I let them decorate sugar cookies with leftover rainbow frosting. Oh, the happiness that was in my home that day.

One day I had them all sit down to eat, only to have forgotten the trays were being washed. They thought it was the funniest thing to hold their bowls of cottage cheese.

My handsome little men.

Bennett likes to buckle things into the highchairs, like his blankie,

and his kitty puppet that he’s been carrying with him everywhere lately.

The boys are always begging for “more mangos!”

Bennett and his beloved trains.

The basket pile game continues.

My sweet little dolly.

The boys were mesmerized by the new dishwasher being installed (hooray!). Ruby was terrified and wouldn’t let me put her down. 

Love an impromptu snuggle fest.

Well, that about wraps up this springtime update. I love hanging out with these little, funny people.

Habit Broken

I mentioned a while ago that I was on a clothes shopping fast from January 1st, until April 30th. I still bought the kids and KC things here and there, but anything besides window shopping  in my department was off limits. My mom and I were in on this together, and just decided to do it on a whim when talking on the phone one day. We both love to shop, though not compulsively or anything, but always found ourselves wanting/needing something new, or waisting time in the store or online deciding whether or not to buy something. So I was up for the challenge, and since Christmas had just added a little freshness to my closet, I felt that would hold me over for a while.

What a freeing decision it was! I felt like I had a little more time on my hands with less perusing, and less returning. I used all my clothes in my closet more than I would’ve, and what I didn’t reach for I know can be cleared out. It’s not like it was the hardest thing I ever did, nor did I expect it to be. Just a fun little challenge. Being a person who enjoys a little retail therapy, I did feel slightly annoyed at times, especially during these boring winter months with nothing much to do, or when I’d stumble on something I loved, for a great deal on top of it! But mostly, I was relieved, and happy to not even have the option of looking. Mall outings were faster, Target trips were more efficient, and overall, we definitely saved some money. Since I am more on the bargain shopper side (though, being a mom has made me a little bit lazy about waiting for deals, and more picky about my selections, leading me to move my price range up when needed), I’m sure I wouldn’t have spent an obscene amount of money this past few months, but hey, any money saved is a good thing, right? I’m sure it just all went into the gas fund. Ugh.

When April 30th snuck up much faster than I had expected, I wondered how I would react. Just start shopping again, or enjoy this new habit I’m in, and keep steering clear of my department. Well, Elise and I had the night of the 30th free, so we just decided to make a shopping night of it. And it didn’t take long for me to remember what I love/hate so much about shopping. It was exhausting and time consuming, but exciting and refreshing all at the same time. For someone who used to love the mall as much as I did, I can feel myself ageing when I say stuff like, “This music is too loud”, “We’ve been to two stores, should be be done now?” or “is THAT really in right now?!” (Also, while in the store, we noticed that H&M has a stupid campaign going on right now, and made me truly think twice about buying anything from them. On principle alone, I have decided to take back the couple of things I bought there. Anyone want to boycott H&M with me?) Anyway, I did find some things I love, and bought some things I had made a note of while fasting. I also found some incredibly great deals! I’m already ready for another break, but I didn’t love what I saw when taking out all my summer clothes, so hopefully, I get up the stamina to venture out again to find a few new additions to my warm weather wardrobe. I wish I had a personal shopper to find the exact things I need for me so I wouldn’t have to waist my precious time searching for the perfect t-shirt and jeans.

So I guess can take down my “NO BUYING CLOTHES UNTIL APRIL 30, 2012!” post it I have had on my mirror for the past four months. But Mom and I decided it would be fun to do shopping fasts throughout the year. Two months of fasting, and then one month to shop if we so desire. The beginning of the season would be nice, cause you never know what you’re going to like when you pull the new season’s clothes out of storage. I think the husbands are liking this.

What a boring, childless, pictureless post. But I wanted it documented, and I do have a little bit of a life aside from motherhood, so that’s good for me to remember. Don’t worry, I have many child-filled posts just waiting for me to write them, as usual.