Life as a Yowler

I’m having a much better day today. Thanks so much to everyone who reached out and encouraged me. I have been tired, but that doesn’t mean I’m not having fun and enjoying my family. I definitely am.

I get so excited about life when Caed naps. He’s right at that obnoxious in between stage, where he doesn’t always fall asleep.  I’m always holding onto the hope that he will sleep angelically. When he doesn’t, it causes me to rely on the Lord alone for strength. Today he took a magnificent sleep and I can’t hardly contain my refreshement.

I forgot to touch on one more summary yesterday when I summarized our time at home.  So here goes…..a few days ago Isla was messing around with my iwatch. It was nothing new. She always touches it and sometimes manages to push a button. It’s waterproof, so I haven’t minded her chewing and drooling on it. It’s part of being a mom right? Well I was pretty tuned out until I heard “911 state your emergency!” That’s when I came back to reality. Oh my word the little sucker just managed to call 911 on my watch. She’s smarter than I am, because I have never once made a phone call from the watch. I quickly explained and apologized. The operator was very nice. She said it was ok and she asked me my name and double checked that I wasn’t in need of help. I told her no I didn’t need any help….at least the kind that she was offering.

Yesterday we arrived at a Jellystone campground in Minnesota. Brandon is working and training all week and we wanted to stay at a campground with lots to do, since I’ll be alone with the kids. I am usually not up to taking them places alone, but love campgrounds with activities right here. There’s going to be a lot to do here at this camp and we are really excited.

We had to go to the Mall of America last night since it’s so close to us. Brandon and I have been there several times before. Joah had been there before but was too young to remember, so it was like a first for all of our kids. Joah has a birthday coming up so we let him choose a restaraunt to eat at to celebrate his birthday.

For those who have never been to the mall, there is an amusement park right in the center of the mall with lots of rides and characters. My kids love Paw Patrol and they were so excited to meet Chase. Caed and Brielle kept hugging him over and over.

We even got to meet Spngbob. I’ve got to be honest, I’m not a huge fan of the show. I’m a mom now and that makes me a nerd. I always tell my kids “it’s not wholesome so why watch it?” But who wouldn’t want to meet him right? The kids were very excited.

We met someone else too, but I’ve got to be honest again….I have no idea who this is. If anyone wants to help me out and let me know that would be great.

This was a really fun little ride for everyone except for Caed. Poor little guy was really scared and regretted his decision to ride. There were two sets of sibling trios who rode together. The little boy with glasses was in a wheelchair and his dad lifted him onto the ride. I actually got a little emotional. Remember when I said I’m a nerdy mom now? It was so amazing seeing his face. He looked like he was having so much fun and his whole face just lit up. His older siblings were both so sweet and were holding his hand and supporting him while he was waiting for the ride to start.

We didn’t know when we went, but the amusement park runs a special every Tuesday. We just happened to go on Toddler Tuesday, so we got each kid a wristband and they could ride unlimited rides. We rode as many as we could. Joah was able to ride the most because he is taller than the others. My favorite ride  was the log ride. It’s very similar to splash mountain at Disneyworld.

Brielle and Joah were riding some rides that Caed was too short to go on. He marched right over and got in line and rode the train all by himself. While Brandon stood with Isla and watched from the sideline. Caed had the biggest smile on his face. He was so proud. He is really growing up.

Brandon and I both took turns riding while the other stayed with the baby.

We went to the American Girl store after the amusement park. Brielle has the doll, Kit. Unfortunately, I forgot her at home. Bri was upset but I explained to her “it’s much better that I forgot a doll than a kid.” Plus I explained it’s her doll and she is responsible for her. She forgave me. She wanted her picture taken by all the Kits.

When we were done we went over to LEGO Land. We let the boys each fill a container of legos from the big wall of legos. It was really fun watching them choose which ones they wanted. Caed was all about which color. Joah was all about which piece. Joah knows which pieces he prefers to use. Joah has been creating and designing all morning this morning.

We stopped in at the Crayola store. They offer factory tours but we didn’t know that and they had stopped tours for the day. We may go back later on this week depending on time. There was a mom who overheard us talking about coming back. She gave us a bunch of coupons because her family was unable to use them. So we will most likely go back.  Caed didn’t mind not touring yesterday. He was just excited to walk around “the granola store.”

Joah chose to eat at Bubba Gump because he loves shrimp. All of our meals were really good. Joah got a special birthday cup and a special drink. He kept saying over and over again “I sure chose the right place.” He was very thankful and grateful and kept thanking us for making him feel special. He is really growing up and for the most part is a really great kid. I can’t believe he is almost six. Time slow down!