This post is being written 6/21/2013, so it will very picture heavy as I don't remember a lot of details. I also am so behind, that I am not too worried about getting these in order, so reader beware, but this needs to make it into our memory books.
At the end of October the boys and I flew to New York. Our trips to Rochester are always filled with fun activities and memories!
We went to Kango (indoor play area) for the first time this year.
Ethan got to skate for the first time. After one fall he was done though.
Pulling the skates.
The kids had fun destroying Lisa's family room.
Fun cousin memories!
My boys got to experience frost (or snow as Ethan called it).
This is in the airport. I love this Tidmouth Shed from Joe and Lauren. It holds trains, folds compactly, and provides lots of entertainment. We have purchased several more similar sets.
We made it to the fun local library, which Ethan calls the "train library" because it has a train table.
It's fun to visit New York in the Fall so that it actually feels like Fall. We went to a pumpkin patch that had decorated teepee's, pumpkins, and yummy Fall treats.
Inside the teepee.
I love this jacket he got to wear during our trip.
In a separate post I told about Halloween. This year we made it out in time for Ruth's 4th birthday party! Lisa did a really fun baking party.
You can tell Benton is enjoying it.
It wouldn't be a trip to Rochester without the Museum of Play!
We had fun times getting all of the kids bathed and to sleep. Most nights I had to have Ethan fall asleep on my bed and then I'd move him to a mattress on the floor in James and Ruth's room because they would have too much fun together to fall asleep.
For 9 or 10 days, Lisa and Dan were gone on a cruise. Fortunately, Claire thought I was Lisa. I think she was confused on why her mom wasn't acting like her normal self, but at least she was happy to be with me. When Lisa was home, I think Claire typically thought whoever picked her up out of bed was Mommy and she clung to that twin. She may have figured it out when Lisa got home.
I brought materials from my preschool co-op and did school with Ethan. I think this might be the first person he ever drew.
Benton learned to go down a slide.
Super hero brothers at the museum.
Lisa and I celebrated our birthday while she was on her cruise. Lisa's neighbor was so sweet and would take the baby monitor for me at night if I needed a break, invited me over for dessert on my birthday, invited me over for an election party, etc. while I was on my own. I took the kids to get ice cream on my birthday, but wasn't feeling well, so I put my ice cream in the freezer and just tried to take it easy that day. Fortunately, with all the planning and meal prep Lisa did, taking care of 5 kids 6 years old and under wasn't as big of a deal as you might think.
I went to a park with Lisa's friends while she was gone.
Ethan and I went on a date one night when Lisa and Dan were back. We went to the library playground.
And then went to Friendly's where Ethan got to eat dessert before his dinner.
More preschool.
Family Home Evening with my iPad app.
Ruth was very patient with me trying to do her hair each day. Some days it turned out pretty cute.
On a second trip to the museum we got to go to the butterfly garden and Ethan LOVED it! He got to hold some newborn butterflies.
He really liked trying to match the butterfly to the picture and find out the name.
More museum fun.
At the airport.
All the gear.
More museum.
Cute Benton.
Ethan is already asking me when we can go back to Lisa's. Hopefully soon!
