Local MOutings

With Missouri's predictably unpredictable spring weather, along with the necessity of naps for the three youngest cousins, we often found it easiest to stay local--in town--that is to say, in Washington, Missouri. Em and I spent so much time sitting on the couch, scouring weather reports and talking through different configurations for daily outings. Seven (and then eight) kids bring so many variables into the mix--personalities, likes/dislikes, naps, age difference, etc. that made planning a nightmare. Whenever we finally did settle on a plan, it nearly always changed at least twice along the way.

1. Phoenix Park was less than a mile from our home base, and we happened to go on a freezing day. The kids ran a few loops and Amber escaped a few times, then we went home to warm up.

An epic selfie: 7 kids and 2 moms all in one picture. Everyone was leaning on/crushing Em to get into view, haha.

2. Target: multiple times. Everyone was everywhere.

Bless you, in-car DVD player, for giving us a reprieve from the chaos while we drove at least.

3. Costco: a necessity.

Chase was cold, so Rose warmed him up all the way across the parking lot. Somehow, Amber and AJ didn't fight (too much) while sitting next to each other in the cart.

4. Lions Lake Park: it's not really called that, but that's the only name I recognize. This playground is completely fenced in on all sides, aka Amber-proof. We went a couple of times, and it was a great energy-burner.

Captain Jaymerica came one day, and Amber reached new heights (literally) in her climbing capabilities.

Strong girl.

5. Sports Clips: for boys' haircuts. Em's three boys plus Jay were all looking pretty shaggy, so we shipped them in for haircuts one morning. This was only Jay's second ever professional haircut, and I sure could tell the difference! No stress on my part, and a good, even result. 

Those two curly heads, watching something on Em's phone.

"It's good to be a guy"--they got lollipops after their haircuts, and walked out of the shop looking and feeling awesome.

6. Paradise Frozen Custard: we waited for Dani and Derek to arrive to share the sweet treat. Frozen custard is so creamy and good!

Amber and AJ, both on tiptoes, peeking in the window with Em while waiting for their kiddie cones.

Post-ice cream playing--kids think up the most random games! They were laughing and squealing loudly while walking around this pole.

7. Morning run: I ran about 4 times per week while we were in Missouri, and one of the mornings I had company! Dani and Derek joined in and reminded me how nice it is to have a running buddy.

8. Back to Lions Lake Park after a heavy rainfall. The kids all ended up taking off their shoes and running across the squishy surface, splashing in puddles and sliding down wet slides. They had a great time and got completely soaked.

9. One Saturday night, Jesse encouraged Em, Dani, and me to go to a movie. We put the kids to bed, then flew the coop together and saw Beauty and the Beast. It's been years since I went to a movie with just girls and it was so fun! We ooh-ed and ahhh-ed and were completely captured by the spell of the theatrical on-screen rendition of our childhood favorite fairy tale. It was fun to have a little grownup girl time after so much time spent doing kid things, even if we did choose to see a kid movie.