Saturday, February 22, 2014

a trip to Wheaton

We have not made a trip up to visit AJ's sister in such a long time so figured we would take advantage of AJ's 3 day weekend to go. Hooray for more random bank holidays!

The kids traveled so well on the way up. We stopped for lunch and let me tell you this is the last place on earth I would want to eat but it was really the only option. And because I have a strong disliking for this place my kids have never had a Happy Meal before. Until this trip. Can we get any less American? But seriously, how do our bodies digest that stuff?


Just look at the happiness it brought to them though. 
Happy meal = happy kids.


And to her. 
Happy chair = happy baby.


And to us. 
Happy kids = happy parents. 


The kids had so much fun with their cousin. Ari loved playing with toys that made Cousin O laugh.


It's amazing how much babies change in one year. Selah and her cousin are closer in age, but right now he seems closer to Evangeline since he's running around now.


The kids were entertained for hours days with all of his fun toys.


We ventured out to get some pizza, Chicago style of course.


This ball pit was one of the highlights from the trip. For the kids. Not me. I'm so glad we don't own it because there would always and forever be 200 balls all over the house. 


Although I did enjoy my fair share of it as well.


The kids surprisingly did very well sitting still and smiling for the picture. It only took 2 to get it right!


Aunt Erin was so kind to appease Evangeline's desire to dress up in something purple with lots of jewelry. However, this is just one of many instances where we as parents struggle to "parent". She is our emotional child. Always has been. I don't relate to that at all which is part of the problem. Tears will flow at any little thing and sometimes it's hard to reason with her. This particular instance she started bawling because we lifted the front of the dress so she could walk without tripping. ?!?! After much talking and explaining she finally calmed down. But these emotional outbursts really stretch our patience. It's a fine line between letting her express herself and letting her emotions overrun self-control. I deal with these type issues on a daily basis with her. We just continue to pray that God will use her to grow us as parents and that we aren't completely screwing up :) And also that she is able to learn self-control and explain her feelings rather than lashing out.


After the outburst ended she was happy again to show off her exquisite outfit. 
Pretty things are her love language.


It was a fun mini-vacation full of naps, kids running around, delicious food, adult conversation post bedtime, cold weather, cheap organic milk, laughing, playing, trying every food sample at the deluxe grocery store, picking up toys, reading books, and eating dessert after kids went to bed. We are looking forward to our next trip up already!


1 comment:

Erin H said...

We loved having you guys stay with us for the weekend and can't wait to do it again (perhaps in warner weather)!