Sep 06
Everyone,
(I am playing catch up from our trip to Utah this year to see family. I’m picking a few things to focus on and highlight every week until I am done. Enjoy!)
Our first day in Utah we decided to kill several birds with one stone and meet EVERYONE we could at a small indoor play land called Jungle Jim’s. It is full of kid friendly rides and kind of overpriced pizza. Of course, the kids had an amazing time. I had a good time flitting around and talking to everyone I could.
Who came? Nana, Grandma, Grandpa, Flower and her sister (The Other Flower), Splats my sister-in-law and her 5 kids (Rabbit, Bear, Finch, Angel and Seraph), Mink and her 3 girls (Spider, Fair and Minnie), and MusicAngel my other sister-in-law and her 2 boys (Cappy and Lev).
Got that?
We rode rides. A lot of rides. Up and down rides.
Round and round rides.
We drove cars.
We had lots of pizza and soda.
We spent time with our cousins.
And we stopped at the candy machines on the way out.
A fun way to say hello to everyone we could!
Safire
SafireCappy, Cousin Camp, cousins, traveling, trips to Utah my family, Utah
Aug 30
Everyone,
(I am playing catch up from our trip to Utah this year to see family. I’m picking a few things to focus on and highlight every week until I am done. Enjoy!)
Our annual fishing trip with Grandpa continues to be a huge hit with the kids! We always drive up to Trial Lake and fish on the lake for a bit. On the way back down from the mountains, we stop at a family fishing pond and let the kids actually catch a fish. Butterfly caught her first fish when she was 3 years old. It was the boys turn! Cousin Cappy came along and we had a blast.
The night before, we had gone out to dinner for Cappy’s Mom’s birthday. I took the kids outside of the restaurant while the adults finished up. There was a creek running past and we spent most of our time throwing rocks in the creek. So our car ride up the mountain was peppered with questions from the 3 little boys, “Are we going to throw rocks?”
You can’t throw rocks in the lake because that scares the fish. And that makes the fishermen mad. So we found the little stream that ran out of the lake and threw rocks there.
A three year old boy’s dream, let me tell you!
Once we got the fishing poles set up and ready, we fished! We saw an albino fish hugging the shore and a bunch of little fish in the shallows. We also saw a bald eagle fishing. Amazing!
After a nice picnic lunch, we headed down to the fish farm and let everyone catch a fish to take home. (Well, to take to Grandma and Grandpa. They seem to like them!)
Butterfly was the first to catch one, followed closely by each of the boys.
While we were helping the boys catch their fish, Butterfly was dangling her line in the water and just playing around with it. She caught another one, with no bait! Wow were we all surprised!
Then everyone had to get another fish. Pirate was SO happy to help Grandpa with his tools to take the hooks out of the fish. Cappy wasn’t too sure about the whole thing, and Butterfly really wasn’t inrerested in touching the fish once we had put them in a bucket.
We love to fish with Grandpa!
Safire
Safirefishing, traveling, trips to Utah, Uncategorized Grandpa, Utah
Feb 21
Everyone,
This week’s question on the Multiples and More blog is all about travel.
What are your best tips for traveling with multiples?
Hm…a good question. And not one I’m sure I can answer easily. We did a cross country trip (from Maryland to Utah) in a car last summer. Butterfly was 4 and the boys were 15 months old. You can read a little part of that trip here. Basically we had the 3 kids, my dad, me, and the dog on the way out. It took us 3 days to get to Utah on the way out. There was screaming. There were messy diapers. There was a lot of Kung Fu Panda. On the way back to Maryland, we had my dad, the dog, the 3 kids, me, and my 15 year old niece Flower. It took us 4 days this time and it was a lot harder. I’m not sure why 3 days was better but it was.
We’ve flown a lot to Utah to visit our families who live there. We’ve gone on a few over night trips to Pennsylvania. Butterfly is such a great traveler because she’s done it so much. She loves sleeping at hotels. I bribe her with tv and cartoons (which we don’t have at our house) if she sleeps well. She will sometime ask when we are going to sleep in a hotel again. That girl is born to move!
We don’t travel as much now because it’s logistically harder. Plus, I really don’t think (at this point) I can deal with all the boys and Butterfly by myself. Juice is not a big traveler.
Last month we flew to Utah for a funeral. Juice was able to come with me and that was a big help. Because of the shortness of our visit, I decided we were NOT going to check any bags. That was hard because we had to get all of our stuff, plus all of our trip stuff, into 3 small duffel bags. We made it. Juice really doesn’t ever want to do it again though. But we will because we love and miss our family.
- Did you find it helpful to travel at night?
No, I didn’t think traveling at night was more helpful. Mostly because we got tired driving. There were a few times when the kids did not transfer to their beds after sleeping in the car. My good friend Lolli swears by driving 24 hours straight to get to Utah so I guess it works for some people.
- Did you bring a pack’n'play for each child? What were the sleeping arrangements?
For our big road trip, we took one pack and play. The boys started out the night in them but ended up the night in bed with me. Then Butterfly too. It was cute but I got no sleep. At my mom’s house, she has a pack and play of her own. Last summer I had my own. The summer before that I borrowed my best friend Mink’s pack and play. In January, I borrowed it again. Butterfly sleeps in my old bed. They are growing out of their pack and plays, though so I’m not sure what to do for the future.
- Did you try to preserve your kids’ schedules as much as possible?
Yes and no. I loosen up quite a bit on vacation with bed times. But I still am pretty militant with their naps because it brings everyone some sanity. There are days when they don’t get them on vacation and sleep on the fly. It works out.
- Any tricks for getting your kids to sleep in a new environment?
If they have a lovie, bring it! My boys love their blankets made by their Auntie Lisa so we bring those every time. When Butterfly was little, she had a night light that she loved. My mom bought it for her house so we wouldn’t have to lug it around.
- Do you have any “special” toys that you brought with you to avoid a meltdown?
I would let Butterfly pick out her few toys and take the toys the boys are most interested in at the time. Sometimes I would get new toys from the store, but I find that a little unnecessary. They will play with what you have.
- Are you more lenient with your kids on trips than you are at home?
No. They still get in trouble for the same things. Our rules follow our family no matter where we go. There is still no hitting, biting, whining, or running away from me.
- What items do you find indispensable for travelling?
I love my wraps (see last post), a good bag, and a helper. Also, lots of diapers! A stroller is nice but we have worked around not having it…even in the airport. I have those baby leash backpacks and those are very handy to let them get some wiggles out while walking around. Also, my backpack that holds the diaper stuff, my computer, my camera, and tons of toys is a huge help.
What has also been super helpful is friends and family that are willing to loan us things while we are visiting them. We’ve borrowed car seats, strollers, pack and plays, etc. My mom has a lot of stuff for us now so when we go to see her, I know that I have things I need.
In the end, it can be done. Take your patience and your reserves. Don’t be afraid to say no, ignore a screaming child, or ask for help. Hope everyone enjoys their travels!
Safire
Safirelife with twins, questions, traveling
Jan 11
Everyone,
First there was a car (and Juice shoved in the back with the luggage).
Then there was an escelator and a lot of walking.
Next came a plane. A very full plane. A plane they sprayed with de-icing stuff before we took off.
Then came some more walking.
Followed by yet another plane. This one not so full. Everyone got to have their own seat!
This plane took forever. It got dark. The sun set while we were in the air. Professor slept a lot. The others, not so much.
Then came a lot of walking.
Two more escalators and some moving walk ways.
Then a train.
Then a different train. Which was going REALLY slow.
Then some walking and waiting outside in 20 degree weather.
Then a bus.
Finally, the last 2 blocks and our house!
Bliss.
Safire
Safiretraveling
Jul 10
Everyone,
I have stuff to talk about from my trip (lots and lots of stuff) but right now we are on the road going home. I am sad and happy at the same time. I loved being in Utah but I miss Juice and my house and all my friends.
We are about half way home in Missouri. We stopped here so my Dad could get some BBQ and we could have a little bit of time outside the car. Because yesterday, we traveled over 900 miles in one day. We left at 7am (2 hours late…had to pack the car) and stopped in Nebraska at around 11pm. My legs were so tired of being cramped up in the jam packed car. This is Flower’s first long road trip. I don’t think she finds it as glamorous as it is in books. Still, she’s been a big help.
Today we were able to stop in Far West and get out and walk around the temple sight. We got there right before a huge tour bus of teenagers. We found 2 baby birds on the ground and took some nice pictures.
We got to the hotel early tonight and took the kids swimming. The pool was really cold but the boys loved in. Butterfly even more. We’re off to Ohio tomorrow and then to Maryland on Sunday!
Safire
Safireroad trips, traveling
Jun 06
Everyone,
Why is it the last few miles of a trip always seem to take the longest? At least this time the last few miles brought us Juice and a place for the boys to run around in. They found all the toys at Nana’s house and are happily sleeping in the same room. Happy for the boys, not so happy for Butterfly. They had baths and turned the water a pretty pink color. All that red rock dust from southern Utah makes a nice color when mixed with water.
This morning we spent the time loading up the car (a lot more involved than you think) and driving around to see Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point. We did some geocaching in Dead Horse Point and saw a very cool arch in Canyonlands. (Yesterday we hiked through Arches…it was windy and the hikes we went on were always longer than we thought they’d be.)
I got some great pictures, I think. I haven’t really looked through the ones I got today.
The kids were okay until we got on the road to get home. I wanted to drive but that lasted maybe 10 miles. The kids are just used to me being back with them and so I fetched toys and broke up fights between Pirate and Butterfly or Pirate and Professor. It’s hard to be the kid in the middle car seat.
Now we are at my parents’ house with their really nice soft bed and we are all beat. More tomorrow!
Safire
Safireroad trips, traveling, trips to Utah
Jun 04
Everyone,
We made it to Utah today. We are in Moab for a few days to see the arches and then we are headed up to Salt Lake. Butterfly calls this the “Shiny Rock Place” because we’ve been talking about being here to look at pretty rocks. My mom met us here tonight and I love having her around.
We got here earlier than all the other days of driving (we got here around 4pm as opposed to 7 or 8pm) so we had some free time. There was a miscomunication with the kennel where Soot was supposed to stay tonight (this lady has to have an hour with me and the dog to get her “acclimated” to her place. An hour! She says it’s for the good of the animal and I have to counter with it’s just an animal and one night!) We went out to eat at a pizza restaurant (not great) and did a little geocaching in town. I’m going to have to buy a souvenir t-shirt I think. Butterfly had her first bright blue snow cone. Pirate has fallen off the bed about 4 times in an hour so he’s no longer allowed on the bed with no supervision. As in, you have to be next to him at all times. They are currently sleeping and I hope they will stay that way.
Professor slept in bed with me from about 2:30am on last night. I did not sleep well and was pretty cross today. Pirate was also really cross and cried a lot. Poor kid. We are all feeling a little done with the car. Good thing tomorrow we are going hiking.
I’m going to have to get some new toys for the trip back. Everyone is tired of what’s in the car now. And we still have a 5 hour drive on Saturday to Salt Lake. Ugh…I am looking forward to being at my mom’s house and just being in one place for awhile.
Safire
PS- Kelly, I got the message…will call you when I get to my mom’s house. 
Safiregrandparents, road trips, traveling
Jun 03
Everyone,
This hotel does have high speed internet but I can’t figure it out. So I’m just going to type this online and post it when I get the chance. Like yesterday’s post. Edited: my dad got it working.
Today was our big driving day. We went over 700 miles today and made it to Denver around 7pm. I was excited about getting here for two reasons. One, mountains! I love to see the mountains and this is a skyline I know well. Two, I lived in the Denver area until I was 12. Well, a month away from being 12. We got a hotel room near my old house and were able to go by it. I saw my old elementary school and a few of my old haunts. My old house looks old. My parents built it when I was a baby so I guess it’s almost 30 years old. Still, it looks run down. The trees my dad planted are still there. And I still remember where all my friends lived.
Things are also a lot smaller there. I think I grew a little.
We talked about where we wanted to go for dinner and one place jumped to my mind. Casa Bonita. This is a really fun place to eat. They have cliff divers, mexican dancers, and a mariachi band. They also have Black Bart’s cave which is just a little path through a man made cave. They have a bunch of scary stuff in it now (which I don’t remember) but you can walk through the dragon’s mouth, past it’s heart (which was beating when I was there…poor Ignacio must have kicked the bucket) and out the other side.
I remember being terrified of going through the dragon’s mouth. I always took it at a run so I wouldn’t be caught in his mouth when he decided to close it. And I was sure he was going to do it at any second. I also remember my dad pretending to drop me into the world’s largest abyss. It’s a black floor with a bridge 6 inches above it but I was convinced that it was really the abyss and I was going to fall and fall and fall until I grew up and then hit the ground. Funny what you remember.
Butterfly had a grand time. She barely ate anything because she was too busy watching the cliff divers, listening to the music or talking about going to the cave. This could be the reason why she went to bed tonight complaining that her tummy hurt. Sorry kid…dinner has to be eaten. She was terrified of the dragon and walked the last half of the cave with her head buried in my back. She also got a flasher, and watched a puppet show. Dad wanted to get pictures done in the old picture place but I figured the boys wouldn’t let me put them down for one. I can probably figure out how to do one in photo shop anyway.
The boys were okay. Considering it was late (after 8pm MST which is like after 10pm for them) and we woke them up to get them inside. Professor decided half way through dinner he was scared of all the people and the noise and the clapping and curled up in my lap with his head on my chest. Pirate’s eyes were as big as saucers at everything and he just soaked it up. I’m sure it was a nice change to being in the car all day.
I just fell asleep typing that last sentence so I think I need to go to bed. Good night!
Safire
Safireroad trips, traveling
Jun 02
Everyone,
I can’t find a free internet to post this so I am writing it offline and will post it as I get the chance.
We are in Missouri and two of the three kids are sleeping soundly. Professor’s eyes are red rimmed but he is insisting that I play peekaboo with him over the edge of his pack an play. I worry that he is stepping on his brother but not enough to go over there and check. I imagine if Pirate was being stepped on he would protest or move. I think Professor was the one kid who actually got good sleep in the car today. Butterfly did not nap at all. Pirate only napped while I had my hand on him so I spent the day in a very awkward position. Beyond that, it was a fairly good day.
We left Kelly‘s this morning after a lovely breakfast of waffles and muffins and cereal. We made good time across the state, only having to stop once for a pit stop for Butterfly. She is loving her “magic” markers and her dry erase board. I am also really really glad I bought some new toys to bring along because she is doing fine with those. I also bought her a little lap table thing so she could eat on it and play on it. It’s been very handy. I bought her and the boys some head rests so they could sleep a little more comfortably. I bought Butterfly a different one than I bought the boys and I love hers so much more. Links to come, just not right now.
We met up with my friend Karen for lunch. I told Karen the wrong day and I am feeling very ashamed at myself. Granted, I keep calling today Wednesday anyway but still. I am SO SORRY Karen. Forgive me? And thanks for the pizza and dog sitting!
We went to a few church history sites today. I’ll talk about them in another post when I can actually put up pictures of all we saw. It was beautiful. Peaceful.
With all that beauty and peace came grass and dirt and rocks and clover flowers to pick. The boys were filthy. Butterfly was no pretty picture either. I decided that since tomorrow is our longest driving day yet, everyone needs a bath. So, hotel bath here we come! Butterfly was NOT happy about taking a bath with no toys. But sometimes you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. And let me tell you, bathing three kids by myself and getting them all ready by myself is no fun. I miss Juice.
I am having a fine time but I am looking forward to being at my mom’s house and not sitting sideways in the car for hours on end. Mountains tomorrow!!
Safire
Safireroad trips, traveling
Jun 01
Everyone,
My good friend has graciously opened her house for us tonight and I have a moment to update you all on our progress. Let me just say that it’s the biggest help for the kids to be able to get out of the car today and run around in a house with other kids and new toys. Amazing!
Anyway, last night we got into Ohio late and the kids slept amazingly well. Although Butterfly kept hushing the boys as they cried. She wanted it to be quiet! Professor woke up at 4:30 or 5am to eat and went back to bed around 7am. The hotel was nice…a big room with a fold out bed for Butterfly. The boys shared the pack and play and they are not going to be able to do that much longer.
We had a really nice breakfast with my cousin and his family who live in Ohio. I had never met their girls (one is about the same age as Butterfly) and we were on the road by 10am.
Then we drove. And drove. And stopped. Several times. Butterfly kept having to go to the bathroom about every 20 minutes. I think because she wanted to get out of the car. We were about an hour later coming into St. Louis than I wanted but we made it here. The boys screaming the last hour or so. We didn’t stop because we were close and I knew they would be happier running around the house.
They were. It’s been fun to be here. We’re off tomorrow for some sight seeing and a little bit of an easier day. I’d like to take Butterfly swimming at the hotel. I’d like to take all the kids swimming if I can convince my dad to go with us. I think we would all benefit from a small break from the car.
Safire
Safireroad trips, traveling
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