(Destination I2)
T-minus 24 hours. It's time to prepare for battle. We need a game plan. Every moment must be carefully thought out. Audibles in place for the unplanned.
Food-check.
Diapers-check.
Ample undies for the kiddos-double check.
We can overcome, we can endure, we can survive the weekend... without Mom.
I'll be doing something never before achieved. Well, if you don't count every military spouse ever (not to mention single parents), whom would all laugh at my plight. Nonetheless, three days on my own with three kids is a first. But I'm ready. I'm ready for the meltdowns, the whining, the naps, the snuggles, the playground time, the exploring, the book reading and even the "oops, I pooped my pants" moments (the kids, not me). After all, I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. In this case, that means being "Super Dad".
And we had a blast.
Step 1 - Drop Mom off at the airport on time. No problemo! We made it with time to spare and immediately headed to our first activity: Chick-Fil-A. Already programmed into my GPS, I directed us to the downtown Salt Lake location, mere minutes from the Natural History Museum, our second stop.
Just as the boys were getting anxious for breakfast we hear the standard, "you have arrived" chime from Google Maps. Arrived? I don't see a Chick-Fil-A. And then I realize it's in a food court within a massive downtown office high rise with underground parking. Parking we don't fit in, mind you, due to the permanent presence of "El Blue Canoe" always strapped to the roof. I call an audible. I've got no cell phone data plan, so I'm at the mercy of preloaded maps. But Super Dad is always prepared, and I've downloaded maps for all over Salt Lake. Nearest CFA, which actually looks like a stand-alone store, 20 mins south. Back to the interstate, much to AJ's disappointment ("Not the highway again!"). We approach a rather fancy neighborhood with our restaurant in sight. But something is wrong. It looks...different. Could this be right? A CFA without a playground?? Arrrggg!! What kind of monsters would design a CFA without a playground?? Can't a man enjoy a chicken biscuit while his kids play in a large aquarium made for humans?
Fortunately the boys handle it with far more grace than I, and Baby A just wants food. "It's okay Daddy," says AJ, "We don't need a playground."
It's a Thursday morning in a newer corporate district, and the only other diners are in suit and tie or other business attire enjoying coffee with a client or in an early business meeting. I, slowly growing in what in many ways resembles a beard and the unkempt hair of a vagabond*, find myself unusually out of place at CFA with my 3 kids. There weren't even plastic table mats to stick down before meal time. An unfortunate CFA, indeed.
At least our bellies were full, so we headed 20 minutes back north to the museum. And a tremendous museum it was. Dinosaur fossils filled from floor to ceiling, with far more exhibits than we had time to see. There was even a Viking display this summer. If you know AJ, you'll know his favorite movie is currently "How to Train Your Dragon II", starring none other than Hiccup, the Viking! So AJ was pumped. An entire museum wing for Viking stuff. Awesome! But in the end he was beyond bored with the ancient relics of an agricultural society that lacked anything to do with dragons at all. We returned to the more exciting gemstone and animal habitat area before heading home for naps.
Now, I was particularly lucky to be at this campground. Our front yard was a huge field, playground, and great splash pad to cool down in the 80+ degree days. And even the rec center was comfortable, with cable TV and internet, and most importantly, it was always empty. So after naps the kids hit up the playground and splash pad for a bit before relaxing in the rec center while I managed to get a couple of hours of work knocked out online. We finished the day with a pre-made meal. All in all, the first day was a success.
Day 2 - Friday
What is a trip to Salt Lake City without seeing the Great Salt Lake? The kids agreed, so with bathing suits, diapers, towels, sunscreen and hotdog lunches packed, we ventured a mere 15 miles west to Antelope Island State Park. Home to wild bison, pronghorn and the "always happy to see 'em" big horn sheep (the boys love them). After a scenic drive on the eastern shore, with towering mountains, the backdrop to the impressive downtown of Salt Lake City across the water, we made our way to the beach. This was no normal beach! A vast expanse of dry salt lake bed stood between our spot at the parking lot and the still waters of the lake. We decided lunch was in order before undergoing such rigors. The kids enjoyed their hotdogs curbside, surprisingly managing to avoid a sandy disaster of a meal typical of a toddler at a picnic, and then we set out. Baby A in her jelly shoes, which fall off her feet with every few steps, was soon in my arms unable to withstand the terrain barefoot. The rocky, dried salty earth was rough on the feet. But the boys darted ahead like lesser coordinated jackrabbits. Just as the nearby Bonneville Salt Flats are used for land speed record attempts, the boys attempted to set speed records of their own racing along to the water. That is, until both were distracted with the rock like hardened sand that can be pulverized back to its original form. Or better yet, thrown at one another with a crumble upon impact. So it ended up taking a good while to make it down to the water.
But when we did we were treated with... flies. Lots of small water flies that seemed unconcerned with us, but were eerie nonetheless. We began wading out into the Great Lake. 10 steps, 50 steps, 100. And still were not even waist deep to LJ yet. AJ was brave enough to attempt his "starfish" back floating technique, encouraged by this theory of salt water buoyancy. So salty, in fact, that the largest creatures that manage to live in the lake are teeny brine shrimp. Encouraging to know we needn't worry about stepping on freshwater stingrays or a run in with a Loch Ness like monster.
After a few failed floating attempts by AJ (it's hard to pull off if you are afraid of water entering your ears) we decided enough was enough and we needed to begin the long trod back. As we walked back to shore, the fairly clear water appeared rather dark just a hundred or so feet north of us. And it was slowly moving our way. Soon we realized the water wasn't any darker at all, but was a mass of tens of thousands of flies floating atop the water. They clamored upon each other, apparently seeking the refuge of dry land made possible by the sacrifice of those less fortunate flies at the water line. Clumps of flies, hundreds large, were about the size of my fist. These clumps floated along, bumping into each other, at their most dense point completely covering the still water for 100 feet in any direction. The light breeze pushed them right into our path and we were left with no choice but to wade through them. Showers at the parking lot would be our only relief to clean the flies from our bodies, now clinging to us like sand on a wet body. I'm not sure if they were dead or alive, but they weren't doing much to bother us, fortunately.
The hassle of carrying a large tote, water jug and a nearly 20 pound toddler for 15 or so minutes, all with fly covered legs, back to the parking lot is not something I'll soon forget. We made it back to the parking lot just as the day really started heating up and enjoyed quick outdoor showers and a second lunch at the pavilion. The excitement of the morning resulted in good afternoon naps, followed by playground and "sling shot helicopter" time. The new helicopter toys were "hidden treasures" left by Brynn for the boys folded into their pajamas. It was a fun discovery, providing hours of entertainment throughout the weekend.
Day 3 - Saturday
Another day in the exciting new city of Salt Lake. Our ASTC passport** allowed for a free visit to the Clark Planetarium, complete with a kid-oriented dome style movie mixing learning with fun. Baby A suffered some serious vertigo bringing her to fearful shaking and tears during the more intense space craft flying scenes. Covering her eyes for a few seconds allowed her brain to match her inner ear signals informing her that we weren't, in fact, doing loop-d-loops in the auditorium. She recovered instantly once blindfolded. LJ struggled to sit still upon the 35 minute mark or so, about 5 minutes shy of the films end. But AJ seemed to enjoy it, coming out of the planetarium remarking about how small Earth is compared to Jupiter. He was astounded. And he spent the next few weeks explaining to his friends that "the sunrise isn't really the sun moving. It just looks that way, but it's really the earth turning around. Isn't that crazy?!"
Free parking, free entry, a free movie and some fun learning too? That's my kind of day out! There was even a rocket themed indoor playground perfect for the boys to get rowdy. I ultimately had to drag all three away from this play area.
Before heading home we enjoyed a picnic lunch on the lawn of the historic (and evidently haunted) Devereaux Mansion. The well manicured and shaded lawn, right next to our parking spot, was the perfect spot to enjoy some grapes, oranges, bratwurst and pita chips with hummus while the kids ran circles to burn off more energy before heading home.
You know the routine at this point. Naps, splash pad, playground, a quick tv show at the rec center while I catch up on work, and then finish up the evening with a dinner Brynn prepared in advance and some sling shot helicopters as the sun goes down. The kids closed that playground and park down every night, always the last to leave. It helps that we don't have to drive home, but can simply step inside and throw on the PJs. Another successful day in the books.
Day 4 - Sunday
For the several preceding days I had been nursing some pretty serious throat ulcers (too much coffee the week before?). These were the kind that made it hard to eat, drink, swallow, or even sleep. So by the time Sunday morning rolled around, I was downright miserable. As a result of the pain, I hadn't been sleeping well for days, and compounding this was Baby A's 3 am scream-fests looking for comfort I just couldn't provide. Mass at the base chapel, only 2 blocks away, wasn't something I could muster up the energy to pull off with three kids that morning. I couldn't even talk. But after getting the kids fed, we set out on a multi-purpose trip. 1) Get me some relief by way of yogurt smoothies, which work wonders for pain management. 2) Get the kids out for some exercise to keep them from driving me crazy in the confines of the trailer and 3) Get some much needed rations - only the bare essentials. Like popsicles.
So to the commissary we biked. Baby A in the front child seat, LJ in the back child seat, and AJ on his "tow-a-bike" with additional bike trailer hitched on in the rear for a 3 car train equipped to carry 6 total passengers (toddler sized). For whatever reason I always get strange looks doing this, but to me it just makes sense. The behavior of the children while shopping earned them some curbside popsicles before the ride home. It was a slow day overall, managed by ibuprofen, ample amounts of yogurt and naps for all.
And just like that, it was time to pick up Mommy from the airport. We even had time to make welcome home signs. I'm not sure why AJ insists on putting his name in large letters on the sign instead of Brynn's, but his sentiment is genuine. Among tears of joy and hugs that just wouldn't end, from kids to Mom and Mom back to the kids, it was an exciting reunion of the family. Which reminds me of how lucky I am that we so rarely have even one of us gone from the children for more than a couple of hours at a time, let alone all day at work or an entire weekend away. This precious while abundant family time, with kids 5, 3 and 1, is a gift I surely treasure.
*After looking up the actual definition of "vagabond" to ensure I'm using the correct comparison, I realize it isn't a comparison at all. I'm an actual vagabond. I've always understood that to be a bad thing, but now I'm not so sure.
**Free entry to hundreds of science centers across the country after purchasing membership to your local museum. See http://www.astc.org/passport/
T-minus 24 hours. It's time to prepare for battle. We need a game plan. Every moment must be carefully thought out. Audibles in place for the unplanned.
Food-check.
Diapers-check.
Ample undies for the kiddos-double check.
We can overcome, we can endure, we can survive the weekend... without Mom.
I'll be doing something never before achieved. Well, if you don't count every military spouse ever (not to mention single parents), whom would all laugh at my plight. Nonetheless, three days on my own with three kids is a first. But I'm ready. I'm ready for the meltdowns, the whining, the naps, the snuggles, the playground time, the exploring, the book reading and even the "oops, I pooped my pants" moments (the kids, not me). After all, I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. In this case, that means being "Super Dad".
And we had a blast.
Step 1 - Drop Mom off at the airport on time. No problemo! We made it with time to spare and immediately headed to our first activity: Chick-Fil-A. Already programmed into my GPS, I directed us to the downtown Salt Lake location, mere minutes from the Natural History Museum, our second stop.
Just as the boys were getting anxious for breakfast we hear the standard, "you have arrived" chime from Google Maps. Arrived? I don't see a Chick-Fil-A. And then I realize it's in a food court within a massive downtown office high rise with underground parking. Parking we don't fit in, mind you, due to the permanent presence of "El Blue Canoe" always strapped to the roof. I call an audible. I've got no cell phone data plan, so I'm at the mercy of preloaded maps. But Super Dad is always prepared, and I've downloaded maps for all over Salt Lake. Nearest CFA, which actually looks like a stand-alone store, 20 mins south. Back to the interstate, much to AJ's disappointment ("Not the highway again!"). We approach a rather fancy neighborhood with our restaurant in sight. But something is wrong. It looks...different. Could this be right? A CFA without a playground?? Arrrggg!! What kind of monsters would design a CFA without a playground?? Can't a man enjoy a chicken biscuit while his kids play in a large aquarium made for humans?
Fortunately the boys handle it with far more grace than I, and Baby A just wants food. "It's okay Daddy," says AJ, "We don't need a playground."
It's a Thursday morning in a newer corporate district, and the only other diners are in suit and tie or other business attire enjoying coffee with a client or in an early business meeting. I, slowly growing in what in many ways resembles a beard and the unkempt hair of a vagabond*, find myself unusually out of place at CFA with my 3 kids. There weren't even plastic table mats to stick down before meal time. An unfortunate CFA, indeed.
At least our bellies were full, so we headed 20 minutes back north to the museum. And a tremendous museum it was. Dinosaur fossils filled from floor to ceiling, with far more exhibits than we had time to see. There was even a Viking display this summer. If you know AJ, you'll know his favorite movie is currently "How to Train Your Dragon II", starring none other than Hiccup, the Viking! So AJ was pumped. An entire museum wing for Viking stuff. Awesome! But in the end he was beyond bored with the ancient relics of an agricultural society that lacked anything to do with dragons at all. We returned to the more exciting gemstone and animal habitat area before heading home for naps.
Now, I was particularly lucky to be at this campground. Our front yard was a huge field, playground, and great splash pad to cool down in the 80+ degree days. And even the rec center was comfortable, with cable TV and internet, and most importantly, it was always empty. So after naps the kids hit up the playground and splash pad for a bit before relaxing in the rec center while I managed to get a couple of hours of work knocked out online. We finished the day with a pre-made meal. All in all, the first day was a success.
Day 2 - Friday
What is a trip to Salt Lake City without seeing the Great Salt Lake? The kids agreed, so with bathing suits, diapers, towels, sunscreen and hotdog lunches packed, we ventured a mere 15 miles west to Antelope Island State Park. Home to wild bison, pronghorn and the "always happy to see 'em" big horn sheep (the boys love them). After a scenic drive on the eastern shore, with towering mountains, the backdrop to the impressive downtown of Salt Lake City across the water, we made our way to the beach. This was no normal beach! A vast expanse of dry salt lake bed stood between our spot at the parking lot and the still waters of the lake. We decided lunch was in order before undergoing such rigors. The kids enjoyed their hotdogs curbside, surprisingly managing to avoid a sandy disaster of a meal typical of a toddler at a picnic, and then we set out. Baby A in her jelly shoes, which fall off her feet with every few steps, was soon in my arms unable to withstand the terrain barefoot. The rocky, dried salty earth was rough on the feet. But the boys darted ahead like lesser coordinated jackrabbits. Just as the nearby Bonneville Salt Flats are used for land speed record attempts, the boys attempted to set speed records of their own racing along to the water. That is, until both were distracted with the rock like hardened sand that can be pulverized back to its original form. Or better yet, thrown at one another with a crumble upon impact. So it ended up taking a good while to make it down to the water.
But when we did we were treated with... flies. Lots of small water flies that seemed unconcerned with us, but were eerie nonetheless. We began wading out into the Great Lake. 10 steps, 50 steps, 100. And still were not even waist deep to LJ yet. AJ was brave enough to attempt his "starfish" back floating technique, encouraged by this theory of salt water buoyancy. So salty, in fact, that the largest creatures that manage to live in the lake are teeny brine shrimp. Encouraging to know we needn't worry about stepping on freshwater stingrays or a run in with a Loch Ness like monster.
After a few failed floating attempts by AJ (it's hard to pull off if you are afraid of water entering your ears) we decided enough was enough and we needed to begin the long trod back. As we walked back to shore, the fairly clear water appeared rather dark just a hundred or so feet north of us. And it was slowly moving our way. Soon we realized the water wasn't any darker at all, but was a mass of tens of thousands of flies floating atop the water. They clamored upon each other, apparently seeking the refuge of dry land made possible by the sacrifice of those less fortunate flies at the water line. Clumps of flies, hundreds large, were about the size of my fist. These clumps floated along, bumping into each other, at their most dense point completely covering the still water for 100 feet in any direction. The light breeze pushed them right into our path and we were left with no choice but to wade through them. Showers at the parking lot would be our only relief to clean the flies from our bodies, now clinging to us like sand on a wet body. I'm not sure if they were dead or alive, but they weren't doing much to bother us, fortunately.
The hassle of carrying a large tote, water jug and a nearly 20 pound toddler for 15 or so minutes, all with fly covered legs, back to the parking lot is not something I'll soon forget. We made it back to the parking lot just as the day really started heating up and enjoyed quick outdoor showers and a second lunch at the pavilion. The excitement of the morning resulted in good afternoon naps, followed by playground and "sling shot helicopter" time. The new helicopter toys were "hidden treasures" left by Brynn for the boys folded into their pajamas. It was a fun discovery, providing hours of entertainment throughout the weekend.
Day 3 - Saturday
Another day in the exciting new city of Salt Lake. Our ASTC passport** allowed for a free visit to the Clark Planetarium, complete with a kid-oriented dome style movie mixing learning with fun. Baby A suffered some serious vertigo bringing her to fearful shaking and tears during the more intense space craft flying scenes. Covering her eyes for a few seconds allowed her brain to match her inner ear signals informing her that we weren't, in fact, doing loop-d-loops in the auditorium. She recovered instantly once blindfolded. LJ struggled to sit still upon the 35 minute mark or so, about 5 minutes shy of the films end. But AJ seemed to enjoy it, coming out of the planetarium remarking about how small Earth is compared to Jupiter. He was astounded. And he spent the next few weeks explaining to his friends that "the sunrise isn't really the sun moving. It just looks that way, but it's really the earth turning around. Isn't that crazy?!"
Free parking, free entry, a free movie and some fun learning too? That's my kind of day out! There was even a rocket themed indoor playground perfect for the boys to get rowdy. I ultimately had to drag all three away from this play area.
Before heading home we enjoyed a picnic lunch on the lawn of the historic (and evidently haunted) Devereaux Mansion. The well manicured and shaded lawn, right next to our parking spot, was the perfect spot to enjoy some grapes, oranges, bratwurst and pita chips with hummus while the kids ran circles to burn off more energy before heading home.
You know the routine at this point. Naps, splash pad, playground, a quick tv show at the rec center while I catch up on work, and then finish up the evening with a dinner Brynn prepared in advance and some sling shot helicopters as the sun goes down. The kids closed that playground and park down every night, always the last to leave. It helps that we don't have to drive home, but can simply step inside and throw on the PJs. Another successful day in the books.
Day 4 - Sunday
For the several preceding days I had been nursing some pretty serious throat ulcers (too much coffee the week before?). These were the kind that made it hard to eat, drink, swallow, or even sleep. So by the time Sunday morning rolled around, I was downright miserable. As a result of the pain, I hadn't been sleeping well for days, and compounding this was Baby A's 3 am scream-fests looking for comfort I just couldn't provide. Mass at the base chapel, only 2 blocks away, wasn't something I could muster up the energy to pull off with three kids that morning. I couldn't even talk. But after getting the kids fed, we set out on a multi-purpose trip. 1) Get me some relief by way of yogurt smoothies, which work wonders for pain management. 2) Get the kids out for some exercise to keep them from driving me crazy in the confines of the trailer and 3) Get some much needed rations - only the bare essentials. Like popsicles.
So to the commissary we biked. Baby A in the front child seat, LJ in the back child seat, and AJ on his "tow-a-bike" with additional bike trailer hitched on in the rear for a 3 car train equipped to carry 6 total passengers (toddler sized). For whatever reason I always get strange looks doing this, but to me it just makes sense. The behavior of the children while shopping earned them some curbside popsicles before the ride home. It was a slow day overall, managed by ibuprofen, ample amounts of yogurt and naps for all.
And just like that, it was time to pick up Mommy from the airport. We even had time to make welcome home signs. I'm not sure why AJ insists on putting his name in large letters on the sign instead of Brynn's, but his sentiment is genuine. Among tears of joy and hugs that just wouldn't end, from kids to Mom and Mom back to the kids, it was an exciting reunion of the family. Which reminds me of how lucky I am that we so rarely have even one of us gone from the children for more than a couple of hours at a time, let alone all day at work or an entire weekend away. This precious while abundant family time, with kids 5, 3 and 1, is a gift I surely treasure.
*After looking up the actual definition of "vagabond" to ensure I'm using the correct comparison, I realize it isn't a comparison at all. I'm an actual vagabond. I've always understood that to be a bad thing, but now I'm not so sure.
**Free entry to hundreds of science centers across the country after purchasing membership to your local museum. See http://www.astc.org/passport/
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