This weekend Daddy had some well deserved R&R in Las Vegas so I held down the fort. Somewhat ambitiously.

Friday was gorgeous out so I got up with Steven, Sammy and Amaya and we headed to the zoo. Actually, first I managed a very fussy and clingy Amaya who burst into tears any time I wasn’t holding her. It was a good thing we had plans to get out of the house! We skipped morning naps to get a start on the day and I hoped they’d fall asleep for a few minutes on the way to the zoo but I don’t think that happened, in part because Amaya and Sammy took turns crying the entire way there.

We got to the zoo shortly before their morning snack and I was able to find a nice shady picnic table. We brought peanut butter toast with us along with some new sticky mats to try. Snack was a huge success! It was beautiful out and birds kept landing on our table which Steven, Sammy and Amaya all loved.

Checking out their little bird friend.

It’s a good thing I have no shame asking people to take my picture.

The Valco stroller, with the Joey seat attached, isn’t ideal for the zoo because the kids in the back can’t see as easily. It’s the best option, though, because our only other three seater is the wagon which is tough to pull for a long period of time and isn’t ideal once kids get sleepy. So the Valco it was! And there’s always enough happening on both sides of the stroller for everyone. We can reevaluate when they’re old enough to really understand the animals.

The stroller works very well, however, when there are DINOSAURS to see. Everyone can see big dinosaurs over their siblings’ shoulders.

T Rex! It’s part of a big animatronic dinosaur exhibt. I hope it’s still around when they’re five!

Amaya loves being Captain.

And poor Bubba was pooped out! This is what happens when he skips his morning nap!

Lunch was it’s own adventure! I timed poorly and, by the time we got to the Arctic Cafe, the line was 30 minutes long. Yikes!! I set up our table with our high chairs and we got in line. Amazingly, there were zero meltdowns. Not even by me! We had a delicious pizza lunch and then headed home. Sammy was asleep by the time we reached the car.

Friday afternoon, after naps, the bug hit me and I loaded everyone up to get the boys haircuts. It was time.

First order of business was our wagon. It’s awesome, but it doesn’t have brakes. What the heck!?! That’s made it difficult to take out alone because I’m not comfortable loading the kids into the wagon without someone there to hold it. Fortunately, a bungee cord did the trick! This will come in very handy.

We went to a local kids’ place called Snip Its.

Steven was up first and he freaked out when I put him in the chair. My poor Bobo! Fortunately this place has all the tricks and, right next to the chair, is a toy drawer. They’re dirty, nasty picked over toys but sometimes a mom’s got to do what a mom’s got to do. And it worked! Once Steven got his hands on the toys it was smooth sailing.

Next up was Sammy who had a preview of the toys and was just fine. His haircut also took no more than a hot second. Just a bit off the top and a trim on his growing mullet.

 

My handsome boys!

On Saturday I brought in reinforcements. Anna came to spend the day from 10:15am – 6:15pm. (At work, someone immediately commented on the :15s in the timing. Their schedule is so second nature to me that I didn’t even realize how regimented we are.)

The next town over, Plymouth, has an annual 4th of July picnic that Jason and I stumbled on a few years ago when we were living in Plymouth. Anna and I headed there to check out the playground and eat some free hot dogs!

It was our first time on swings! Steven and Sammy were all about it. Amaya cried the minute we tried to put her in the swing. I’m sure she just needs more practice.

The line for hot dogs (our first!) was long but worth it. We were lucky enough to find a table under the tent. Everyone even got to try a few potato chips.

Sammy was flirting with the women at the table behind him.

Back at home, everyone loves Mommy. 🙂 Notice Sammy’s hair? He and Steven were both tapping their heads while I did Amaya’s pony tail so I decided to let the boys have some fun. Steven’s hair isn’t made for it, especially with his new cut, but Sammy’s pony tail looks even better than Amaya’s!

In the afternoon, we decided to hit up the grocery store since Jason wasn’t home for the weekly grocery run. We got to Kroger and started unloading the kids when we realized Kroger didn’t have a single double cart. So it was off to Target! For grocery shopping, which I hate, we sure did have fun!

Look at these two!

Anna came back this morning from 7am – 9:30am so I could sleep in a bit. Apparently, when Mommy sleeps, the hugging starts! It’s so cute to see Steven, Sammy and Amaya start to really notice each other. Amaya will bring water cups to her brothers and, in the wagon, she makes sure everyone has something to drink. This afternoon, she kept making nice on both the boys. Steven kept hugging her. I love, love, love it.

Anna also gave Amaya her first piggies!

The late morning was spent on the deck. No water in the water table but we still know how to have a good time. (After applying sunblock. That is never a good time x 3.)

And, finally, this afternoon we headed out for some frozen yogurt. It’s a nice, easy trip out and a good excuse to get out of the house on a nice day.

That was it! My mommy adventure weekend with Steven, Sammy and Amaya. So much fun and absolutely exhausting. The moms I know who stay home alone full time with their trios (and sometime older kids, too) are warriors.

Here are more photos from the week!

Everyone!!

Brothers!

Sleeping kiddos. In order, in both sets: Steven, Amaya, Sammy.

 

Steven this week! He’s so happy. His giggle is the best.

Sammy, this week! He’s obsessed with his Mamamama, these days. I love it.

Amaya, this week! Still the sassiest, spunkiest girl I know.

Sally, this week!

Finally, babies in diapers! Have a great week everyone!