May brings the annual Science 10 "Edventure" to Orlando. Brent has taken Best students (where he works) for the past 5 years. I have been able to join him for 3 of those years, but this year with a new little one (plus 3, honestly who is going to want to look after 3 little rascals for a whole week!) I stayed home. With Daddy being away and knowing all the fun he was having, we attempted to have our own mini vacation right in our own home. We went on expeditions of our own on the sky train and sea bus, toured the Aquarium, went to parks, rode our bikes, played at various indoor/outdoor playgrounds, ate at the golden arches likely too often, and had an indoor campout. I didn't pack the camera on our outings. Kind of figured navigating the crowds with 3 little people was likely enough action for me (and likely for those around us). Setting up the tent in the basement was a lot of fun and a big hit. We slept in there one night after having a movie night too. Tried to make smores in the microwave. We made it through one and then the boys requested just to eat marshmallows plain. The microwave adds a significant "chew" factor to a marshmallow! We tucked in to bed and finally fell asleep around 8:30ish (significantly later than a normal night, but quite expected for a camping night!). Morning came early around 5:30 (again, quite an authentic camping experience). The boys had a great sleep and so did Mommy (shh, don't tell, but I snuck out of the tent at 8:32 until about 4ish). Talia stayed tucked away in her crib as I couldn't think of a safe way to keep her from being trampled. She still seemed to enjoy her moment in the tent.The boys also had treasured sleepovers at Grama and Grampa Raabe's, plus a special visit from Grandma and Grandpa Penner to keep them very entertained (with the side benefit of Mommy retaining a wee bit of sanity).
At the end of the week as I was tucking in the boys before Brent returned, Nate commented that he wished he could have stayed at Grama's from when Daddy left until when Daddy came back. Hmmm. I'm choosing to believe that he just really feels special and loved with his grandparents and was reminiscing from last year. I'm certain he had a really great week with Mommy too. Right!
