Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Dentist, Children's Museum and Farmers' Market: Day 2

This morning Beth had a dentist appointment so I was on deck with all three kids and you know what? Not so bad. In fact, it went great. Granted it was only an hour but still... it was actually fun although I don't think I actually sat down the entire time and I may have forgotten to put on deodorant in the midst of the activity and running between kids. It did give me a glimpse of what life would be like with three kids albeit for a short time. Hope would be the typical problem middle child: jealous, cranky, just out of sorts. With two kids, she's gold. Not sure what that means for our future but it was interesting anyway. I spent the time playing train, singing train songs along with a Kindermusik CD I had with me and then feeding them snack. Under me, Kate's breakfast was Mum Mums and Veggie Booty. She seemed to like it though.

After Beth got back we went to the Austin Children's Museum. With a membership to the Science and Tech Museum in Ottawa, we all got in free. With parking the entire morning cost us three dollars. Sweet deal all around. The Children's Museum was just the right size - not too big to be overwhelming but big enough to give the kids lots to explore. They LOVED it. There was so much to touch and push and pull and bang. It had the best craft area I've ever seen; even Mr. Dressup would have been jealous.

From there we came home for lunch. Hope and kate took giant naps. Emily refused and drew, played, lounged and then she and I played outside for a bit. After everyone was up, we walked to the Farmer's Market. I love that place. We went last fall when I was here after Kate was born and I was happy to find the ice tea people were there again. I stocked up on my stash of Hibiscus Mint tea to take home.

There is a sprinkler pad in the park where the market takes place. I stripped Emily and Hope down to underwear/diaper (I forgot the bathing suits) and they went to town. Well, Emily went to town. Hope didn't like the big spouts of water. Emily? She went berserk for it as you can see from the action shot. It was great. It wasn't as great that we also forgot towels. Ah well, with the hot weather, she felt cool anyway as she drip dried.


After the splashing, I bought ice tea, tacos and rotisserie chicken and bread and we had a picnic. Kate didn't get any of the chicken, at least not until later, but she went kooky for the ice tea. After eating we walked back home. Our transportation arrangement on foot is Emily in the Chariot, Kate on Beth's back and Hope on mine. Needless to say, I sweat a bit. The market was really fun. I loved today. I loved it as much as yesterday. And, Hope and Emily successfully fell asleep a few minutes ago in the same room. Same room! I only had to go back in twice. Some kind of record for this wee family.


Tomorrow we're thinking of making it an adult day and dragging the kids along and making them thing it is all for them: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Maria's Taco Express, and yarn shop. Ooh aah.

2 comments:

Shan said...

Sounds like a great day Karen.

I was surprised actually there were times when I was on mat leave that I would have either one or two of my neighbour's kids and it always went much easier than I was anticipating.

Unknown said...

I just happened over to your blog and I am originally from Austin (in Dallas now) and am loving seeing it through your eyes. We usually go back to visit family only, but we are going down at the end of June for some sight-seeing with my kids so we may go to some of the places you have highligted. Looks like you've had a lot of fun in Austin - it's a great town (love the Salt Lick too!)