"California Here We Come!"

On a whim I decided to take the kids to California for a few days. I asked Adam if he would mind if I went and he didn't. I mean really, who would mind having a quiet, clean house for a few days all to yourself? I certainly wouldn't.

I got the kids packed and then the car packed. Hooked up the DVD players, loaded the kids into the car and left for the long drive across the desert by myself with 3 small kids. It didn't take long before Owen needed help with the DVD player so I had to pull over and help him - only about 20 minutes after Howie has fallen asleep. Needless to say, as soon as I pulled over to help Owen, Howie woke up.

Then, from that point it was like I had 3 little angels in the car. Not a peep out of them, except for Howie that is. I think he is part screaming mandrake! He likes to scream really loudly in close, confined areas. Other than the constant shushing of Howie and asking, pleading with him to stop screaming, they all fell asleep and watched movies like champs! We got to Blythe and I let 'em out to run and play at the local Carl's Jr. After inhaling their lunch it was back on the road for the longest part of the drive ahead of me.

Just as I was dropping into the Coachella Valley, Caroline's little voice from the back says, "Mommy, I need to pee!" I look back to see Howie asleep again and, of course, needing to pull over so 2 of the three could do their business. Once again, as soon as I pulled over, Howie woke up. I carefully unloaded the 2 needing to complete their business and took them off to the weeds. Two empty bladders later, we headed for the home stretch of the drive. Just a short 1.5 hours to go. "I can do this! I am doing this!"

We pulled into my parents' house in good time and well ahead of the rush hour traffic. It was good to see them, again.

The kids and I went out the next day to see Uncle Jay and Aunt Kristen. The kids played and whooped it up with cousin Ethan and cooed and gooed with cousin Samantha. We had yet another great trip to the beach. But, really, how can you go wrong with going to the beach? Grandma accompanied us to the beach. We sat and visited watched as the kids dug in the sand. Owen was running for the water and couldn't wait to play in the waves. (It looks like he takes after me with his love for the beach - YES!!!!!) That day was completed with one of the best comments I've ever heard from my kids - "thanks, Mom for taking us to the beach. It was the best day ever!" Hearing simple things like that make it all worth while.

On Tuesday, we met up with Aunt Kristen, Ethan and Sam once again. This time, Kristen offered to watch the kiddos while I made a mad dash to TPT! Thanks, Kristen - it was wonderful! We took the kiddos to lunch for behaving well and then, well, McDonald's had no clue what hit them. Between Owen, Caroline, and Ethan, it was louder than some major sporting events in the play land. Even I was wishing for some ear protection. But, it was sounds of great jocularity. Laughter, giggles, squeals of excitement, kids chasing one another, going down slides and climbing, climbing, climbing what could those kids want more.

We were sad to leave California, once again, but were so excited to see Daddy, especially me! I'm not so sure Daddy was ready for the noise, mess, screaming, fighting and arguing that accompanied us coming home, but I'm absolutely sure he was ready for smooches, hugs and squeals of delight in having the kids see him walk through the door.

After all, even though we all like a quiet house every now and again, we love to hear the "I love you's" and feel the hugs and kisses from our little angels. Now, can I get a quiet, clean house to myself for a few days?

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