Another feather in my cap

Our family LOVES to travel. We just always have. Somehow the stress of hauling babies and toddlers from point A to point B is considered by us worthwhile once we've enjoyed the pleasantries that our destination has to offer. We've had some really great getaways - and a few disasters too. But we like to focus on the positive (especially when it comes to travel) and so, like the expectant mother delivering another child who suddenly remembers just what level of discomfort is in store for her, off we go again.

Last weekend we struck out on another Harrington Family Adventure. The kids were counting down the days until our trip. I had the bags packed a day early. Our hotel was secured at an amazing price. The teachers were notified of the early pickup (making sure to leave AFTER Coleson's spelling test- much to his dismay). The children behaved like angels in anticipation of their visit to ... (drum roll here) Lego Land. Friday morning came and I showered and got ready, then finished the last minute packing of pillows and snacks. It's always amazing to me just how much 6 people "need" even when it's just over 2 nights. Although, in my defense, once you've gathered your items for 24 hours, all you need to do is add more clothes, and you're ready for 2 weeks. Anyway, I packed the truck while Ethan took his morning nap. I was even ready 30 minutes early- nearly unheard of for me. I called Jared as I drove to pick up the boys from school, fully expecting him to say that he was delayed at work. But, also nearly unheard of, he was right on time and headed home. Wow! So I swung by school to collect our coveted children who were leaving school early (!!!) , then met Jared at home, and (here's something amazing) we left on time. Jared's parents are temple workers up at the Chicago temple and they had just finished their 2 day shift, so they were just going to watch our kiddos at our hotel room before they headed back home. Then we'd stay on for our weekend of fun.

So, the trip started off, and, this can't be stressed enough- ON TIME. I can't recall a single temple trip that began in such an unusual way for us. Usually, we are half an hour later getting out of the house than we'd hoped, then hit some amount of construction or traffic that is nearly unavoidable in street torn Chicago. Then we drop the kids with Jared's parents in the before mentioned arrangement and arrive at the temple with mere minutes to spare- feeling slightly used up and more ready for a nap than a spiritual experience. But this trip did not start off that way. I was sure something would arise. It was only a matter of time. The drive went smoothly- little construction, slight traffic. So when we arrived at the hotel earlier than expected I was floored. We snuck all our children and their accompanying essentials up to our room without being noticed. One entire suitcase concealed sleeping bags and pillows for floor bound big kids. It was the first time we'd attempted all 6 of us in one room. We were trying to save a buck, so on top of getting our room at a NICE hotel for only $42 on priceline- we only got 1 room for all of us. That also went shockingly smoother than expected. Jared's parents settled into the room and playing with the kids and Jared and I decided we might as well get ready and go- even though we were EARLY. What an amazing, incredible, wonderful difference it made to arrive at the temple without a rush.

We enjoyed our time at the temple and then a quiet evening in the room with the kids. Everyone slept well, even though Ethan started the day a little earlier than we would've all liked- at 5:30 Chicago time. So we figured since we were all awake we might as well enjoy a delicious breakfast at the nice restaurant downstairs. During breakfast we told the kids about the big surprise we'd been giving hints about- dinner at the Medieval Times Theatre, with real knights and all. It took Hunter (also known at our house as Hunter-Man and Knight Hunter) a few minutes to put it all together in his head, but when he did, we got just the reaction we'd been hoping for- jaw dropped completely open and eyes nearly rolled in back of his head. Yes!

By the time we finished breakfast and packed up our little room, the rest of the world was waking up for a Saturday morning. We hit the LDS bookstore first to look at a few things Coleson was wanting. Then off to Lego Land. It was a really fun place. The boys could have spent days there without boredom. We are real Lego freaks over here. Jared's still 7 years old in that regard, because he gets just as excited about new sets as the boys do.

One of the things that is so fun about being the mom is getting to scout and plan fun outings. When I was a kid my mom was our family's travel agent. She found awesome activities, both common and off-the-beaten-path, and negotiated great deals. Now it's my turn. I love finding things that I know will thrill my kids. And when I find the one and only internet coupon tucked far away in a small window- cha ching! It's just so fun to see the look on their faces when they see something they love and go someplace they've never been to before.

If you've never been to Medieval Times Theatre, you should- especially if you have any knights-in-training around your house. The food was delicious, even though you eat with your hands to be period correct (thankfully the lights were dimmed so everyone couldn't see me covered in oils and sauces), the knights were talented, the show was amazing, and the music was so enthralling that Coleson was bouncing in his chair to the beat of the war drums. FUN FUN FUN!!!

And as we were driving home Sunday afternoon, Jared says "that was a hit- nice job mom". Thanks, dear. It was a great weekend. A really great weekend. And we really needed it. And it was made soooooo great because the boys were in an unusually peaceful mood (little to no arguing and fighting) and they grew ears for the weekend (even if they suddenly fall off Monday morning when we're getting ready for school- at least they were around for one heck of a fun weekend).

Another feather in my travel agent cap. I'm thinking something in the Smokey Mountains next time.