...to cram in as much as possible!

...and expect that 1, 2, 3, and 4 don't complain about it.

As I reflect on days like I had today, I start to see how good it has been for our family to move up here to Fort Drum.

Days like today were the standard for me at West Point.

Don't get me wrong...I loved my time there.  I just think that I am beginning to appreciate the 'simpler life' we have here.  Typically no deadlines, no meetings, no events.

The day was a good one.  Nothing extraordinary happened.  There were no big temper tantrums.  No one lost their cookies in the van.  It was just a day where we left home at 9 this morning and arrived back just in time to get everyone in bed.

For the most part...we haven't really had to hurry and make-it anywhere.  But today was a bit like days-of-a -few-months-ago.

My mom left this morning so we made the trip to Syracuse.  Since I was there I decided to check out one of the local malls.  It was an enormous mall.  Much like the Palisades down past West Point.

The girls and I had lots of fun riding the carousel, getting a snack, and strolling around a few stores.  

Wouldn't it be great if that was really how that time went?  While I am glad we stopped it was more like:

Audrey pulled every glove and mitten off of the racks at H&M.  She left a trail of hats behind her.


Abbey pushed the stroller into the mannequin at Gap.  It fell onto the floor nearly missing the salesperson that was trying to step over Audrey who was laying on the floor because Abbey had put her 'down for a nap'.  (At this point they were in their 'mommy/daughter roles').  


Abbey proceeded to take off all of the shoes of each of the mannequins that she passed in the store and finally had a bit-of-a-fit when I wouldn't purchase the stuffed dog purse (for $27) she had been toting around.  


We had an equally entertaining experience at each of the stores that we entered after this.


Here are a few shots of my happy girls today...

Abbey: Refusing to have her picture taken

I was beginning to resort to 'threats' to get a good photo but Abbey sabotaged my efforts by taking her token for the carousel.  

At this point I am begging them to let me take a picture!  No.  I am not above begging.

Finally, I pretended I had put my phone down...obviously none of my previous tactics had worked.

After we enjoyed our girl time at the mall I dropped them off a daycare for a few hours.  Today was my first day back at work.

I was a bit nervous and excited at the same time.  I met a very nice new family and picked up with an old favorite and familiar one.  I must admit, it was refreshing to get back to work.  Even if I only had two appointments.

After work, our day was complete with Boy Scout and Girl Scout Activities for the big ones.

I was impressed with all of them.  For the most part the kids all took the day in-stride.  Maybe they were happy to have a bit of the old routine back; maybe they were happy to not have been stuck home with me all afternoon and evening; or maybe there just wasn't any time for complaints.