I have a bunch of random for you, in no cohesive order.
1 - I was warned before we came that people here are not friendly to children. I would say that has been accurate. We’ve gotten plenty of sneers and eye rolls upon entering a restaurant. I’ve had countless people express surprise that I had another child after I had twins. And if I told them I had two more at home, their heads nearly exploded. Some called it “punishment,” a few had the kindness to just comment on how much work it was. I haven’t found this shocking, merely sad.
Today we were standing in line at the museum and the couple behind me was remarking on how much nicer the museum would be at night with no children. I didn’t get upset. But, ok, maybe I let Willa fuss a bit more in their direction before I strapped her in the Ergo. And, alright, I nursed her right there in line, just to be ornery. But also because my baby was hungry. And because I thought it was a good time for the ultimate exercise in multi-tasking.
Here I am, not hiding my opinions very well, while nursing in public, baby-wearing, and wrestling two five-year-olds in line.
Take THAT, San Francisco.
2 - Andrew had the afternoon free, so we headed to the Ferry Building for some grown-up shopping (kids in tow). There we had some great coffee, gelato, fresh fruit, and we found the ultimate chocolate store, where I threatened to just move in. It was a pleasant end to what has been a great trip. And then we rolled ourselves back to the hotel.
3 - I was trying to be ahead of the game and started packing this evening. While I sorted through the suitcases, Andrew mentioned, “You did buy me a ticket for San Diego, right?”
Uhhhhhhh. I felt my face go hot and my mouth opened wordlessly. Then I ran to the computer and checked all the confirmation numbers. Nope. No ticket for Andrew.
We bought our tickets separately. He bought his through his office and I did the family purchasing. But this little leg of our trip to San Diego isn’t covered by his company. He was so adamant about me not buying his ticket when I bought everyone else’s, I completely forgot that I NEEDED to buy him a ticket.
Some scrambling, shaking of heads, and giggles filled the next few minutes as we tried to remedy the situation. Because when you’ve done something ridiculous, you either laugh or cry. And I wasn’t going to cry until someone told me I’d have to fly to San Diego with three kids by myself. Fortunately, God is merciful to those of us who are really too stupid to be let out of the house. Andrew was able to purchase one of the last seats on the plane with us.
Apparently the House of Vitafam can’t take a big trip with all of our tickets in tact. The sooner I accept this fact and adjust, the happier we’ll all be.
And now that I’ve done my stupid deed for the week (I hope), I’m going to put my feet up before letting myself lose on an unsuspecting public once again.
7.2.2009
Ha! I love the look on your face….”if they say ONE more word I might have to sic my 5yr olds on them…”
7.2.2009
Oh, friend, my stomach dropped through my toes when I read the ticket thing. Praise God it all worked out!
7.3.2009
L.O.V.E. the pic of you. No, really, I do. I went through customs with 3 kids under 5 by myself & not one solitary person offered to help me with my bags, never mind the children. Just got a lot of dirty looks. I honestly couldn’t believe it. Live & learn, eh?
Enjoy the rest of your trip. I am loving your updates so much!
7.3.2009
I have to agree, that look on your face is priceless :). Are you all planning on spending the 4th with the Farmers in San Diego? If so I am so jealous - you must promise to hug everyone for me! Oh yeah and don’t forget to get “R” to whip you up a batch of her yummy cowboy cookies for y’all(yumm).
7.3.2009
Oh, I think you let the aquarium couple off too easy. You could’ve followed them around with Willa hollering, and you could’ve let the boys unleash their 5-year-old energy merely steps behind those tacky people! And, by the way, if it occurred to the couple that it might be nicer at night (without children) why were they there in the daytime in the first place? I admire you for not bringing that to their attention.
Of course, I admire you for being able to take care of five children (including those adorable twins!) and a husband while I stagger around with only two. (Children, that is. One husband is plenty.)
Had the ticket thing happened to me, I would have gone to pieces right there, requiring one more trip to that chocolate store you mentioned…
I am sure your time in San Diego will be so much more fun! We’ve been to both cities (albeit without children), and SD is definitely more family friendly!
Happy travels!
7.3.2009
LOL! I LOVE that picture of you too! miss you! Grace
7.3.2009
1. Great pic! Love the multitasking! I can see the headline now… SF has mysterious epidemic of exploding heads…
2. Yum!
3. Oh no! Glad it worked out ok anyway!
I remember going to SD when I was about eight. We went to Sea World. It was great! I have very vivid memories of getting to touch starfish there.
7.3.2009
LOL I will tell you that So Cal likes to distance itself from NoCal in culture. Can’t wait to tell Big S what has happened with the ticket. I LAUGH when I am nervous ALWAYS. Meantime he sighs, shakes his head, and does not smile until it is fixed.
7.3.2009
I love the orneriness! I just posted my own story of parenting critiques at full volume from complete strangers, that your story reminded me of. It’s just, laugh or go crazy (just like with the ticket). And being a little ornery helps a lot.
7.5.2009
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7.8.2009
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