... a tender note

It is pleasing to my soul to see this. My son, three tender years old, deep within nature, holding and caring for, and not-to-mention crunchily "baby" wearing his favorite Teddy. He was so happy. Taylen, you're going to be such a great caregiver someday. Selfishly I hope it's for your own kids (otherwise it's just not fair!) ;) but whoever is so lucky as to cross your sweet and kind path will be all the better for having known you. 

ON THE GO // LOCAL LIBRARY

Cabin fever is very real, and very awful to experience. With temperatures far below zero for well over two weeks we found ourselves going stir-crazy on more than one occasion. Here's how we beat the crazies at the local library which, I am sure, is the best library ev-er!

 

See the boats old color scheme here, and scope the twins in this spot right before their first Birthday!

Sometimes when we're being the blues we make stuff - it's surely not warm enough for the roadtrip and fresh air I'd much prefer - but sometimes we just sit and pout at mum.

ON THE GO // NASHVILLE ZOO

The following is a Sponsored post by the Nashville Zoo. I received admission to the zoo in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor was I required to write a positive review.

 

What do kids love more than the zoo?

NOTHING!

 

Except maybe cookies. And presents. But other than that... NOTHING!

 

That is why, on our recent road trip/vacay to Nashville we made dang sure to get the kids to their stellar zoo. They have, afterall, never seen monkeys in real life. Which of course means their existence cannot be complete.

 

We were in Tenessee for three days, the first two of which were rainy + snowy. Suckola vacation weather. We said "rain or shine" for the last day and the zoo and whadayaknow? It was BEAUTIFUL!

 

We started at the monkeys. Two of ours were asleep so they missed the ancestral hooting and cheers, but I did my motherly duties and captured Tay's face in total monkey awe!

One of the neatest features of the Nashville Zoo is the Meerkat exhibit with a crawling-room-only entrance to an enclosed chamber that lets you be a part of their world. Kids can easily access, parents get to look a little more like an arse but it's worth it - so fun!

From the rails to the sidewalks to the barricades keeping children safe from the mouths of hungry lions, the entire zoo is climbing kid friendly.

My personal favorite area was the goat petting and brushing zone. I was nervous at first to walk into a large fenced area full of goats of all sizes and varieties, but the kids dove right in grooming and loving them, it was a happy momma moment after all.

The maintenance and courtesy at the zoo is nothing to scoff at. It was like Disney Land in there with the attention to detail and cleanliness. Pushing two strollers I definetely appreciated the designated stroller parking, too, when we had to ditch the wheels and walk.

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The grand finale, the time-suck that the Zoo's director warned me about, was the most amazing jungle gym I've ever experienced. Imagine fort-style structures bigger than a house. I, of course, could not get a picture because, like the director said, I was not able to contain my kids within it at all, which unfortunately means no pictures. But they thoroughly enjoyed it. How do I know? They were tyrants for the three days following, which simply means they were dog tired. Hallelujah   If you're ever in the area be sure to check it out. Food and Bevvies are available, train rides happen, you'll want to make it a day. Enjoy!  



ON THE GO // ROADTRIPPING WITH TWINS PLUS

The last time we traveled was October 2011, and that was a cross-country move - with eight-month-old twins -  from Nevada to Michigan. I loved seeing the country through the windshield of our minivan but this time we're doing it different.

This time we're taking a pleasure cruise to good 'ole Nashville, Tennessee! Yee haw!

We're leaving at the end of March and temperatures should be classy in the mid 70's. Nothing like the arctic tundra we'll be leaving behind.

We decided to go for the five days Bob will have off from work already due to "Spring cleaning," if you will.

With Operation "McNashty" - that's what I've named it, what do you think? - only about a month away we're getting the ball rolling on planning to make for a super smooth ride.

One Month to Departure and We've:

• Tuned up the car- oil change, new battery, replaced windshield wipers, etc.
• Estimated Fuel Costs - fuelcostcalculator.com
• Mapped multiple routes - quickest drive time, most fun tourist stops, etc.
• Rough-drafted packing lists for all family members
• Secured a place to stay - Bob's brother lives in Nashville, score!

We're stoked to be taking a family road trip. Like I said, we haven't been anywhere for fun in a long. time. Will update more as the trip gets closer.


What are your travel plans this year? Do you see a road trip in your near future?

ON THE GO // GREAT LAKES CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

Great Lakes Children's Museum

If your crew is into bright colors, hands-on activities, and hours of variety and fun, then this is the place for you! The Great lakes Children's Museum is located in Traverse City, Michigan, just two miles from booming downtown. During one particularly rainy day this September our family of five decided to venture there.