Thursday, March 26, 2009

And it Rained and Rained...

After looking at the weather map for our hometown, I realize I should not be complaining but it rained steadily until almost 5pm today. This meant providing 11 hours of indoor entertainment to a 6 year old and four 4 year olds while navigating the nap/nursing schedule of a 5 month old. In other words, creativity at its finest!

We started the day with a 25 mile road trip to the Gulfarium for a dolphin and sea lion show. As we were driving it was clear the weather was far worse than we anticipated. The lightening (especially over the water) was intense, the sky was black, the visibility zero and as we were debating the safest next step the hail began. (All 8 of us in a ditch in case of a tornado? I was really not enjoying the thought of that!) We found a nearby Ramada with a big covered entrance and pulled our very large van in for safety. After a few minutes, the worst of the storm had passed. 

We went on to the Gulfarium, only to be warned by the attendant that although it was largely covered, it leaked and the chilly rain was blowing in sideways. So, we punted...allowing our children to spend 30 minutes in the gift shop instead. They each selected a small treat that still wound up costing less than admission. 

From there we went to a pottery painting studio...truly, we were bulls in a china shop. Somehow, we managed to avoid chipping, breaking or destroying anything. More importantly, we had made it to the lunch hour. There were several restaurants within walking distance, but it was still pouring. We decided to go for it and ran a couple of blocks through the rain to a nearby pizzeria. I only wish I had a video of me chasing 5 rambunctious, squealing children through the rain while Melinda ran behind us with Baby B in a stroller. What a trooper!

After lunch we returned to the house for popcorn and a movie. When it ended it was still only 2pm. So, Melinda decided to orchestrate a scavenger hunt. Although we wrote 14 clues, this only lasted about 10 minutes...they were fun minutes, but there was still a lot of afternoon. The last trick we had up our sleeves was neon bracelets. Then we gave in and sent them out to play in the rain. I am fairly certain it will be my children's favorite memory from the trip so far!
After hot showers and dry clothes we ventured out for a hairy dinner in a restaurant. There was a lot of pent up energy at our table! The final 30 minutes were spent allowing them to just run and dance on the lawn. We laughed until our sides hurt--and the children appeared sufficiently exhausted.

The Daddies are on their way (and hopefully bringing better weather), so Melinda and I are looking forward to a little Mommy time at the outlet mall tomorrow!

7 comments:

Mandy said...

Wow...what a day. I am tired just reading about it. Hopefully the daddies will bring lots of help and good weather too. Have fun.

Mandy

Traci said...

Oh it sounds like so much fun- even if it is the crazy fun!

Paulette said...

Oh wow, we did something similar when our kids were young with a friend and her kid's and ended up cooped in all weekend because of rain rain rain it was a disaster and I am a very creative person, from then on in we never went ANYWHERE that I did not listen to the weather first, I learned a big lesson. Sounds like you pulled it off though.

Tonya Ingram said...

I am taking note since tomorrow will be the same way here in Montgomery... rain rain rain. Bowling is a always a good idea.

Mitchi said...

You are BRAVE women....I did not realize there was a 5 month old in the mix!

Bethany said...

Wow, what a crazy fun day for all! That's awesome that the guys are joining you-- sounds like the trip is going well overall! :)

Tara said...

We are about 30 miles north of you and the weather was really bad up here this morning. I hope it gets better for you guys so you can enjoy your trip.

But I must say it looks like you guys are having a wonderful time. My kids are out of school and would have loved to have tagged along with you on your adventures today.