So we haven’t really gone on “vacation” this summer, just a hotel stay here and there when there is an amazing deal or a soccer tournament.
We thought it would be fun to have one last little getaway before school started and take the kids overnight to a hotel w a pool and then back to school shopping.
Now, there’s a lot of work involved in us leaving town even for a night (especially when we are trying to make it a surprise).  The babies need coverage, the dog needs coverage and just getting 6 people packed and out the door takes work.

I guess I should have known how it would go from the start…we thought we were leaving after Trey did a blacksmithing class (auction item invite from a friend) but then he ended up getting invited to film a little cooking show segment after,  so we didn’t get to leave until the 8:10 boat.  The kids were all in the car, made a quick stop for some food for the ferry and catch the boat, all the while the kids complaining about one thing after another.  We got to the hotel just as the pool was closing and decided sleep was the best option.  Figured out who was sleeping where, settled in and kind of slept.  Carlos was completely on me the entire night, the room was hotter than Hades and I think Levi was a kicking machine, so poor Dee and Erin were awake a lot also.  Dee also woke up covered in flea bites.  YUCK!  Needless to say, we woke up super chipper and ready to SHOP!  This would also be a good time to note that we forgot to pack ADHD meds for one…doesn’t help w coping skills!
The goal was to pack up, eat and get to the Outlet Collection Seattle Mall (formerly known as the Super Mall) when it opened at 10am.  That meant we didn’t get a chance to swim in the pool, boo we are such mean parents, I know.  Anyhow, goal accomplished but we got there and there were NO cars in the lot.  Had Carlos run and check the times and they didn’t open until 11am on Sundays.  Cue the whining kids “we could have gone to the pool!”  “are you serious?” “this is the worst day ever”   Luckily the Evil Empire was close and open so we started our adventure there.
I am thankful that our boys are pretty easy when it comes to clothes – one is always sport shorts and a white t-shirt, one wants mostly black and comfortable and the other is a clothes hoarder but doesn’t really care.  Erin is not like that, she wants matching outfits that are girly.  Anyhow, the Evil Empire got a LOT done for the boys – essentials like t-shirts and socks and underwear plus the few remaining school supplies and lunch boxes for all.  It was 11am by the time we left there, got coffee (thank God) and hit the Super Mall.
Child without meds refuses to get out of the car, stating he doesn’t need anything.  Then proceeds to inform us that he will just wait at the entrance until we are done.  We start to walk off (knowing he will follow) and he yells “are you kidding me?  What kind of parents are you just leaving your kid behind?”  Yup…that kind of day.
Started at the shoe department of Burlington Coat Factory.  Just walking in there, oh wow, it’s like Costco of clothes.  Finally found the shoes and asked the boys to see what they liked – boy w drama talks back to me and I see a young mom holding toddler size shoes roll her eyes.  I smile and say “they all grow up” and she says, “My kid wouldn’t have teeth if they talked to me like that”  So I just smile again and walk away.  You just have to pick your battles – I knew it was going to be a long day so that wasn’t one I was planning to start.
Levi found a sweatshirt he loved that wasn’t black – so we stood in a long line (tons of shoppers, one register open) and then hit the mall.  Trey found some horribly green reflective Barkley’s at the Nike store that he loved, so those went on hold.  We struck out at Vans and Converse (only got their feet measured there) and had success at Adidas!  Stopped for a bite to eat and finished up strong, picking up our hold items and finding a cute dress for Erin at Tommy Hilfiger.
Got back to the car, took this classic family photo and headed home.  One last stop at Target for a few essentials and dinner and then back to home sweet home.
I wouldn’t wish this trip on anyone – but am always thankful for core family time, no matter how stressful it is.