With the babies waking from afternoon naps between 2:00 and 3:00 pm, we now have quite a bit of wake time before bed. This time also coincides with “witching hour” (in other words, a time when the babies are particularly fussy and sometimes downright intolerable). We have learned in recent days that “witching hour” is reserved solely for home, however. Because the babies are enamored with novelty, they are chipper on field trips. Since babies that cannot yet walk, we are limited as to what they can manage. We have come up with a few creative outings for the wee ones.
Friday, we ventured to Cabela’s, which is only minutes from our home. I’m not much of an outdoorsy gal, but Cabela’s is FREE, indoors, and best of all air-conditioned. We spent well over an hour showing the babies the taxidermy zoo and aquarium. We then enjoyed noshing on some sweet potato fries. The babies especially loved this snack and three of them signed “more” repeatedly. While Sydney didn’t sign, she vocalized that she enjoyed her snack too. Sydney isn’t terribly interested in signing, but she babbles so much, I expect she may just say, “MORE” one day.
This is how we toted four babies around Cabela’s!
Terri chauffered Rylin in a shopping cart.
Sydney was far more fascinated by the lighting than anything else.
We stopped by the kid’s fishing pole koisk for Grandpa. He’s been dreaming of taking the babies fishing since they were mere dots on a sonogram. Notice, the girls have a Tinkerbell and Barbie pole while the boys have Cars and Spiderman. There is something for everyone!
The babies sat perfectly in these high chairs. I forgot our sticky place mats at home so improvised by washing the table with Germ X.
The sweet potato fries were surprisingly tender and tasty.
On Sunday, the babies enjoyed another field trip. This time, to Grandaddy’s house for a dip in the pool. He has an in ground pool so it was a true swim this time. Mason wasn’t keen on the crisp water, but was content to float in an inflatable boat or snuggle in my arms. The other babies happily splashed and kicked in their respectable rafts. After swimming, we changed them into dry diapers and pajamas in an assembly line then served up a delicious meal. Following dinner, the babies enjoyed some poolside entertainment as George’s cousin, Brandi, practiced diving. The babies gawked in amazement for well over 20 minutes allowing us time to clean up and load the van. They may have well enjoyed the show over Baby Einstein!
The girls are suited up for the pool!
Carol helped keep babies from crawling into the water.
And this is what it looks like to have four babies in a pool together.
Family picture in the pool.
It was much easier snapping a picture when we could hold the squirmy babies.
Mmm, poolside dinner!
The Pack ‘n’ Play worked well as a baby holding tank that prevented anyone from heading towards the water unsupervised. Mason never ceases to amaze me. He used poor little Sydney to boost him up.
Rylin rocked some wild post swim hair.
I’m hoping to pack in many more field trips this summer, especially when I have the help of our weekday babysitters. I’m thinking of visiting the aquarium, zoo, restaurants, and mall. Do you have any baby friendly field trip ideas? I’d love some suggestions, particularly inexpensive or free options.
hugs!
Amber
Four to Adore 
Just to let you know Ive nominated you for the liebster award 🙂 The questions are all here http://lilyandthebee.wordpress.com/2013/06/24/an-award-for-moi/
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Fun! So cute too! Count me in! Just let me know! 😉
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Absolutely!
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1. Free: Go to any pet store to watch birs, fish and varmits. On Saturdays, many have rescue animals to see.
2. Free: Fort Worth Cattle Drive 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily in the Stockyards.
3. Since Sydney enjoys lights. The Planetarium at UT Arlington Chemistry Physics Building · 700 Planetarium Place · Box 19059 · Arlington, TX 76019-0059 Phone: 817-272-1183 · Fax: 817-272-1184 · Pre-recorded Show Line: 817-272-0123 · Email: planetarium@uta.edu. This schedule is valid for May 28th – August 25th, 2013. Adults $6. Babies free. Intended Audience: Ages 2-8 Running Time: 30 Minutes
One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure Show Times: Thursday 02:00 pm, Saturday 01:00 pm
Begins on Sesame Street when Elmo’s friend, Hu Hu Zhu, visits from China. Together, Big Bird, Elmo and Hu Hu Zhu locate the Big Dipper, the North Star and the Moon in the night sky. Use your imagination to explore the moon. Return to earth and discover that even though we live far away, we all live under the same sky.
Also on at the Noble Planetarium at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History daily at 10:45 and 12:15.
4. Rainforest Cafe at Grapevine Mills Mall to see the animated creatures. You can see lots from outside the restaurant and in the gift shop. Free unless you eat. There is a Books a Million across from it to go and look at kids books and toys in the Kids a Million section for free unless you purchase.
Hope you have a great summer and hope to see you soon!
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Wow, great list!!! I could have asked you to write a guest post about baby activities.
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Wow at having all four in the pool at once! So much fun. I always enjoy a walk with the kids during the witching hour… that is, if I have time between making dinner and bath time. It never ceases to amaze me how calming it is for everyone (mom included)!
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We used to take a LONG walk every evening. That was until the Texas heat took hold of the evenings
It was a nice workout for me, and calming to them. We’ll have to wait until the fall I guess.
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Move to CA and you can come hang out at my house during witching hour!
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Haha, would love that!
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Now that they have fishing poles it’s time for a boat.I still have to work on Nisey for that one. Dad
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[…] to our home were required to satisfy a laundry list of requirements. After the babies turned one, we began slowly venturing out into the world. Leaving home with four babies in tow is a monumental task, therefore we preferred […]
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