I feel very fortunate to have the Bell family nearby so that we can share the experience of parenting quadruplets and the babies can be raised with other quadruplets.  It normalizes the experience so much.  We’ve taken turns hosting play dates in our homes, and it’s always been great.  Now that we have toddlers, Amber suggested taking the quads for a play date away from home.  Naturally, any type of outing means a great deal of planning and W-O-R-K, but I thought it was brilliant.  I sequestered the assistance of my friend, Kristin, on a day when Amber’s nanny was available.  Thus, four of us set out to take eight babies to Legoland.

Since we were all Leogland rookies, no one knew quite what to expect.  After purchasing our tickets, the 12 of us were greeted by electronic doors leading us into a Lego factory where a “Professor” greeted us and explained how Legos are made.  While the babies probably had no idea what the Professor was saying, they seemed to enjoy watching Legos progress through the factory, except when the batch spilled into a bucket causing a commotion.

Following our tour, we were led to an area of low light surrounded by several long ramps cordoned off by ropes.  There, a zealous pair enthusiastically greeted us and directed us to park our strollers in the “stroller park” as if this was the protocol for entry.  I’m sure the four adults in our group stared at this pair gobsmacked trying to work out how we’d manage to park four twin strollers and lead eight babies (with various levels of mobility) up a series of ramps.  Somehow we learned the ramps lead to a ride so I inquired whether it was appropriate for babies to which they replied, “everyone is welcome”.  Still the four adults were hesitant to 1. park our strollers 2. heave all the baby gear 3. lead eight babies up ramps 4. take babies on a mysterious ride.  About twenty questions in we knew it would be startling for the little ones so we opted out.

Apparently each Legoland boasts a miniature of the city where it is located.  We were thoroughly impressed with the Lego version of Dallas-Fort Worth, which was complete with Cowboy Stadium, Southfork Ranch, and my favorite, Reunion Tower.  While looking at Legos is interesting, it doesn’t help harness toddler energy.

Within the play area, we stumbled upon a giant pit of rubber Legos.  In multiples fashion, we overtook this area by encircling the pit with our strollers and dumping eight babies inside.  Our gaggle of babies undoubtedly confused the other patrons.  Most people presumed we were a twin play group, which was probably far less novel than when they realized it was two sets of quads.  Amber’s nanny dared me to claim all eight as octuplets, but there’s no way I could have done that with a straight face.  It was a humorous thought.

I was extremely proud of all of the babies.  They explored their surroundings and remained calm during our stay with only a few exceptions.  After about an hour, the adults were totally drained so we gathered our troops and headed to the food court.  By that time, the babies were so exhausted, a few of them nodded off during lunch.  It was a successful adventure for all!

Since the babies seemed more interested in Legos than ever before, we had a little Legoland experience at home today.  I gated off our hallway, shut the doors and put only Legos Mega Blocks and their accessories out.  This kept the babies occupied nearly 30 minutes.

Where is your favorite place to take toddlers?

hugs!

Amber