Pilgrimage to Silverwood 2007 Day 1 (The Drive)

After much debate about whether or not Andrea and kids would actually be able to go this time around, we all set about to packing what would turn out to be considerable loads. Cooper got the short end of the stick and didn't get to pack his beloved swing, but we hoped two strollers, a pack n' play and two bags would suffice. I actually started packing on Monday, hoping to avoid the last minute crush and panic, and think for the most part was able to accomplish with John's help. Lil helped with laundry and that made for easier packing.

We have to tell ourselves that the adventure is in the journey, not necessarily in being there on this first day. So, it was fun to stop at the Issaquah McDonalds to feed Cooper and let Tommy run around in the play area, feed Cooper and let Tommy run around at the Starbucks in Ellensburg (where we also met up with the rest of the family), and feed Cooper and let the kids run around at a rest stop somewhere between Ellensburg and Spokane (the boys played cars beside the picnic table, the adults munched on cherries and Grace played with Cooper). Despite my initial anger at assigned rooms that didn't meet my expectations, we all agreed the rooms allowed our kids to play with their toys outside in the fresh (and warm) air, which actually worked out better than rooms we might have had otherwise. Once Cooper was fed and changed (is there a theme here?) we all eagerly hit Triple Play for some action in the wave pool, slides and kiddie section.


The kids are at a perfect age right now. Grace is big enough to toddle around in the kiddie sections, and Jake and Tommy can more than hold their own on the kiddie slides. Tommy was a monster in the wave pool, and even Jake eventually ventured out into the waves with the help of us moms. John was able to have fun with Drew on the bigger slides and it was neat to see Drew old enough now to take part. Mom and Dad watched Grace when she tired and kept Cooper occupied for us, which was truly a blessing for John and I. It allowed us the freedom to hang out with the kids and enjoy our time in the water.

By the time we were ready to head in for supper, I could already tell Tommy was dragging. After dinner it was time for more water fun and then early to bed. Because of the room situation and lack of second bedroom for Mom and Dad, it worked out that Drew slept over in our room. Of course, it was impossible for Tommy to handle himself with Drew in bed with him, so after watching Thomas cuddle and smooch all over Drew, keeping him awake, I pulled Tommy out of bed to get him to sleep with me, then moved him once he conked out for the night. It was a challenge to keep the boys and John asleep when Cooper woke up during the night, but at the first peep from Coop I shoved the bottle in and kept him quiet. Between John snoring, Cooper's night noises and the boys creaking in their bed, it was a long night. I hear it wasn't nearly as long as the night for the others, though. Apparently Jake wanted some midnight snackin' and kept Mom awake for a good chunk of the time. No one ever said traveling with young ones is easy, that's for sure.