All 3 kids at Target

So, a couple days ago I took all 3 kids to Target. I only had 6 or so items on my list and had hoped it would be a quick trip - relatively speaking. I had only taken all 3 kids out one other time so it was still a little bit nerve racking. Ever since Henry was born Charlotte "cannot walk because she is too tired" the minute we get to her school, mall, store, etc. She earned a new toy with a job chart for when she didn't ask to get in the stroller or grocery cart(buggy as it is called out here). Anyway, Charlotte was the first to have a break down. It started out small but soon turned to a blood curdling scream with everyone staring and whispering. She demanded to get into the back of the cart with Simon while I was determined to not let her get into the cart. I had Henry in the Bjorn and Simon was in the back of the cart. I finally gave in and let her sit in the front of the cart. Charlotte's hair was way too tempting to Simon in the back so soon he was pulling her hair and poking her. Then Simon decided he wanted to make the load lighter in the cart so he started to throw out some items. I threatened him saying he would have to get out if he did it again. I was praying he wouldn't because it was so hard to lean over with the baby and more importantly, I didn't want Simon loose in the store. Of course he did it again so I pulled him out of the cart. Side note: a woman passes by as Simon throws item out of the cart points and says "your son just threw that out of the cart" and then walked off, no offer of help. For the next five minutes Simon was crawling around on the ground and barking like a dog. He then started to scream and throw a fit that he wanted to get back into the cart. He was walking slowing and occasionally throwing himself onto the ground. Finally, we get to the checkout counter. Simon starts pulling items from the wall and screaming at me. I tell Charlotte she has to get out of the cart so I can get Simon into the cart. Simon is throwing the biggest fit I have ever seen, and that says a lot. He hits me in the face for the first time and is screaming at me saying he wants to get down. I am trying to load the groceries and hold Simon in the cart and trying to prevent Henry from waking up all at the same time. The man behind me says "Do you ever wonder why you decided to have kids?" and I said "Right now I am wondering that" Of course he wasn't being mean, he was being sympathetic. He had 2 children with him who were being well behaved. I was crying the whole way home. Dave came home while I was unloading the car and he gave the kids a talking to. The sum it up the experience was quite horrific.

Total trip time was 1 hour 15 minutes
Total trip time without kids would have been 10 minutes
Note to self - unless needed never take all 3 kids to the store ever again

Henry's baby blessing

We had Grandma and Grandpa Stoker come out to visit last week so we blessed Henry this past Sunday while they were here. The kids had so much fun and they kept asking when they were going to come and visit again.

Grandma and Grandpa Stoker


Henry at 3 weeks old


Simon at 3 weeks old


Simon was determined not to smile.




This was the best shot of the 3 kids together. You will
see that most photos of Simon he will be wearing his
safety glasses or holding his batteries.


Simon got grandpa to go down the slide with him.





Visiting daddy at work. All 3 wearing safety glasses.




Charlotte and Henry before bathtime.