Sunday, March 18, 2012

Our First Outing As a Family of Five

A couple of weeks ago Gary and I managed to stuff ourselves, two giant Newfoundland dogs, a child in a large carseat, a stroller, diaper bag and drool rags into my little Toyota RAV4.  It was quite a tight fit, but it felt wonderful for all 5 of us to be going on a little adventure together.  We drove to the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge.
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Our first family portrait.  We hope to get a better one soon!

The Bridge was built in 1899 and was originally used as an railroad bridge.  It completes a 15 mile trail system known as the Arkansas River Trails.
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Natalie munching on her cereal snack
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Pretty Boy Louie
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We also walked around the wetlands trail which is nearby.
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Katie and Louie are so big and high maintenance that despite the fact they they are not quite human I definitely consider myself to be a mother of 3.  It's honestly not always easy. Before Natalie came along I never even noticed how much floor space Katie and Louie take up.  I would just step over them when necessary.  Now when I am in the kitchen Katie, Louie and Natalie are usually there too along with Natalie's doll stroller and other toys scattered about.  It is really chaotic, crowded and noisy at times.  Although I do sometimes get stressed and exhausted I wouldn't change a thing.   It's difficult but not as hard as I thought it would be.  My fear of not having enough energy to keep up never materialized.  Somehow I always manage to get the necessities covered.  
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Back in 2008 I posted on this blog about how we originally started out as a family of five.  It feels so right to be back at our starting number.

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3 comments:

Bebe Blogger said...

Great pictures w/ beautiful scenery. I, too, feel like our dog is our second child. I can completely relate.

Anonymous said...

I bet Katie & Louie love Natalie, the new addition to your family! Beyond the known Newfie love for children, there's also the fact that toddlers can be wonderful at sharing food [grin]

Cindy & Abbey

Needle little Balance said...

I really like your first family picture, the baby looks happy, you two look happy the dogs look happy, this picture is just great!