7 days and 7 nights

7 days and 7 nights. That's how long our family went without TV, internet and music. It was quiet and peaceful & just what we needed before Easter. We filled our days with science projects, field trips and play dates with friends. We didn't miss any of our "favorite" TV shows. We talked a lot. Meal times were never rushed because we didn't have anything else to do. We read twice as many books as usual. Bedtime routines were more thorough and less frustrating. All in all, it was a fantastic week. The hardest part (for me) was running without music on my ipod. But after a couple of days, I realized that my thoughts were clearer... and the sunrise seemed to make it's own music.

After seven days of no media, I feel really hesitant to put any "garbage" back into our lives. Little by little, I know we will get there, but hopefully this week we can ration what we watch or listen to. I have spent the last 2 hours reading my email account, which is a great deal longer than usual. But these service giveaway entries were worth EVERY minute. Wow. I realize that most of you would rather not put your stories out for the world to read and that's okay. I hope you'll give me permission to share some of them on my blog next week.. they are just THAT good. Keep them coming.

As far as getting caught up on my blog and the happenings of last week, I am not going to worry about it. I kept a clipboard in my kitchen and wrote down all the funny things the kids (ie. Zack) said this week. I filled up two pages of goodies. Hopefully I will get around to documenting those later. Until then, let me post one picture and call it good.


We had a great Easter weekend with Aaron's handsome brother, his bodacious wife and their darling little boy. One windy afternoon we took a hike up a mountain. Kate and I talked our manly-men into wearing the baby slings. There is power in numbers and when BOTH men look girly, they didn't feel awkward... rather, they felt less awkward. Anyway, Simon slept the entire hike, but little Sebastian was bouncy and so HAPPY to be in a baby carrier. He was squealing and kicking and his feet happened to be in the perfect place. Brett seriously needed a cup to protect himself and he kept saying over and over, "A man isn't supposed to wear this thing." (As if the yellow flowers didn't say that already.) Three cheers for men who are in touch with their feminine side and those who are willing to sacrifice everything so their women can sit back and laugh at them.