the GREAT escape...

Had to do it or I might have FREAKED OUT!  Ok so there's no denying that my "plate of life" is full, very full, like 5 servings full... but I can't complain because each little helping was put on there by me and everything on the plate is delicious and like I was taught when I was young if you put it on your plate you have to eat it!  But when we found out there was a leak in a kitchen pipe, when the back room where we practically live all day was draped off from the rest of the house with a big "DON'T GO IN THERE" warning because of water damage, found out that there was water up the walls, that kitchen cupboards were history and soon to be demoed, carpet was torn out, that we would have no use of sink, dishwasher or laundry machine for at least a week...I hung in there....but who forgot to mention the DRYING EQUIPMENT??  As the fabulous equipment was plugged in, the Packer home instantly became an airport hanger with four Boeing 747's running full blast!!  REALLY??  Has technology not advanced enough in this field to offer a quiet option... clearly not!  So I asked "um, how long will this equipment be running"... and the answer, well that's what led to the great escape... "mam, you'll need to leave this running for a few days, we'll call you." 

Ok... "Rand, when you get home from work be prepared for an adventure, we're outta here, there is no way I'm staying in this house!"  So the kids and I did some dishes in buckets in the driveway (I know ghetto) and prepared for the GREAT ESCAPE.  Rand got home and just before we left Mekena asked daddy to put her pants in the dryer (wet from the dish duty).  I had a full load of baby clothes, practically her entire collection, in the dryer and when Rand went to pull out Mekena's pants the warm smell of chocolate filled the laundry room... And then Rand's voice "MEKENAAAAAA, Who gave you permission to have a handful of chocolate chips in each of your pockets??"  I came in to see (and smell) chocolate all over the walls of the dryer and now all of Kai's clothes had brown polka dots... my only option was to laugh.  Oh and re-washing them, not an option.  Just more ammo to hit the road... and OFF we went.  The Packers loaded up the truck (minus a few of Kaia's clothes) and headed to Amelia Island.  We found a great little resort that was ready to pamper the Packers, an ocean front room that we could hear the waves crash and a breakfast buffet that was delicious!  Be gone worries of the world, hello relaxation!  We had a great time swimming and building a sea shell mountain, an amazing pillow fight, bellies full of everything healthy including blue and red superman ice cream, mud pie, rocky road fudge, 2:00am room service of garlic knots and pizza - so yummy!! A fabulous time together!  And it was quiet {well as quiet as it can be with four little munchkins!}  And I was able to build up some strength to head back to the airport hanger and my full plate of life.  BRING IT ON!!!