Russell’s first roll! He’s finally getting some tummy time and after an extended time floundering on his face he very dramatically hoisted himself into a sphinx, let go and spun! He surprised himself but loved all the praise! Very proud mom, brothers and Icu gave him 3 cheers! Hip-hip-hooray!

There were many good things and good people that came together over this past week. From soaring peaks and roaring trains to carving turns and turkey, Spring Break was a blast for the Henry clan. Feels like an annual pilgrimmage in the making. Let the good times roll!

Collage…cool!

1. Turns out each family member only needs 3 outfits. Laundry heaps so high by the end of day 3 that it must be done every third night. No matter the duration of a trip you will always have 1 full suitcase of untouched clothing and 1 of the nasties.
2. There is a hierarchy in luggage packing. 1) front seat carry-ons to include snacks, portable diaper bag, bag of tricks and chargers. 2) back seat carry-ons to include the dog, coats, large diaper bag, personal must-haves. 3) tailgate access luggage to include the family 24 hour stop-over bag and any foreseeable crises management tools. 4) Truck box to include dirty laundry luggage and EVERYTHING else.

“I’m exhausted.” This is the collective experience of the Henry’s at the moment. It was hectic at home before spring break began. Catherine was swamped in her contract work and this is not slowing down in the foreseeable. She is super mom! She can get Julian to preschool, Dominic to strongstart, herself to work, Russell fed at some point, Julian to swim lessons, Dominic to nap, back to work, Julian to skating, all in a single bound! Many things going on leading into the break and we all left Dawson Creek a bit run down; Dominic getting some molars, Julian with a wet cough and Russell with a sinus cold and goopey eyes. However, we still hit the road excited for the Stewcation ahead.

Uncle Stew has set us up with some awesome activities. He sent everyone up Hudson Bay Mountain for some spring skiing and looked after all three of the boys. They are loving their time with Uncle Stew; splitting wood, cooking smores, building campfires, walks in the woods, morning cartoons, games of chase and tag. Today was an afternoon train voyage from Smithers to New Hazelton. This beautiful journey through the mountains was enjoyed by the Henry clan and their partner in the Stewtinerary, Meghan. It was a geat experience for all, except for the two hour delay of the train’s departure. This took its toll and everyone was fighting and often succumbing to sleep along the way.

Mom and Dad are having a tough time staying healthy through the busy-ness and adventure. Dad has acquired Julian’s flu, Mom is feeling sick also and strained some neck muscles in a seeemingly innocuous movement after her day of skiing. This to say that the exhaustion is compounded by flu and injury. Oh, and Russell has pink eye.  (Poor guy suffered for four days)

So, day two began with calls to the public health phone and then a trip to emerg. Russell is already on the mend with the prescribed eye drops but I feel the challenge for the rest of the family to get healthy remains. Some sleep tonight for all will be of immense benefit.

Despite the above challenges, our visit to Smithers has been incredible so far and thanks to Uncle Stew and Daphne’s amazing hospitality we are well fed, well organized, well chaufferred, well supported. It is no small feat welcoming a family of five (three boys under 4) and seeing to it they have days that warrant big smiles. This is the case, we all have big smiles and we are enjoying these days and each moment with family.

We are on the go this week, making our first long haul as a family of five. A dry run for the voyages of the summer to come. For Russell, the road trip neophyte, we are travelling a scant 800 km’s to our destination. We spent a good deal of time preparing and packing bags last night so that things would come together in the morning and allow us to make a smooth departure. We checked lists, divided and conquered. We managed to pack all that we would need and probably a few extras with some storage room in the truck to spare. The one hiccup to this efficiency was the volume of carry-on sized bags. We had, a shoulder bag, a diaper bag, three backpacks, cooler bag, infant feeding bag and a book bag. Somehow we did not manage to consolidate these travel items very well and they had to be stacked and moved strategically to make room for Blizzard, our loyal hound,who was on his first long distance haul also. Despite the rookie crew, a few seasoned vets (Jules and Dom), travelled like champs and calmed the whole affair. Left to Catherine and I we would have been at loggerheads before breaking Dawson Creek city limits. Perhaps here is the takeaway from this dry run for a cross country odyssey: Commit to your travel adventure as the wheels start to roll, leave it all behind, and focus on the road ahead. You did it, you’re moving!

My oldest son just turned four. Now I can no longer say I have three boys under three and wait for the expected “oh that must be hectic.” “Yes, it’s busy.” It is also easy to get lost in the busy-ness of life at any given moment. However, it is all about holding some things absolutely sacred that make the busy-ness melt away, set the tone for the day or finish it positively. Here are my top three:

1. Morning hugs before leaving for the day, every day, no matter what. (this is now two per child, by request, which I have come toexpect and relish.)
2. Reading together before bed. Picking favourite stories, sharing books and winding down with the daily top three (or six). Also, no exceptions.
3. Play time. Drop what you’re doing, play a board game, drive toy cars, shoot a couple goals with the mini sticks, whatever the flavour of the day. Don’t worry about that email because you are missing out!

These are my top three because invariably they are always the best part of my day!