Mama had to go to Las Cruces, NM for work, so we all traveled the 4.5 hour trip together Sunday evening. It took us a bit longer with three kids, but we had a good trip. On the way out of town, we splurged and purchased an early Christmas present. We bought a portable DVD player for the car. The kids were able to watch a movie during part of the ride, which helped keep them entertained.

On Monday, Mama worked at the Las Cruces office while the kids enjoyed a great park not far from the office. This park has an amazing maze and the kids had a wonderful time climbing and sliding.

Ben pretended this building was the doctor's office and a McDonald's... all in one. Whenever he sees a reception area (like in a doctor's office) he asks for french fries (because it's like a counter at McDonald's). So he pretended it was all in one. He gave out pretend french fries and shots. I love his imagination.

Here they are all three swinging... I don't think Ben was appreciating the pile up.

After playing at the maze playground, they went across the street to another park playground. Needless to say, they had an awesome park day!

We then returned home Monday afternoon. On the ride home, we stopped at a McDonald's with a play area outside. It was a large play place. Well, Abby got lost in the tubes. We didn't know until Libby came down and very clearly said, "Mama, Abby is stuck!" We then sent Ben and Libby up into the tubes to get Abby out. We could here Ben and Libby trying to pull her up out of the tube so she could go down the slide, but she refused. Ben would climb up and walk over to the slide, but when he realized she wasn't following, he'd go back and try again. He did this over and over. It was very sweet watching him try to figure out how to help Abby. Finally, Ben and Libby decided to try pushing her down. They were able to get her to go down with a little help from Mama (I hollered for her at the entrance, so she could follow my voice). Libby and Ben were successful in their rescue mission! What a great big brother and big sister.

Here they all are in the car...

Once we got home, I gave Libby and Abby a bath while Ben showered with Papa. After the bath, Abby and Libby began playing "tea party". I think this is the first time they have sat down and played like this. It was so sweet seeing them interact like two little sisters.