Decisions, decisions

So, what would you do? Next Wednesday is our court date to readopt K. When we did TM's readoption, all of us trooped downtown to be a part of it. This time I can't quite decide if I'm up for that. Here are the pros and cons:

Pros to taking everyone:
  • We have a picture of all of us at TM's readoption and it would be nice to have that for K.
  • It is a family event after all.
  • The younger ones would love a chance to ride the 'El'.
  • Even if J. and I just take K. and the babies, we would still need to ride the 'El' anyway since I can't imagine parking our van downtown.
  • There would be more hands to hold babies while we wait around the court house.

Cons to taking everyone:

  • We have to be downtown by 8 am, which means we would need to be walking out the door with everyone between 6:30 and 6:45 AM.
  • We would have to pay a lot more in train fare.
  • Keeping track of 7 children (the babies will be in the sling, so don't need to be kept track of) on the train at rush hour doesn't sound like a lot of fun...though I've done it before.
  • Did I mention what time we would need to leave? And that everyone would have to be dressed and breakfasted before then?
  • Not everyone is a morning person and some tend to be grumpy and non-cooperative in the early hours. (And I have to go either way, so I'm not factoring into this.)

I go back and forth and my decision changes hourly...often depending on the group's behavior at the moment. I just can't decide!

Comments

Created For His Glory said…
I think you should all go :) Have them sleep in their clothes! Prepack their breakfasts... you can do it! LOL!!!
7/24/2009 12:52 PM
Joline said…
I vote for all! I know, it sounds trying . . . but I can bet that if you don't take everyone, you will wonder if you should have when all is done.

Endure it. You can do it.
7/24/2009 1:20 PM
Anonymous said…
I think you should all go. It's such a special day.
7/24/2009 1:25 PM
LawMommy said…
The idea of corralling 9 children in the courtroom makes my head hurt a little bit, but not as much as the idea of waking up 9 children at such a really, really early hour and keeping them from flinging themselves off the EL platform. Also, the last time I rode the EL (and I am a big proponant of public transporation, I don't mean this to imply that I don't) - Gabriel and I were sandwiched between a couple who were evidently trying to procreate and two avid Cubs fans who were really, really angry about something Baseball related and dropping the f-bomb every 30 seconds. (Of course, that was around 9:00 on a Saturday night, so probably you wouldn't face that during rush hour...but I would still probably be inclined to allow the non-essential parties to sleep in.
7/24/2009 2:11 PM
thecurryseven said…
OK, LawMommy, the next time time you're in Chicago you really need to call me. I'm assuming since it was just you and Gabe, that this was pre-Lana...so I'll give you a pass this time. :-)

e
7/24/2009 2:20 PM
Anonymous said…
We brought everyone (there's only 6 of us total) to Zeeb's court date, because I think it's a big deal too. But if I had to get everyone up and out at 6:45am and then ride a train into the city? Forget it. I'd just do a little family party with a cake later in the day. The reality is we mostly just sat in the court hallway (with a guy in handcuffs one bench away) and then had a very quick "ceremony" a few pictures, and that was it. Cool, but not worth early morning hassle.
7/24/2009 3:13 PM
Anonymous said…
Hi Elizabeth,
I know what it is like to park a beast downtown. There is open air parking in the vicinity of Monroe/Madison and the expressway. That way you all only have to troop about 5 blocks due east to the court house. I have lots of experience with this as, you can imagine. Alternatively, the Metra drops you in the same general area and is a lot less fear inducing with numerous small bodies to account for.
Good luck! Alison
7/24/2009 5:56 PM
Ann said…
Yes, go, go! I want to see pictures on your blog for entertainment whether it be everyone crying or having a great time. You will never regret getting up early or paying the extra money so throw those out. You may regret it if you think things will be so chaotic you will not be able to enjoy it at all tho--to me, that would be the only reason not to take everyone.
I agree with His Hands--have as many as possible sleep in their clothes and have breakfast packed up the night before!
Maybe you can even get a TV show out of this!! JK!!
7/27/2009 7:01 PM
Stevens Family said…
Ann, you are a crack up!!

E, I'm so glad you decided to all go. I too can't wait to see pics of the big day!!
7/27/2009 9:05 PM
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