Saturday, June 25, 2011

Cousins

This weekend we drove 6 hours to meet my cousin and her family. Our kids had such a great time together when my cousin made the long drive to our house in March for Lily's baptism, that we decided to get them together again. Plus, I love any excuse to see my "great cuz". (as we call each other)

The hotel had an indoor pool that was a huge hit with the kids. Not very big, but we were the only ones using it, so it was a lot of fun. It's the first time this summer I've seen Tyler let go of the side of the pool. He was very proud of himself.

After a couple of hours of swimming, and pizza in the lobby, we were all exhausted (well....at least the grownups were!), and headed for bed.
The girls. Me with Lily, and my cousin Nancy with her daughter Caitlin.
The next morning we headed for the local Children's Museum. There was a lot to see, and the kids kept very busy.



Tyler the jockey

The kids (yes I include Ruben in that description!), were posing against a white wall in a small booth. A bright flash temporarily left their shadows on the wall. They had fun doing a lot of goofy poses.

Alex petting a giant cockroach. They even convinced me to touch it!........yuck!

Nancy re-enacting a scene from the past.

Logan and Michael

I don't know how Alex fit himself in this thing!

A moon walk.



The hula hoop contest. Nancy was pretty impressive for an old.....I mean experienced Mom! :)

Lily loved the hula hoop, and talked about it for days.

Crazy mirrors.

I loved this one as it's the only time I'll ever feel like a super model!

Logan and Caitlin in the giant bubble.

Tyler trying his hand at the bubble.

The cousins

After the museum, we had lunch at Sonics. The kids had never eaten there before and loved the slushies and eating outside. They were playing around, when we had our first, and thankfully, only accident of the weekend. A bag of ice later though, and Logan was back in the action
Saturday evening, we ate at a Mexican restaurant that was walking distance from the hotel. They had a nice outside eating area that the kids enjoyed. It was a lovely evening. Our niece, Kristin, who had just finished grad school in the area, was able to join us. We were able to sit around, talking and relaxing while the kids kept busy with the local creatures.






The kids spent most of their time feeding the birds and the ants.

Aren't they cute?! (especially that big one, second from the left!)

Once it got dark, we spent our time outside chasing lightening bugs and looking at the starts. We couldn't have had a better weekend.

Sunday morning before we all headed home.

We're hoping to make this an annual trip. We want the kids to grow up knowing each other, and I want to be able to spend time with my great cuz!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Happy Father's Day!

Ruben is a wonderful Father! The kids are so excited when he comes home in the evenings, and on the weekends, it's all about daddy. It's like I don't even exist! Of course I don't mind because I love to see the kids clambering all over their daddy. One of the things I love about Ruben is how he's always concerned about making sure he spends good, quality time with the kids. Not only is he a wonderful father, but he's a wonderful husband and my best friend!
We love you daddy!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

A Visit From Friends

We are so excited that one of the families that used to live in our neighborhood came back for a visit today! They moved to Arizona 1-1/2 years ago and we've really missed them.
A few years ago, when the kids were younger, there was a group of us that did afternoon play dates almost every day. They were usually in our back yard since we had the afternoon shade. A year and a half ago, two of the families moved away, and then with the kids getting a little older and having more activities, well, we just don't have the playgroups like we used to.
Today we had a chance to have all the kids together again to play. Melissa's two boys are the same age as Alex and Michael, and the kids all just jumped right back in where they left off.

Megan, Michael, Alex, Even, Eric, and Mason

Water fun!Haven't had the old water table out for a while, but it's still a big hit!

Who needs a sandbox when there's a dirt pile nearby!Me with Melissa, who is expecting her third.....I'm so happy for her!It was a wonderful visit........just wish we could see them more often!