Visit with Dad and Betty

Last Saturday morning we went to my brother's house to visit with them and my Dad and Betty. Every time we drive to Plano where my brother lives in the morning we end up losing our Saturday nap. They seem to really be affected by the drive and continuous playing! This time I was determined to fix this problem. I decided I would get up early and be ready to go as soon as the kids woke up. I was even going to feed them breakfast in the car. I wanted to be there as early as we could so we would have as much play time as possible and still leave in time for our 12:30 nap.

I did in fact get up very early but not by choice. Paige was either over tired, over stimulated or just being a pill at dinner with our neighbors the night before. She did not eat a thing. Since she was so hungry she woke up at 5:55am! Yep that is not a typo, it's just plain early for a Saturday. She cried out and I could tell she was up. I walked in her room, changed her diaper in the dark and I whispered lets go get in Mommy and Daddy's bed. She whispered, "Okay Momma". She followed me through the dark house and I put her in between us. She laid there quietly for about 25 minutes before she whispered, "Momma I hungry". I got up and got her a cup of milk and got back in bed. I had intended on doing that the first time but I guess I forgot. We were out of bed before 7:00am.

Paige watched TV and ate breakfast in the recliner. First a zip lock full of cereal then a banana and a waffle before Ethan even got up. I ran around packing their bag and getting everything ready to go. Ethan woke up by 7:15 and we were out the door by 8:00am! I had hoped for earlier but it was still our best leave time EVER! So I could not complain.

We arrived at John Mark and Wendy's house around 9am just after Dad and Betty arrived. The kids were a little shy at first but it did not take them long to warm up. My youngest niece, Lily is just too adorable. She is growing up so fast. I can't believe she is already 6 months old almost! We had a great time visiting...

All the adults in line for coffee. Ha!


Aunt Wendy's old keyboard was a huge hit.


Everyone was in on the musical talent.

Cooking and bouncing...

We decided to let the kids go outside and play a while. It had rained the night before and was still wet but no one seemed to mind. The kids sure did not mind!

Ethan had to try all three chairs. Paige flying high!

At least Ethan did not care about swinging so they only had to share between three kids.

After we cleaned everyone off, we came inside and started getting lunch ready. Wendy had bought some yummy sandwich and salad stuff and I had brought a big fruit tray. I always find it so funny that the kids sit at the table and we all stand around to eat. Cracks me up every time. :)

Lunch time. Dad took this great picture of Paige.


Abby was literally on her Uncle D a lot this time... Paige did not mind sharing her Daddy.


Dallas is every kid's favorite grown up.



Grandma BB had to read one book after the other.


Silly kids and Grandma.


Abby was NOT happy that she had to be in this picture. We have got to remember to do group pictures when we arrive not when we are about to leave. At least one of the five kids is guaranteed to melt down but look at that little Lily smiling. :)

We headed home around 1:00pm and really should have left 30 minutes earlier but we were having fun. We managed to keep them awake the entire way home. As most of you know, if an over tired toddler falls asleep in a moving vehicle prior to nap time even for a few minutes they will NOT go back to sleep!!! You will lose your nap 'window' and have one or two very cranky toddlers for the rest of the day or possibly even weekend. We ended up with Paige sleeping about an hour and a half and Ethan only about 35 minutes. Ugh! We were thrilled that they were going to Nana and Grand Daddy's house!

They had called a few days before and wanted to keep the kids for the weekend. I was thrilled to get to sleep in for my birthday and agreed happily. They have apparently been collecting things over the past month since the kids last stayed the weekend. We bought toddler beds for their house and they filled their room with bedding, toys, books, cards you name it. I only had to take about three bags! It was so wonderful not having to literally move.

We dropped the kids off and stayed for dinner. Then we headed out to have some adult time. It was a busy but very fun Saturday.