Nieces and Nephews

My sister and her kids came into town this weekend and it was two days of full family.  Starting at my mom's house all 20 or so of use had a bbq.  This involved lots of eating, drinking and laughing while the kids ran around with squirt guns, frisbees and lacrosse sticks.

The kids range in age from the youngest Helana at 3 to the oldest my baby at 14.  They played together marvelously.

Then my brother offered to take all the kids for a sleepover at his place.  Trampoline, swimming, late movies and more laughter.  Sunday was my turn. Bring the group to Elmwood to walk, shop and once again eat.  The kids played in the hot tub and ran through all three floors of the house.  It was awesome to see all the cousins enjoying each other so much.

Not forgetting the adults, we spent the time discussing everything from teacher salaries, past indiscretions, kid issues to our futures.  My family may make me crazy on a fairly regular basis but I realize how fortunate I am to have them as a support network and balancing foundation.

Check out these beauties!

Beach Day Leftovers

Decided I wanted to spend the day at the beach with my nieces and nephews.  Coordinated a date with my sister and sister-in-law, organized a list of who brings what and prayed for a sunny day.  That morning it all seemed to come together.  The weather was beautiful.    I packed everyone's specific favorite sandwich, a case of water and a case of GatorAide.  Made sure we had clean bathing suits and towels, plenty of sun screen and our ipods.  Off we go!

The kids had a wonderful time, playing in the sand and specifically just being with each other.  Plus I had an opportunity to talk to my sisters in peace while my son entertained the other kids.  Pure bliss with a tan.

The beach day was a great idea except for the next day.  I brought back half the sand that is now adorning my patio and driveway.  I had a cooler full of uneaten soggy sandwiches and grass (where did we pick up grass?).  I got off easy though.   My sister called to say her girls have rashes all over their stomaches, chests and arms.  The doctor's first question "Were the kids at the beach or in a hot tub?"  Not a fun thing to bring back from the beach.  A little cortizone cream and time, they will be fine.

At least we have photos!