Back in March, we went down to Texas to visit my sister's family. Mike also shadowed in a couple of dental offices there. We had such a good time!
Our first night there, the adults went out to eat and left all 9 kids with Tristan, Joanne's oldest. We left the kids with a very optimistic sleepover arrangement, but when they were all still awake at 10 p.m. when we got home (Joanne was surprised; I was not), we did some rearranging.
The kids did lots and lots of coloring! Mariah, especially, was inspired by her cousins' artistic abilities and has been practicing non-stop since we got home. Just today, she showed me a princess drawing and said, "Mom, I can draw lips just like Rachel and Lizza!"
We did lots of eating:
And so much playing!
Henry took on the task of teaching Elaine his awesome puzzling skills. She was inspired, and has been on a huge puzzle kick since we got home.
The kids played games and games and games. My favorite was Spot It. I need it.
Pretty Pretty Princess.
Readers.
We took a bike excursion to the park and a fabulous greenway/forest right by Joanne's house. Everyone had a great time, minus Mariah's TWO bike crashes. The first to her face (Her helmet saved her from major damage, but she did get a pretty good scraped up fat lip); the second to her elbow. She was a good sport.
I loved watching these 2 together. Cindy is 5 months younger than Sal.
I looked over and saw Sal standing like this. Then I realized she was copying me. Kids don't miss a thing.
The little ladies did a lot of princessing. I love these princess angel pictures, especially the one with squishy Cindy in the middle.
I love Henry's face in these 2:
A very happy Tinkerbell.
The girls LOVE Joanne. I'm sure they wish their mom were half as fun!
Bathtime. Joanne bathed 7 kids, 1 after another.
We had a small hiccup trying to get home. We loaded the girls in the car, said our goodbyes, and the car wouldn't start. Dead battery. And we didn't have cables with us; and Joanne's were in Daniel's car at work. Luckily a helpful neighbor got us on our way.
On the way home, we turned Sally's carseat forward. Her reaction was awesome! Every time Mike accelerated or turned a corner, she would laugh and laugh. She thought it was the greatest. And we heard about every truck or bus we passed!
We have the greatest travelers! We rarely have any issues in the car. (I think it helps that no one can reach each other.)
