Weekend Trip

We just got back from our short trip to Sparks, Nevada. We went to visit the Long Family who were celebrating all manner of accomplishments. Grammy turned 70. Nephew Jeremy graduated college and is moving to LA. Neice Amber got her masters and is going to optometry school. And Neice Jazmin graduated high school and was headed to college. We arrived Friday late afternoon and checked into our 'hotel' which was not a hotel at all. It was a resort condo on this golf course across the street from Uncle David's (no, not that Uncle David) house. Then we went up to the house to see everyone. I thought the girls would be freaked out for a long time, but within minutes they were doing cartwheels and jumping off couches giggling and laughing. Everyone just watched the kids run around and around. We had tacos and finally went home about 8:30. (We had decided not to worry about bedtimes or naptimes on this trip.)

The kids slept pretty well (me with Elizabeth and Michael with Miranda). Eli and I went to the store for cereal and milk before everyone was awake and when we got home, Miranda and Parker were already boucing off the walls. Despite the fact that it was raining, we went to the pool and hot tub, where Parker had a ball and the girls (and Michael) were miserable. After the morning swim, and a nap, we went to Uncle David's for the Party. There were lots of Betsy's relatives there and the kids were a bit more reserved than the day before. After some folks left, the kids, at Grammy's suggesion, decided to take a dip in the hot tub (which wasn't that hot). Even though it was raining and even though it took a couple tries to get in, the kids LOVED it. Aunt Lori and Aunt Kathleen were in charge of them in the tub and they all stayed in there for 90 minutes. It was incredible. Michael and I watched from the window. I was really nervous about the whole thing as I have drowning worries and hot tub fears, but all was well. Afterward, we had some dinner and went back to the room.

Sleep wasn't as good that night, but since we went down at 8 and didn't get up until 6, we couldn't really complain. I took Parker swimming again since it was now sunny. We had a blast in the pool. We packed up, cleaned up and went to say our good byes at David's. Instead, we went back in the hot tub for a long while, had delicious pancakes thanks to Betsy, and played with Odie, the dog.

It was a nice weekend. The kids did great. No meltdowns. No tantrums. Nothing. Wonderful.