Emilia + Olivia: The Great Benson Adventure!

We had a fantastic family filled time with Grandma Beth, on her own turf, in Benson over this past weekend. The fun was kicked off with lunch in the "social area" of Grandma's apartment where we filled the tables with conversation and kids happily eating and dropping crumbs all over the floor.

After lunch, we checked into the hotel, put a few of the kids down for naps and relaxed around the pool while Jacob and Juliana tested out the water. It was great to not have anywhere to be but right there, catching up on all that was going on in everyone's life. Diane asked me and Karen all kinds of "mommy" questions as she prepares to be come a Grandma! Her enthusiasm is just great...you can already see how crazy she'll be about the little one Chris and Carole have on the way and I can't imagine it any other way. If you're a Grandma, you have to be CrAzY!

Once the 3 toddlers, Ben, Jeremiah and Emilia, were up from their naps, we all got our suits on and filled up the pool! We sang a few songs together, encouraged jumps from the side of the pool and just enjoyed the delightment that everyone had in watching them giggle as they were thrown up into the air! Each of the kids took a ride in the floatie and Emilia even enjoyed a little time in the hot tub :)

Papa tickling Emilia's toes :)

A quick snack before dinner.

After swimming, we prepared for our picnic in the hallway. Towels were laid out and the kids plates were filled with dinner. They gobbled up their food and got back to the business of running up and down the hallway. We all hoped no body was in the rooms around us trying to sleep. For a little bit, I convinced the kids to be "quiet little mice" and run on their tip toes and not make a peep. That lasted, like I said, only for a little bit. Then they were back to trying to be the loudest stompers, squealers and growlers :)

Cats!

Bubbles!

It was hard to slow them down, but we were able to line them up and get this cute shot in height order!

And then once the PJ's were on - we just HAD to get one more pic of the cozy little cuties!

Before bed, Ben and Emilia gave hugs to eachother and then to everyone in the room. Talk about melt your heart... It still makes my heart warm to think of it right now!

After the kids were asleep - the adults enjoyed a "best out of 5" round of Catch Phrase. Pam decided to divide out the teams as "mature" and "kids". We thought we would sweep the "matures" but their knowledge of things like where moss grows on trees and old tv shows got us in the end! After our game, we enjoyed a great conversation on grammer and hit the sack!

Morning was there before long and with it was more swimming and running and fun. One last meal together in Grandma's GREAT NEW APARTMENT, a quick attempt at Ring Around the Rosie and the weekend was over. We can't wait until the next time! Get planning, Nana! :)