Week with the Cousins

Last week was such a fun time for the kids. Their cousins came and stayed with Granny and Paw-Paw for the entire week, and since Granny and Paw-Paw live only a mile or so away, they were able to spend lots and lots of time together. My mom was even thoughtful enough to keep my kids for THREE of the nights they were here. And then we had my niece and nephew spend two of the nights with us. Oh, how they love sleepovers!!!

We managed to keep the kids fairly entertained all week. We went to many fast food restaurants where they could eat and play (always a favorite activity, though now we're a little burned out on french fries). We went to one of those bouncy places that ended up not being crowded at all and the kids got to run from bouncer to bouncer and had such a great time. There were several evenings when we took them swimming at my sister's (another favorite activity). One evening we even had a picnic down by the lake and watched the sunset. It was really nice, if you don't count the moment when Nathan and Amy got into ants and all the kids went running back to the car.

We also took them to Space Center Houston. It was super, super crowded, but they had a lot of fun. They currently have a George Lucas movie exhibit, so there were Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and other movie props on display, as well as various movie-related activities for the kids (and adults) to enjoy. One of the activities was a huge obstacle course that appeared to be at least 12 feet high. Kids wore harnesses which were hooked to a cable line above so they wouldn't fall should they slip off. We didn't think any of the kids would want to do that one because it looked rather scary (I wouldn't do it!), but Alex really wanted to try. He waited in line for probably an hour and when Bill asked Alex if he wanted him to do it with him, Alex said, "No. I want to do it by myself." And he did!!! Afterwards, he said it was a little scary, but he knew that God was with him and that He wouldn't let anything bad happen to him. I'm so proud of him!

The kids, waiting to go in for "Clone War Blaster Training"

Amy on slide of Indiana Jones obstacle course bouncer

The kids with R2D2 and C3PO (taken while Alex was in line for the obstacle course)
Nathan on the MMU (Manned Maneuvering Unit) Trainer

Amy on the MMU Trainer

Amy on MMU

Alex on the Indiana Jones Obstacle Course



Astronaut Nathan


The week ended with our July 4th celebration at my brother's house. We first stopped in my cousin's neighborhood (he doesn't live far from my brother) and went swimming in their neighborhood's amazing pool. Then we headed to my brother's house for hot dogs, homemade ice cream, and fireworks.

Amy with my cousin's twin boys - aren't they cute?!?

Amy

Nathan

Alex

Amy and her cousin Grace on the swings

All the kids watching fireworks

One of the many cool fireworks


Despite having spent an entire week together, and the fact that it was really, really late by the time we were ready to go home, the kids were sad to leave their cousins. This week, we will attempt the challenging task of returning to normal life. I sense it will be a bit more boring than last week, but a whole lot more restful!