There are days when I feel so blessed. Today is one of those. Most of the day was just spent waiting for littles to arrive. Rhiana and her family are driving up to this area for a soccer tournament this weekend and I'm super excited. Time with family means the world to me and the more the merrier --- at all times. I hope I never reach the point where I can't handle it, for that would truly make me so sad.
Rhiana's family arrive in the evening and the house is full of activity and fun.
Malea and Elena go for a walk with Grandpa and check out the lake. Malea even manages to get into that ice cold water.
Meanwhile, Isla is making herself acquainted with the house.
Now that Mariel is back in the house -- she has some LEGOs to build with. What will she make?
It's early to bed, though, for this one has a game at 8 a.m. in Kalispell. We'll all be on the road bright and early.
Wrapped in my quilt -- what could be better?
After a good nights sleep, we are ready to roll. Well, most of us anyway. It's a cold, rainy day and we've spent the morning making sure everyone stays warm. This wasn't planned for, so long sleeve shirts, jackets, leggings, warm socks, etc. have come from Grandpa, Gigi, and me. We have also found hats, gloves, and umbrellas. Yep, quite the scavenger hunt today.
Game one gets underway at 8 a.m. and Grandpa and I are just a bit late, but not too bad. Thankfully, we were able to park very close. We are bundled up and have found more umbrellas for all. Time to watch some soccer. Malea plays goalie.
Videos of saves - I am hoping to create a reel at some point.
With a win under their belt, we move onto the next game at 12:30. We have a couple hours to kill.
Now THAT'S a smile. She did soooo good.
After a bit of debate and some wrong Google info, we decide on Bojangles Diner and, although we have a bit of a rough start, it works out great. Two tables in the back corner and we are set.
With a bit of time still, a stop at Farmer's Market happens.
Mariel is running along and I catch her in mid-air. So fun.
Time for game 2 - get it Malea! Hahaha, it's just warm up.
However, here are a few short videos.
The weather is much better this afternoon, enough that a trip for treats during half time happened.
An acai bowl and sooooo yummy.
Grandpa and Mariel are virtually inseparable.
This game didn't go quite as well, but they have a third game tomorrow and depending on how it goes, they may make it further in the tourney. Time will tell.
We have a bit of time once we get home from the games. Malea talks Grandpa into an actual swim this time.
She went in and Grandpa has a video of her saying, "OMG, that's so cold." Back to shallower water.
I worked the past couple of days to prepare for a family BBQ this afternoon and it's time to let the fun begin. It will be nice for Rhiana and her family to spend time with those she doesn't see very often. Here come the cousins. Jill is hosting at her home and I'm super thankful for a place for all the kids to play and plenty of room for adults to chat.
Mariel fell in love with this swing.
Greyson getting in on some water fun.
Scenes around the gathering. I'm just popping pictures here and there - no posing.
Isla and Avrielle - about 6 months apart.
Scarlet and Malea hit it off grand.
Keeping this one occupied so Mom can eat.
Yep, even dessert. Everything came together well today.
Loving the chance to chat and enjoy each other.
Ahhh - Great-nephew and great-niece ---- I don't get to see Wyatt and Scarlet enough.
Out to the front yard for more fun.
Trying a Strider - (she has one waiting at home)
Brock brings out the little car and before we know it, Greyson is driving Mariel all over the place. They are also about 6 months apart.
Attention diverted and something else to do.
Silly Grandpa --- having fun with the kids.
A little help from Uncle and he's soon rocking the look as well.
No one is immune. Elena even gives it a go.
Meanwhile, the car is still going.
Teaching - to carry the fun onto another generation.
Oops - not that way please.
Rerouting.
So, so fun to watch the shenanigans.
Greyson finally stopped and Mariel instantly moved into place and took off. She's got this.
This is just too cute. Now, they have a caravan.
Watching kids is always fabulous entertainment.
It's been such a fun day, but time to call it done. We clean up and head back to the house for some rest.
I'm beat and hitting that proverbial wall tonight. Off to bed for me and I don't think others were terribly far behind. See ya tomorrow.
After a good night's sleep, I am back at Cassie's while Mister works. Breakfast is once again underway and then the plans for the day can begin. After discovering that a local bounce house pop-up is on it's last day here, our decision is made. Unfortunately, we are not able to get in until around noon and the day is cooker. In the meantime, we're off to get everyone ready to go. When we arrive - excite reigns and everyone is off to play.
