Vacation

Whew, we are home! We had a great vacation, but as great vacations go, it is always nice to return to the comforts of home. Last Saturday morning we loaded up the kids, games, and gear and headed east to Delaware to meet up with Jeremy's cousin Karl and his family. We spent a fun weekend at their beautiful new home. The boys ran around in a rowdy little pack, alternating between the tramp & tire swing, with occasional breaks for food, drink, and Nintendo DS. The girls were slightly more subdued. Age, gender, and Amanda's full arm cast contributed to their demeanor. They enjoyed the back yard as well, but were more often found behind closed doors, closeted in secret girl proceedings. The youngsters, Kurtis & Cora played together well on the most part. When Kurty was tired of Cora's constant bossing, he would tag along after the older boys. When this occurred, Cora would tag along after Kurty. Jeremy & Karl spent the majority of their time in the basement measuring and scheming, planning for Karl's upcoming basement remodel. Mostly, they enjoyed catching up after a 8 year absence. Its funny that no matter how much time goes by, some relationships can pick back up, just like no time has passed at all. Joleen was an incredibly gracious hostess. Here we invaded her brand new home with a horde of crazy kids, and she takes it all in stride. AND she is pregnant to boot.
Sunday was interesting. We were a little nervous about getting 8 children and ourselves ready for 9 am. church, but things went surprisingly smooth. We arrived on time, and were able to grab two pews. The most excitement occurred near the end of fast and testimony meeting when Cora fell asleep in my lap, and then had an accident. That was a first for me. I had to stand up with a half asleep 3 year old in my arms, with pee dripping down my legs and try and make a dignified exit out of the chapel. Uuug! Gross! We were able to give Cora a sponge bath with wipes out in the parking lot, and then dress her in her American flag swimsuit and a jean skirt and send her in to nursery with Jeremy. (Patriotic, right?) There was no saving my skirt, so I wrapped myself in a towel to save the Fails' van seats, and Joleen and I headed back to their house so I could shower and change. We made it back in time to pick up the group and take them home.