Eleven

Maybe it's because eleven was the most significant year of my childhood.

Or maybe it's because I spent every day for five years surrounded by 10-11 year olds.

Or maybe it's just because I adore everything about these girls.

Whatever the reason, when my nieces turned eleven, I knew I wanted to do something memorable to celebrate. Their birthdays fell just before spring break this year. I proposed a few different options and they decided to have a sleepover at our house.

Our time together began with eating a mac-n-cheese lunch before heading off to a park. They chose to play mini-golf. Jackson actually used his golf club correctly this time, but he started wandering around after the second hole.

We did the typical playground stuff-swings, slides, climbing, etc.

I was prepared to relax in the shade. I brought a blanket and toys for the trio and Jack. We had bread to feed the ducks. All was picture perfect...

Until we were attacked by geese! Seriously, these were the most aggressive geese I've ever encountered. Poor Jack was hysterically running away. I think they were just territorial because when one of the geese got up we discovered a huge nest of eggs. Regardless, they were pretty darn intimidating!

After our park adventures. we came home for brief downtime before dinner. Between the eight of us (2 nieces, Jack, trio, Jesse and I) we ate twelve quesadillas in addition to beans and rice. I can't imagine how much food we'll tear through when the triplets are older.

After dinner is always the most stressful time of our day because the kids are getting tired and Jesse and I are busy cleaning and trying to get everything ready for bed. The girls took the babies upstairs to play. Jesse loaded the dishwasher and made his lunch for the next day while I wiped down the high chairs and swept. When we were finished we just looked at each other and said, "Hmmm. You think they could just come by every day?" 

The girls and I got the babies ready for bed,

while Jackson and Jesse inflated the air mattress and made the bed.  Jackson was so excited that his big cousins were spending the night. It took a bit of coaxing to get him to come upstairs and read stories.

After my kids were in bed I went downstairs to spend a few hours catching up on eleven year old gossip and taking quizzes in girly magazines. The good news is that I love chatting with my nieces and could stay up talking to them every night. The bad news is that I'm more out of date than I thought in regards to teen celebrities.

The following morning flew by as I rushed to get everyone fed, dressed, and out the door in time to take Jack to preschool. After dropping Jack off, we headed to the mall for a shopping spree.

The babies and I had hours of entertainment watching the matching fashion show that took place. The entire time I kept staring at Maddie and Amelia while thinking, "Is this what my life will be like in ten years?" I certainly hope it is!

After buying new dresses, we obviously had to go home and do makeovers.

At some point throughout the afternoon we also ate a shocking number of homemade waffles, picked up Jackson from preschool, and cared for babies (nap, diapers, bottles, play, neighborhood walk, etc).

The girls are such little mammas already. I love it!

Happy belated 11th birthday, girls!

Mini-Golf: Take Two

After 36 hours of spraying Lysol, steam mopping, and bleaching soiled laundry, all was well with our home again.  While I couldn't have prevented a stomach bug, I did learn a few things from our failed attempt to go to the park on Monday.  I decided to go first thing in the morning and to bring the quad stroller. 

We were all in good moods to begin with, but I was even happier when the office manager handed me the ball and clubs and told me there was no charge.  Free mini-golf? I'll take it!

Jackson's first time mini-golfing was quite comical to watch. Thank God nobody else was on the course or we would have had to leave.  He zigzagged from one hole to the next, in no particular order. He swung the club around a few times unsuccessfully.

Then he picked up the ball and dropped it in the hole.

When I discouraged him from doing that, he decided kicking it would yield greater success.

Then Jack found a stick to use as a club.

I gave up on playing the game myself but I was highly entertained watching and redirecting Jack. When we got to the 18th hole, I tried to warn him that he wouldn't be able to get his ball back.  This was cause for some serious investigations.

After golfing, we toured the various playgrounds. 

Jackson was excited to use the chair swing.

Each baby got a turn swinging, but Amelia was by far the most amused. She just laughed and laughed.

The weather was gorgeous, but HOT.  Apparently NC is bypassing spring and rolling straight into summer.

James and Maddie shared toys in the stroller.

Jackson and I found a big open field to throw our ball around. I tried to teach him the game of jacks where you throw the ball up and clap before you catch it. He said, "Silly, Mommy. I'm Jack, not the ball." I guess it went over his head. (pun intended)

This particular park also has a large lake where you can go fishing.  We don't own any fishing gear, but Jackson tried to fish with a very large stick. We saw turtles, fish, frogs, and ducks.

The boys rested on some rocks while I snapped the cutest photo ever.  I promise this was candid!

We were all enjoying ourselves so much that I lost track of time.  By the time I realized how late it was we were a very long way from the parking lot. Keep in mind, the quad stroller alone weighs over 80 pounds.  The combined weight of all four kids is 75 pounds.  Now imagine pushing that weight up large hills on trails covered with loose pebbles.  I was drenched and breathless by the time we got to the van.

At least the kids were able to get some rest.

I'm so, so happy that our second attempt was a success!