Squatters

A couple of weeks ago our little family turned into bona fide squatters.  But we were good squatters.....the kind that clean up after themselves, say 'thank you' after mooching off meals, and even doing laundry.  :D


Yep, John had another work meeting in Lenexa and my sister, Michelle was kind enough to let us move in for about 4 days of fun.  However, the work meeting was actually only two days (if that).  We had to head up a few days earlier so John could take part in some 'All Star Game' fun.  I guess he realized the only way I'd get over him not sharing his tickets with me, was if I got to play with family for four days straight while he enjoyed the games.  I gladly accepted that deal! And he wasn't complaining too badly about working off-site in Michelle's basement while we were there.  What's to complain about? A nice, dark, cool room, the door shut to jabbering children, and lunch served to him....sounds like a good set-up to me!  Even if his lunch did consist of leftovers of macaroni and cheese and PBJ's.  


And what DIDN'T we do while we were there?  It'd take me longer to figure that out than to recount all of our fun.  So here is our fun in a nutshell....

We spent the morning enthralled in Yo Gabba Gabba.  And yes, they actually own a regular TV but everything is more exciting when it's viewed 5" wide right?

We swooped in and mooched off of cousin, Ashlyn's horse riding lesson.  So nice of her to share....oh and for the horse to as well.  We were even able to enjoy some yummy ice cream after enduring the heat.

We had some fun watching things glow at the Kaleidoscope center.  So glad aunt Michelle FINALLY took us there after we've visited her about a kajillion times! ;-)

And we had to swing by and say 'Hi' to the dinosaurs in their museum as well.  Here are Garrett & Preston acquainting themselves with a triceratops.

And Ashlyn had to ride solo as my child chose this moment to have a meltdown.

We finished off our mall trip with a meal at the train restaurant, Fritz's.  This was Jonas' first time experiencing it and he was enthralled with all the little trains that brought everyone's food out.  Best way to keep a wiggly boy holding still that's for sure!


We also spent lots of time swimming and pool hopping while Ashlyn was in swim lessons.  Which always led to a nice good nap afterward for everyone involved.  We ate lots of yummy food.  Including eating at a Japanese Steakhouse where we got to celebrate Ashlyn's birthday.  Perfect timing for our trip I'd say!  We were able to get some good bonding time with Grandpa Bell and even got to hang out with our other cousins Kayley, Cora, and Rex (not sure where those pictures went).  


After this week, I'm convinced that the life of sister wives is the way to go.  It's always nice trading off chores, child rearing, with my sister and sister-in-law.  Nothing beats getting to take a shower WHILE your children are awake, running an errand on a whim - child-less, or having dinner made twice as fast thanks to all the hands preparing it, or having a nice conversation over a laundry basket of fresh folded clothes.  If only I could get over the issue of having to share husbands.....otherwise I'd soooo be there.  Life is much easier when there are more hands to help.  And it helps that the children all play well together and respond to all of us like we are each their mothers!


It was fun tagging along on aunt Michelle's everyday life....and boy what an exciting life it was!  We always have a fun time when we get to hang out with cousins and aunts and uncles.  Thanks for letting us take over your house for four days Walker family!  I'm hoping you didn't breathe a sigh of relief after we moved out and returned to our own home!