While we were living it up on the beach!
TAKE ME BACK!!!!!
When my brother called with a sob story about needing a vacation with his wife, I knew exactly what he was getting to, even though he didn't want to just come out and say it. During this long conversation he said things like, "But you're moving, so you'll be busy packing," and, "Your husband is gone with officer's training," and, "It's during the summer so you'll have them all day," etc. He basically reminded me of all the challenges I'd be facing, while he was hoping to be able to take his sweet wife on a romantic, much-needed, and deserved, getaway because of blah, blah, blah (I stopped listening, because I knew my answer would already be, "Yes, I'll do it.") I had to return the favor, of course. I wanted to return the favor. Plus, I knew my babies would go crazy once they found out there would be a 2nd round of Cousins Camp, at our house this time. But most importantly, I knew that it was a great opportunity to spend some quality time with my nieces and nephews before we move.
So, here it is. Cousins Camp - Round 2 - Cinema Edition.
Movie 1 - Mr. Peabody & Sherman
We visited the Luxor Hotel on the strip because of 2 reasons. First, my boy had asked about "That giant pyramid place," as we were on the freeway passing along the Strip a few days earlier.
He was the whole inspiration for this Cinema theme, that popped into my mind 2 hours before the cousins arrived, because I was feeling guilty that I had not planned anything fun.
Second, there is a scene in that movie where they go back in time to learn about King Tut. We had a fun, quick, little adventure (because they charge for parking now if you're there longer than an hour, and I'm cheap.) While walking through the hotel, my mom had to explain to one amazed couple, that all of these children were not all mine. That only 3 out of the 7 were mine. She was pleased to hear that. (Silly lady has probably never visited Utah.)
They weren't the only ones who whispered as we walked by.
Little perverts kept trying to look up his "underpants."
We rode the tram and that is always an enjoyable, free ride!
Movie 2 - Free Willy
My pool has been acting up ever since my Sugar left, so I basically was having a panic attack days prior to the start of Round 2. I totally invited myself, along with 7 kids, and my mom over to a swim play date at our friend Diana's home. (I secured that play date quick! The pool was going to be my saving grace.) Diana is the sweetest, and happily allowed us to come. We even got to play with her sweet grandchildren, Luke and Bella that day too. It was a lot of fun.
So glad that this plan worked out!
Jack shoved his arm into the giant shark's mouth to grab something that got thrown in there on accident. His shirt got caught and it was as if he was really being eaten by a shark. (Especially if you have ever heard him tell his Lemon Shark - Boogie Boarding encounter before.) Diana was quick to rescue my Shark Boy and provide him with a giant band aid. They sat and chatted for like 15 minutes. It was the cutest.
My boy said, "It was so nice to sit and talk with her. She's pretty nice and I like her pool. Even though the shark tried to eat my arm off. She has the best band aids."
He still likes to check out his shark bite and see how it is healing.
The lifeguards - Kelly, Grandma Jones, Renee, Diana & me
I picked a few older movies because I was pretty sure that The Jones children hadn't seen them. It was perfect because it saved me from hearing them fight over what movie we should watch, because they all have different tastes. But also because it was already assigned, they got excited about it! They loved Free Willy. Jack said, "I only cried 3 times mom." Love him.
Movie 3 - The Sandlot
My babies love, love, love this movie. And who doesn't?
It is full of great quotes and lessons to be learned!
We played our family favorite, water balloon baseball. I had intentions of making s'mores. but it just didn't happen. I decided that Sonic Shakes would have to work instead.
My genius idea of sleeping on the trampoline was loads of fun, and was supposed to be compared to the tree house sleepover.
~Cousins Camp - Round 2 - Night 3 ~ Sleep on the trampoline. Finally in place at 9:41 pm. Sprinklers go off at 10 pm. Brooke is pissed and comes in and passes out on the couch. Jack gets completely soaked, and sleeps right through it. Some one sets off fireworks. Honestly, it's July 15th. James gets a cicada bug that dive bombs 2 inches from his face and landed on the trampoline at 10:27 pm. He's given up and in on the recliner by 10:45. I go out to sleep at 11:00, and it's still 102°, so I'm going to die of heat, if not sleep deprivation first. Andrew and Afton sleep out there until, well, 5:50 am. The lovely roof workers on the house behind us were just a bit too loud for them to continue their slumber. The sun is still not peeked from behind Sunrise Mountain, but it's lit up the sky. Jack is still asleep @ 6:56 am. I came in to find out I have a bug in my hair and a dead one in my mouth.~
"Did you know that sprinklers went off and a fireworks show did too and I still didn't wake up? Crazy, huh mom? That was a fun night." ~ Jack
These are the lovely little reminders of that fun night. I am covered in bug bites! Covered!!!!!!!
Movie #4 - Kung Fu Panda 3
I knew it would be fun to go visit Chinatown, and that the Jones children had probably never been down there. It was fun to watch their faces as we walked through the mall, past all of the restaurants, and just enjoyed people watching. They loved the buildings and said, "It does look like the movie. These buildings are so cool."
I said you have $5 to spend. They chose these little gems!
"This little guy looks like me. Except a creepier version of me."
A nice employee watched us like a hawk as we went up and down the aisles of the store. She was terrified as to what we would break. I was a bit too. :)
Couldn't do Boba because I didn't know if it was gluten free, so this joint worked out just fine. Plus, "They have games for us to play after we eat our delicious treat. Are you freaking serious? How could I forget?" ~ Jack
Movie #5 - The Jungle Book
Our last day with the cousins was Sunday, so we really couldn't go venturing out. Taking them all to church was enough activity for me in the first place.
But as I scrolled through Instagram, while the babies slept and the big kids played, I saw it was National Ice Cream Day. We had to celebrate that right?
So instead of our nightly popcorn treat, we had Jungle Book Sundaes on Sunday.
They were a big hit!
Overall, the time we spent together was fun! I am so thankful that my mom was here and able to help me. We definitely missed my Sugar, but we all survived, with only a few tantrums, hurt feelings, and fights. That's all that matters.
There were some other fun times that didn't fit with the theme, but too cute not post!
"Go James. Go James."
He may have forgotten his basketball shoes and his jersey, but this little cheerleader didn't mind.
Bath time happened every night, except the first. I was proud of that!
BUBBLES!
James was a huge help with the babies!
Afton did Brooke's makeup. Wow.
Who knows when Cousins Camp - Round 3 will take place, but at least we will have these fun memories to cherish!
No comments:
Post a Comment