Weekend with the Gallanders.
Have I mentioned how much I love my family?! Yes, they are the best. We got there Thursday night and right in the middle of an anatomy test for Ethan and a book report for Rachel. Of course my boys were excited to see everyone and were probably not the best homework helpers. Uncle David also showed up that night. He has had some issues with Makaela. At Christmas she wanted nothing to do with him. He took offence and this time had a plan. He brought food with him. Yes, she tolerated him this time for his french fries! Then he gave them all tattoos and thought he had the best uncle award in the bag!
Friday
That morning Ethan, Rachel, and Bridgette got up to go to school and my boys were up soon after. Noah helped Grandma fix lunches and watched for the bus. The others wanted breakfast. It was the morning routine, but waited until everyone had left. The plan for the day was for Mom and I to go to confession and the kiddos stay with my dad and brother at home. I thought it was a quick trip, but should have known better. Confession went smoothly and since we had two of my mom’s friends we went to lunch after. Ms. V mentioned needing a new pair of shoes and so we also did some shopping.
It was almost 3 by the time we made it back home. I was a little worried since before we left my mom had asked my dad if he was going to be able to handle all the kids, (I didn’t hear this conversation) he said he would and that he would just put one of them in charge. The conversation I did hear was between Noah, Caleb and my dad.
Papaw- So who’s in charge?
Noah and Caleb- You and Uncle David
Papaw- Who’s in charge?
Noah- Papaw and Uncle David
Papaw- Who’s in charge?
Noah (getting a somewhat annoyed tone to his voice)- The two Davids (my dad’s name is David, guess Noah thought he would get it this way.)
We have trained the boys well! I hadn’t heard from my dad or David while we were out. On the way home I did text David to see how it was going. He said all was fine. My brother Sam and his girlfriend, Sarah, also showed up earlier that afternoon. When we got home everyone seemed like they were having fun outside in a little pool they had set up.
The water was a little too cold for Makaela, but she loved having on her new bathing suit. She likes the way her tummy feels in it and looks like a pregnant woman rubbing her belly.
The boys played in the water but, their lips were blue and if they sat still they would start chattering.When the big kids got home they joined in the fun. Not sure if Rachel had a choice as Sam dropped her in the pool. They bounced back and forth from the pool to the trampoline. Aunt Lauren and Bob also showed up.
Saturday
Aunt Lauren convinced everyone to go to see Mirror, Mirror. Well, those that went I don’t think had to have too much convincing. Mom and I stayed behind with the two little ones and ran to the outlet mall to pickup an Easter dress for Makaela and some khaki's for Noah. That was one of the quickest trips to the outlet mall yet. Mom put Makaela and Eli on the little carousel while I ran into a store. Makaela didn’t like it, but Eli did.
We all met up at McAlister’s after for lunch. Sam and his girlfriend left, Lauren went to run errands, and the rest of us went to the park.
The park was shaded, but it was still hot. Not sure what we are going to do this summer. After just a little while of playing I asked the boys if they wanted to go back to Grandma’s and it was a YES! They had fun while we were there. Even though Noah doesn’t look like it in the picture below. And well, poor Uncle Ethan didn’t. He wasn’t feeling the greatest.
That night my sister Bridgette babysat with the help of Rachel and Ethan. We left close to bedtime after dinner and baths to eat out with my sister Lauren and Aunt Kate. I got to have some adult time and also went by Lauren’s new apartment. She has a very nice place, proud of her. And I got some pictures and dimensions for some bookcases she would like John to build for her!
Sunday
We had to leave. We got up and went to church with the family early. Since it was Palm Sunday, the boys kept asking me to make a cross out of their palm. I had to keep telling them it was daddy that knew how, not me. Makaela found her way to Lauren’s lap and actually fell asleep before the last minute of church. Lauren always knew how to get her to sleep in church. I really think she uses some sort of sleeper hold on Makaela! After church it was lunch with the family and close friends. This is also where the pervious blog post “Thank you M&M’s” came from. After packing we headed home, with a stop by my friend Adrienne’s.
Traffic was not fun! Thanks to Adrienne and Ryan for letting us take a break at their house. And for the clothes for Makaela. It’s great to know someone that has had girls, because all I’ve had is boys!
We made it back home, unpacked, studied for a spelling test missed on Friday, and got to bed not too late.
A well worth it break from the not so routine, routine.