Becky still had to work so her kids stayed later than normal and we had them for dinner. My girls loved having dinner with their cousins. Eric had a business trip right when he got back from Vegas, so we repeated the dinner date on Tuesday. That same day my sister in law Heather was coming to spend time with our oldest nephew Anthony so her 2 little ones joined me, the girls, and Shumakers for a few hours. It was so much fun to have them. My girls love the little cousins. Rachael and Megan were disappointed that they would be at girl scout camp and miss the visit. Ben and Lilly chased after each other and over each other, while Bridget entertained them with toys.
Mary and Ed were going away for the night that Sturday before the arrival of their newest baby and asked if Katherine could spend the night at our house. The oldest 3 of their kids where headed off to my other siblings' houses. 2 of the boys were staying with the Arbutus Jauquets so I called them and asked if Sophia would like to spend the night with the girls at our house. A general redistribution of kids took place and we had 2 extra girls in our house for the night. 
It was the first sleep over for Katherine and Sophia, and it was the first time Megan got to participate in a sleepover at our house. Bridget was very excited about having her cousins over and wanted to "sleep over" too. I think Jim was glad to have a poker invitation and headed out after everyone was settled. Emma went off to a sleepover at a friends house. It was me and the little girls so we lined them all up in sleeping bags in the basement, ate popcorn and watched a movie. We had a great time. Bridget couldn't settle down after lights out, so I whisked her off to her crib. It was a successful first sleepover and a great way to spend time with our nieces.
It was the first sleep over for Katherine and Sophia, and it was the first time Megan got to participate in a sleepover at our house. Bridget was very excited about having her cousins over and wanted to "sleep over" too. I think Jim was glad to have a poker invitation and headed out after everyone was settled. Emma went off to a sleepover at a friends house. It was me and the little girls so we lined them all up in sleeping bags in the basement, ate popcorn and watched a movie. We had a great time. Bridget couldn't settle down after lights out, so I whisked her off to her crib. It was a successful first sleepover and a great way to spend time with our nieces.
The whole family got together on Labor day to celebrate birthdays, including Emma's 11th, at Will and Heather's house. All 16 of the cousins eased in and out of the house, basement and family room through the conversations of us adults. It is such a blessing to have this tribe as a central grounding force for our girls.
And just this past week the newest member was born to the tribe. Mary and Ed welcomed Teresa Annunziata on 9/10. Katherine spent the morning with us. It was hard for me to hand over the phone to Katherine when Ed called from the hospital. Katherine was very excited the baby was a girl. Ed's mom picked her up in the afternoon. All of the big brothers were buckled in, so I packed them snacks and off they went to the hospital to see little Teresa. I was eager to meet her myself and to see Mary so that night after bedtime I went to the hospital. Becky was there as well so we visited and enjoyed our newborn member of the family.
Heather and I headed over together to Mary and Ed's to help get the final baby things ready before she came home. Heather than came over to our house and rounded up our girls. Jim and I had a wedding to attend that night, and Will and Heather volunteered to take the girls for the night. Megan got nervous and cried that she didn't want to go but when it was time she was the first packed, the first dressed, and the first out the door. Bridget enjoyed packing her things including her baby doll that is now named baby Teresa. Jim and I had a fabulous time at the wedding and were able to relax with out the worry of rushing home to return a babysitter by a certain time.
When we picked the girls up on Sunday they were all comfortably playing and had stories to share. Rachael found a tree and had climbed 35 ft up (Will's estimate). Plus she had discovered a few stuffed animals that Speckles got along great with. Emma is a great baby tender and kept her eye on Lily. I am sure Emma did as much holding as Lily would allow. Will said that Bridget was their walking comic relief the whole time. They got a big kick out of her. Heather shared that Megan, who slept in William's room, kept coming out after being tucked in, to pass on William's needs to his parents. This made me laugh as she plays the same role at home. It is always Megan that appears by my bed in the middle of the night to let me know who is sick or is in needs of my help. Meg does this well. She is clear headed and to the point. All of the girls had a blast staying with their Aunt, Uncle and cousins and we were so grateful for the night out.
We and our girls are so blessed.
Liz, great pics! I love the one with Ben and Lil. They look great, almost like twins! We had so much fun with your girls. I am grateful that we were able to spend some time "one-on-one" time with our Kehrman girls. They really were wonderful to have over. Big helpers and great playmates for my two. We are so blessed to be a part of a wonderful tribe :)
ReplyDelete