Family Bliss Continues...

There really aren't that many places a family can travel, with kids, that provide equal amounts of relaxation, fun and general smooth-sailing. We count very few places on our short list of such locations...and are proud to say that the Hankins house ranks right up there. Holy cow, we had fun, every last one of us.

Chris and Ann really outdid themselves with the prep...first off, that's one big house with one even bigger yard...so we know the prep-time was ample. And we also get how difficult that can be with kids! Friday night's meal was outstanding--filet and red wine? In the words of Adam Sandler..."not too shabbayy".

The pool was oodles of fun with the kids, and I dare say the highlights for me did not include my own children's antics, but rather those of my brother and my hilarious niece, Addie. To save you all the suspense, Christopher has the same unbridled enthusiasm and prowess over the diving board as he did as a child...and Addie...well, she's just Addie. Turns out the little sista's come up with her own "move"...she calls it the "spinning wheel". You had to be there, and you really have to know Addie. I was dying.

Saturday evening, as shown in pictures, was a true riot. Great Mexican food...drink...darts...and overall hilarity. And as always, lots of pictures. The babysitters did a great job, and all of the kids fared well and got to sleep without a hitch. Love that.

It's just too bad that Aunt Meg was the one who never made it to bed properly. Sister had a serious neck cramp from sleeping on the couch. :)

Anyway...clearly the nuances of time with siblings, inlaws, and cousins are not lost on us. We appreciated all of the effort and planning involved...and just enjoyed being able to relax with our kids and watch them get to know their cousins better.

One of the things that stood out to us on this trip was the chance we had to appreciate their neighborhood more. The kids played outside a lot (including an impromptu hike through the woods...so cute!), enjoyed the riding toys on the long, steep driveway, and Brian and I got to see the house without snow. Such a great place! And a truly charming neighborhood...I should know, as I spent about an hour and a half exploring it on my own Saturday morning.

But that's an entry for another day.