Awesome Party at the Cousin's house!

One of Kevin's cousins and his wife threw a great birthday party for their oldest daughter. They had food - hamburgers, hot dogs, salad, jello, chips, etc. They had games - sack races, three legged races (no pictures), and a pinata. They have a pretty big yard so the kids were free to run around. They have a sandbox, playset, and a horseshoe pit. It was a bit chilly with the wind blowing but you can't beat the sunshine! It was really a fun party. Thanks guys!

Because of the chill, I ended up inside with the youngest two.
They had a good time playing with toys!

(I enjoyed being warmer.)

It was fun to share in the family time. Since we don't live in the area, we don't see everyone that much so it was extra special to spend time with them in celebration.

We were also able to attend another cousin's birthday party early in our visit (April 28), but I didn't take the camera out at all. I talked to lots of people but didn't take any pictures. Everyone enjoyed a fun time playing, eating, and relearning names of relatives.

Family Pictures

Another wonderful tradition!

Marissa's early birthday party

We were going to leave MA on Monday and Marissa's birthday would be on Wednesday, so we decided to have a party with the extended family. Memere, Pepere, and Uncle Chris were all at the house on Friday so that's when we had the party. Kevin and I ran out to do some shopping and that was that. We didn't tell the kids what we were doing but had them all go to the table, sit down, and close their eyes. Domonique was SO excited! Everyone clued in when we started to sing, "Happy Birthday to you!" We didn't make a cake - figured we'd wait for MI for that, but we did have some ice cream.

Memere and Pepere gave Marissa a beautiful necklace.

Uncle Chris gave her a hula hoop.
(Everyone has enjoyed trying it out.)

We got her some cones for the yard so we will be able to play soccer.
(We got her a soccer ball for Christmas - she asked for one.)

Found some Lego platforms so the kids could build on them.

 

Some new movies to watch on the way home.

Uncle Chris did a great job bringing her the plastic bag wrapped presents.

I think she enjoyed her little surprise party!

Fixing the Car! Whoot! Whoot!

For my birthday, back in March, Kevin bought me cruise control for Harvey, The Beast. He tried to install it - he had to take off the old steering wheel to put in the new one - but had some troubles. We brought it with us hoping we'd have more help. It worked out wonderfully! Kevin and his dad were able to get it all taken care of and his brother solved the last issue. We are so excited that it works! (What a difference it made on the trip home!) They were also able to fix the passenger door handle - which wouldn't open from the outside! Awesomeness! They were also able to figure out the issue with the electrical in the back so we can tow the trailer with lights and stuff! Successful trip!

While the men were busy with the car, the kids found way to entertain themselves. The girls enjoyed sitting around pretending together.

Ben was out in the woods making a fort and just being a boy.

For a couple days, while everyone else was doing their own thing, I was inside, working on recovering the dining room chairs. Lorraine picked out the fabric and we replaced the foam pad on the two chairs with arms and it was pretty easy (once we got the right size staples)!

I remembered to wash the fabric before I used it.

Cut it into equal parts.

Memere ironed it!

The pieces were ready to come together!

Here are three of the six finished chairs! 

So we got lots of things done during vacation! How's that for combing work with pleasure?!?

Bowling in MA

Staying with tradition, we went bowling! This time we let Domonique do it as well, and she loved it! They didn't have shoes her size but they said she was okay. Kevin helped her the first few times but then I helped her the rest. The bumpers helped, of course, and she was so excited when she got a SPARE! Not once, but twice. She had so much fun! (At least I think she did.)

 

We had two lanes: Kevin, Me, Domonique, and Kemiah were on one; Memere, Ben, Marissa, Emily and Xiomara were on the other. Everyone had a good time, trying to improve and get over our issues - like rolling our wrists which caused the ball to swerve. The kids tried to get control and add power but I think that will come with age (and strength).

Here are the three games Kevin and I had (the last one Kevin bowled for himself and Kemiah and I bowled for myself and Domonique). Quite the games! The other team only bowled two and half games but had some pretty god times!

What a fun morning! I wish it didn't cost so much - price of lanes and shoes - because we would certainly do this more often.