1st Four Families Vacation

Two weekends ago we headed up to Twain Harte with the Cecchins, D'Angelo's and Grochol's for a fabulous weekend full of fun.

Sarah and I packed the kids up and drove up early on Friday to meet up with everyone else (minus Jeff and Tyke who had to drive up later.) Thank goodness Jeff's car fits all three carseats - and all in the same row!

The kids loove it, but I have to say our usual car nappers (Marco and Olive) are usually so thrilled by the full house that they stay awake for the entire ride.

After we found the rental house and unloaded the car we packed the kids back in and drove into town for some Mexican food.

They boys chill on their own side of the table, occupied (for the most part) with coloring mats and togo cups.

Poor Olive, if she could form coherent sentences I am sure she would have uttered one about how I needed to wash her greasy hair. (I think daycare might put a little babyoil in it to so her pigtails are all smooth and flat?)

After lunch we went back to the house and were quickly joined by the D'Angelo's and Grochol's. Since there was still a lot of Friday left we headed over to the lake.

What a great spot! Very clean and kid-friendly.

Olive plays with Jack's ball (I think the devious look is because she stole it from him.)

Brookie and Reesie try out the water.

Baby Jack chills in his bucket.

Olive works on her expressive faces.

Nikos and Marco play in the sand.

After some sand and water fun (and one jammed pinky for me from when I accidentally got trapped catching about 15 kids going down the sliding board into the water...) we headed back to the cabin to kick off the rest of the weekend.

Olive sporting one of Marco's shirts - let's hope this doesn't happen for real for many, many years.

Ryan, Marco and Nikos explore the loft.

We lucked out and were able to plan the trip for the same weekend of Reesie's birthday (just like last year at the cabin!) Robin and Steve let the birthday girl open one of her gifts early - princess shoes! All the kids wanted to wear them - and I do mean ALL of the kids. (There were only 4 pairs so Nikos and Marco did the gentlemanly thing and each wore one yellow Belle heel.)

D'Angelo family pic (- Brooke)

(+ Reese and Ryan)

Sarah and Ryan

Note that Nikos is holding both the Belle heels. Ha!

The PG version of the Steve and Robin pic.

Happy Birthday to Reese!

Last year -
This year -
Last year -

Marco makes sure no one forgets to hook him up with a mini cupcake.

Baby Jack, oblivious to the fact that he is playing with fire.

Group shot! Brookie, Marco, Reese, Nikos, Olive, Ryan and Jack.

Last year -
Such a fun time - we are hoping to make the group vacation an annual one.