Back in June we went to the DFW area to see Paul's parents and some friends. Anne asked if she could have Tyson for a few days to come visit this summer. I thought it would be fine but I thought we should include Em too. BOY am I glad we did! Those two had the best time at Anne and Jim's. And Paul and I had the best time just being Jill and Paul, not Mommy and Daddy.
They went everywhere and did everything imaginable. Nobody really wanted to come home. Before I start with the pictures (courtesy of Anne and Jim, Jim put them on a thumb drive for us to see) I should say it started out a little rough. The night before we agreed to meet them halfway for the big drop off, I spent quite a bit of time packing the kids up. I took LOTS of time to plan all of Em's outfits, carefully accessorizing each one with proper bows or hair clips and of course the right shoes. I'm pretty sure I had at least 5 pairs for her. I even went as far as to place each complete outfit into a one gallon zip lock baggie labeled with the day or event on it. I wanted to make it as easy as possible for Anne to get her dressed.
Not that I have control issues or anything. It was all for simplicity. Tyson was easy.....5 pairs of workout shorts, 5 tee shirts and I threw in one collared shirt for good measure, 1 Texas rangers hat and 1 OU visor ( he informed me he would not be combing his hair). Anyway.....the kids put together their own "carry on" bags, complete with lovee bunny, "Grace, Princess Merida and Tyson had his "guys." They were ready.
We met Anne and Jim at the Cracker Barrel in Gainsville. After a nutritious lunch of pancakes the kids were ready to head to Texas with Grandma and Grandpa. We had parked right next to them to make it easy to transfer the bags and booster seats. Long story slightly shorter........when Paul asked me, "hey where's Em's bag?" My heart sank because I knew it was right where I had left it..........on the floor in her room open with 5 one gallon Sharpe labeled zip lock baggies sticking out. That's right folks I HAD FORGOTTEN HER BAG. Seriously?!? We have taken MANY road trips, family vacations, long weekends and I HAVE NEVER FORGOTTEN A BAG.........EVER......till Saturday, August 4 2012. While I stood there trying to blink as if it wasn't really happening and surely Paul was just overlooking the pink and purple luggage in the back of my car Anne and Jim were trying to calm me down and assure me that it was "going to be ok." Was I seriously about to leave my baby for 5 days with just the clothes on her back, the tennis shoes on her feet and one lovee bunny? Anne and Jim told us it was fine and they would by her some clothes on their way in to town. But it wasn't just outfits, she needed EVERYTHING. Shorts, shirts, jammies, panties, swim suit, toothbrush, socks, flip flops, hair thingies. We kissed the kids goodbye and Tyson calmly said to me, "don't worry Mom, I'll help them shop. I know what you like." Love him!
Ok, back to the kids fun filled adventures with Grandma and Grandpa. Enough with my issues. Pictures courtesy of Grandpa Jim and outfits courtesy of Grandma Anne.
First stop after shopping for Em was the pool. My little fishes had to show off their mad water skills.
Sunday was Circus Day. The kids were thrilled. Tyson had been to the circus when he was four but Em had never been and she didn't know what to expect. Leah and Luke came too. The kids were pumped to hang out with their cousins. Unfortunately Paige was sick and couldn't join them.
When we talked to the kids that night they couldn't stop talking about how "cool" the circus was.
Em even got to go to every little girls dream store and pick out her birthday present. The American Girl Doll Store. She LOVED it!
Grace got a new outfit and some bathing gear. But shhhh, it's a surprise. She can't open it till her party. Em wants to go back soon.
I heard these two did some serious work on a giant grilled cheese from Five Guys!
After the circus Tyson was really impressed with the guy walking on stilts. So what does every Grandpa do for their grandson who was intrigued with the stilts? Well........he builds him his own pair. Jim and Tyson built a pair of stilts and Tyson absolutely loved walking in them.
Somehow it has become a tradition to just end every night there with a fire in the fire pit and s'mores.
The spent an afternoon at the Museum of Natural Science and History. I think this might have been a favorite. They talked quite a bit about this place. And from the looks of these faces I think they loved it.
What a way to wrap up their summer vacation. There was also a couple of afternoon movies and lots of eating out thrown in there along with a mani/pedi for Em. The kids had a blast and cannot wait to go back. They have informed me they are going back for a "whole week" next time. Better rest up Grandma and Grandpa!
Em just loved her new desk from Santa which came fully stocked with art supplies. 
And my Buddy got his electric scooter from Santa.
Props to Santa for also getting him the helmet!
The aftermath........
