Paducah

We had to say goodbye to our friends this morning. We took a few last pictures and got a few last hugs. There were several (or a lot) of random ways to procrastinate before all three kids were loaded up and headed back to Milwaukee with Amber. We were sad to see them go but so happy they came!

Because we had a couple free hours on our hands and some really good light before it got too hot, I bribed my children into dressing up for Porch Portraits – something I have been doing the last several years on Gram’s porch every summer.

Today we did a little bit of everything. The big boys spent the morning drawing while the younger kids watched TV. Then we remembered that we hadn’t actually taken a picture of the seven kids together (what is happening to me!?!). Next up was a trip to Vertical Jump. This had been high on Kaitlyn’s list of things to do in Paducah and even better to do it with good friends. Then we had BBQ for lunch. We spent the evening at the country club and wrapped up the evening with a game or two of Bingo. Abram also brought his virtual reality at Alex’s request and he tried it out after everyone else was in bed.

We normally spend at least a few days of every summer visiting old friends in Milwaukee. Sadly, we couldn’t make our schedule work with our friends’ (two families). It turns out that the nine kids and working adults have very busy calendars. I had given up on seeing them when Amber asked if she could bring her three kids to see us in Paducah!? We of course said yes and were so excited when they arrived late last night.

We had a lazy morning watching TV and eating breakfast in shifts.

We then spent most of the day at my dad’s pool just being us. Except for one unfortunate encounter with a bee, we had a great time.

We headed to the pool again and everybody kept themselves entertained – thankfully. This heat is no joke! Ben is still loving the high dive. He has also been practicing swimming without his floaty. I’m hoping he will do just as well when we get back to his swim teacher.

We didn’t have any “big” activities planned today. The kids love getting up early and then watching TV in their pajamas. My only rule is at some point they have to watch a show Ben actually enjoys, which gets quite a few groans, but nobody leaves the room.

Then we picked up Starnes BBQ and headed to the CSI park to enjoy a “picnic” lunch.

We knew this week was going to be insanely hot and that would rule out most of our non-water related activities. My kids love the water so I also knew multiple trips to the pool would not be a problem. We had a lazy morning at Gram’s and then met the cousins at the pool. What has surprised me is that how few people have been at the pool. I expected it to be fairly crowded but only a few families have been there each time with us – which is probably a good thing. We are a fairly crazy crew!

We made it to Gram’s yesterday and spent the evening just relaxing. She had Chick-fil-a nuggets waiting (because she always does), and then my kids proceeded to fight over playing with her. I actually pulled out my book and got some alone time.

Today we woke up early and had some Red’s donuts (another first day in KY tradition). Then we met up with the cousins at the pool. Kaitlyn was a little tentative to venture into the deep end with her new swimming skills but she quickly figured it all out. Ben jumped right off the diving board because he has no fear.

One of Kaitlyn’s favorite activities at Gram’s house is Bingo. Gram has a random assortment of prizes – stuffed animals, $5 bills, gift cards, and dollar store items. The other kids will play, but Kaitlyn loves it. She is always trying to get enough people interested in to get a game going. Alex agreed to one game tonight and Teague played two.

We were back on the road again, but this time we are heading towards Gram’s house. The kids are always content in the car because they love their iPads (thank goodness).

Wade and I had the great idea to break up the day by stopping for lunch at Lambert’s. We hadn’t been in ages and the kids had never experienced the throwing of the rolls.

Then we were back on the road and we got to Gram’s house in time to spend a little time with family before bedtime. Then it’s back on the road again tomorrow.

We are taking full advantage of Gram and her willingness to bond with Ben. (She of course loves every minute of staying home with him.) Melissa has one extra seat in her minivan which always comes in handy on these trips. It is my biggest regret when it comes to my car. We loaded up her car and headed to Tennessee for the day. Our first stop was the Drive Through Safari Park. My boys have been years ago with Granny and Pop, but I don’t think they even remember. Regardless we decided it would be a good adventure for the day and something new compared to last summer. We also promised them awesome milkshakes afterwards.

The Grind is a restaurant found in Martin, TN that is well known for its milkshakes! Today was the prefect excuse to stop in and try a few! We were warmly greeted by the staff and each child was found a small gaming console (Thank you!). The milk shakes definitely take while to make, but they are true creations. Mine was delicious! The boys finished theirs and Kaitlyn had three bites (which is typical for her). I can’t wait to tell Wade about this place and I wish he could still have traditional milkshakes. He would have loved to try one.

We tend to have big adventures when we are at Gram’s house over the summer, but we also have a lot of fun just around the house and with the cousins. Here are a some random images from the week.

Today we went out to B and Mary’s house. The kids love having a big pool (and slide) all to themselves. Teague loved the airplane he discovered with a built-in water gun – look out! Ben found a car and was happy as a clam. Kaitlyn was fascinated with the slide but couldn’t quite work up the nerve to get to the top of the ladder. Alex was crazy, as usual and loved it all.

We spent today enjoying Paducah. We had our traditional first-moring-in-Paducah-breakfast of Red’s donuts. Gram takes my car and all the kids in their pajamas to get the donuts. (I get to stay home and wait for mine to be delivered.) We lazed the morning away and the kids enjoyed all of the toys at Gram’s house and maybe a few cartoons too. Then we ventured to Starn’s for BBQ sandwiches for lunch. The kids thought eating at the counter was great fun. Later that afternoon the boys got out Gram’s change bowl and sorted money. The deal used to be that if you could count it out then Gram would pay you in paper money what you counted. We did inform the boys they were a little too old and advanced for that. They still had fun playing in the money. Kaitlyn worked all the puzzles. Ben took a great nap and then made a mess with all the toys. We spent the evening with some good family friends. Teague was in heaven riding the 4-wheeler with Buddy. I think he would have ridden all night if he could have.