Whirl wind weekend

What a weekend we had. Complete with fun, sun and lots of cousins. We had a late start on Saturday due to bikes. It was the first time I have driven with the kids bikes on the car. They were so pleased to have them and road all over the park with their cousins. We had a nice evening. Cousin One and I made cakes for the birthday celebrations. Uncle P also had a birthday. We made him a castle cake. It looked like something from Candyland. We made Cousin One a round cake with stars. It was a good time. Her and I shared many laughs during the cake preparation. Day two included a trip to the zoo! What a day that was. I was proud of our group, Seven, Five and Three walked the entire zoo. Three was very proud to hold the map throughout the park. She was hilarious. She wanted to wear the zebra dress and was a good girl throughout the entire day. We had a great time and came home with a season pass. Now we can go all year long. The kids loved it and can't wait to go back. It was a bit of chaos keeping track of so many children.

For those of you who don't know, there are nine cousins. Cousin 1 couldn't come, she had to work. She is the oldest and just turned seventeen. Cousin 2 was a big help with stroller pushing and collapsing. He finished the eighth grade this year and recently took a trip to Chicago. Cousin 3 is always amazing with all the kids. He is an awesome baseball player. All the boys want to be like him. Cousin 4 brought a friend and were inseparable during the entire zoo visit. She took Three under her wing our first night at their house. Three slept in the girl room with 4 and 6. Cousin 5 his good buddies with Seven and Five. They work well together and followed each other around at the zoo. Cousin 6 is as sweet as can be. Cousin 7 just turned three. He can take things apart and wants to be with the big kids. Cousin 8 doesn't talk, but is always a step behind Cousin 7. He will celebrate his second birthday in a couple days. Cousin 8 can put on the cheese when a camera comes out. Cousin 9 is six months old and the happiest baby I've seen in a long time. He always has a smile for you and just goes with whatever the situation is.

We were quite the group. We had extra adults with us too. Relatives from Grand Rapids always come to town Memorial weekend. They love the kids and enjoyed our time at the zoo as well. Aunt M and Aunt H, along with Grandpa T and Grandma Y were at the zoo for a short time. We met a friend Miss J there too. It was great, but exhausting.

Sunday we celebrated the birthdays and spent the night at Uncle P and Aunt S's house. My kids didn't really want to leave so we brought Cousins 5 and 6 with. They played hard all weekend, went to bed late and woke up early. I knew it would be rough upon our return. Five had too much sun and was sick in the car on the ride home, didn't make for a very good homecoming. I kept him home this morning for some more rest. We will recover and look forward to the last two weeks of school.