visit with shakespeares

We decided it would be best if I took the kids away for the weekend. Travis had his Idaho Licencing Exam on Monday and would need some peace and solitude to prepare. It was really good timing, because the kids had the next week off for Spring Break.

I have never driven to Utah on my own, let alone with 4 kids in tow. I was a little frightened. I did go and get a DVD player for the car, which we have never done before (our kiddos tend to get car sick). We left really early and everything went fabulously!

My sisters family have lived in Minnesota until they recently moved to Utah. Needless to say we have always lived really far apart, so we took this chance to visit them. We arrived Saturday afternoon. We played out at the park, some Wii, we had a dance party, and fed the kids dinner. When Will got home, he sent us off to have a quiet dinner. I won't embarrass myself by describing the sushi more than my nephews, but lets just say it was good enough to take several pictures to remember it by. So fun to have some alone sister time! How fun would it be to have all of my sisters and sisters-in-law together ;)hint hint...

Sunday was a lovely mellow day. I attempted church, but Felix, after missing his nap, was like trying to hold down a wiggling goldfish. I took him home and napped him. When everyone got home we headed to Temple Square. It was so beautiful! All of the flowers were planted for Conference and it was very fragrant. There was just enough running around and quiet reverent stuff to make for a nice balance. I was surprised to run into our dear babysitter from Fresno and some of her family! It was nice to see our friends.

Sunday night after putting the kids to bed, I played games with Jill and Will. It was so fun to have that grown up time. I think the only times we have been together was at reunions where it is harder to get alone time.

Monday we had a wonderful adventure. Jill suggested taking the train downtown Salt Lake to Gateway Mall. It was quite an excursion that I never would have attempted with four kids on my own. Jill just had her youngest, Henry, and was so much help to me. Lydia had adopted her anyway. Lydia informed me that she liked Jill better than me and was going to live with her now.

We had a quick trip. We made a stop at the Shade store. Then some ice cream. Then we headed back! When we got home, Will had picked up the kids, picked up dinner, gone to redbox, and was ready for our party. We ate, watched, cleaned, and ended with a lovely Family Home Evening. It was a great end to our visit.

The kids all got along really well. Of course, Lydia and Sammy were a pleasure to watch. Felix loved the attention from all his cousins, Lorenzo especially. Henry was very patient in letting his mommy get kissed by Felix and William could captivate an entire room of 7 kids with his Wii skills.