Spring Break! and Family Reunion

Well, not quite a family reunion, but we did just have visits from Mina, James, Rosemary, Louis, Maureen, Gillian, and Sam! (Not to mention Sam, Lilli, and Monty.)

The kids were so, so excited about seeing their cousins! Rosemary and Beatrice, in particular, were inseparable, but Louis and Arthur had a great time, too. In fact, when Mina, Maureen, Rosemary, and Beatrice were out getting their nails done, the two boys spent the afternoon playing firefighter together.

Beatrice and Maureen at Kidspace

Playing together in the backyard:

Louis pushes Arthur in the doll stroller.

Rosemary and Beatrice playing "science."

Eating Chinese take-out in the backyard

With Maureen, Gillian, and Sam, we went to see this year's grunion run.  It was very exciting for the children to be woken up at 11pm and bundled into the car for a ride to Cabrillo Beach.

Arthur called himself a "hero" for helping the grunion make it back into the water.

With B's foot



William enjoying the grunion run.

 

 Enjoying the Arboretum:

 

 

 

The kids went all over the city, from the zoo to the beach, but the biggest thrill of all was a trip to LEGOLAND.  None of us had ever been there before, and the kids were thrilled - Louis and Arthur, especially, were beside themselves.  - I'm not sure I've ever seen Arthur so happy.  And Rosemary, Louis, and Beatrice all went on their first real rollercoaster and had a great time - they were all incredibly brave! (Poor Arthur was too short to meet the height requirement.)

This is a brilliant idea - kids play in a designated area while their parents wait in line.

 
 

 

He was this happy all day.

Arthur flies in an airplane

And of course everyone met baby William:

James and William color-coordinated

The best part of the vacation might have been watching the cousins play, but we also had some time for adults only (while our babysitter Cassidy tackled watching five kids). We went out to sushi, ate an amazing meal at the French restaurant Church and State, and had some very strong drinks at Tiki Ti.

 



Rosemary reads Beatrice a story.

But no matter how long relatives stay, it never feels like enough time - there are so many things we want to do together.  We miss everyone already - but we can't wait to see my family at the kids' birthday party and Dev's family this summer in Chile!

Rosemary drew this portrait of her with her cousins Beatrice and Arthur