Jam-Packed

Our labor day weekend was full to the brim with friends and fun. We made a trip up to the cities to visit some of our friends, and we were able to spend time with 6 different families - all of whom had plenty of children for our kids to play with. Wherever we went, the kids made immediate friends. After hopping from place to place, Elena was quite disappointed to learn that we were going back to our house on Monday. She has already planned sleep-overs with two of the little girls she played with this weekend.

At the playground with Nate and Jude. I didn't realize Elena had her mouth on the bridge until I looked at these pictures. Just boosting the ol' immune system. (Their mom, Erica, took the above picture of our family). We had a great time staying with their family - especially since Erica's sister's family was also staying there with their 7 children, which made for 6 adults and 11 kids staying at the house. There was never a dull moment!

We went to visit the other friends who just bought a new house and happened to be having a house-warming party, so we were again able to visit with several families. The kids had a great time on the tire swing. Elena is swinging with Joshua . His mom and I were pregnant with them at the same time, so it was fun to see them old enough to play together.

Elena with her fast friends, Maria (in white) and Stephanie. Maria was one of the slumber-party planners :)

The next day was onto a park to visit with our friends who have moved to Texas. It was great to see them again and to meet their 4th and newest child. Here is Sam playing with Siena (just 2 weeks older than him). Elena, Jerome and Elliot were too fast to get a good picture!

That evening brought us to the home of one of Seth's co-workers. I will be sponsering their daughter for her upcoming confirmation so we stopped there for some confirmation preperation and a delicious supper. Our kids were once again in 7th heaven in a home with 8 children (ranging from 18 to 5 months) and 9 puppies! Our visit lead into a spur of the moment sleep-over with a big morning breakfast. Here is Sam, playing cars with Paul.

These puppies, by the way, are available for anyone who wants one. They are 3/4 labrador and 1/4 golden retriever. They would make good hunting dogs and are great with children - they're also very cute! Let me know if you're interested.