Cousins

Two carloads of cousins arrived around 5:45 last night - 10 in all. Two sets of parents (one single) and 7 kids combined, ranging in age from 25 to 3 [kids only - not disclosing the parent's ages though they are 'close' to my age for the most part] led to a fun evening. Swimming, warming up in the hot tub, eating, laughing, playing Wii, etc. It was a fun-filled evening and I ended up feeling really glad we decided to have them here instead of meeting at a restaurant. We had a lot of fun and it made us wish (as it always does) that we lived closer. We're going to try to plan a trip down their way (So. Cal) next Spring/Summer. It was a fun time. Chloe especially enjoyed herself....we opened her 'gate' as soon as we heard the cars arrive and she greeted everyone with just a couple quick barks - and after that, she enjoyed herself immensely. Hung out with all of us outside, shadowing me and J. when needed. She had a blast. She especially enjoyed cleaning up after people and probably got a total of two hot dogs and various other 'crumbs' and treats by sniffing around all evening. The only thing she didn't particularly care for was being pursued by the 3 year old - and I couldn't blame her for that. She did very well and was completely and totally exhausted. We didn't get to bed until close to midnight and J. and I both slept in until 9ish! We were pooped! Good thing J. woke up a bit ahead of me, 'cuz we'd taken the pool sweep out (the 3 year old cousin kept insisting it was a snake and wouldn't go anywhere near the pool if the sweep was still in there) and had forgotten to put the sweep back in. The propulsion hose was spewing water all over the patio - good thing we don't have a drainage problem.

We're starting to get prepared for our trip. Finding rash guards; locating water shoes; rinsing off fins/snorkels/masks and getting them dried off and ready to pack. Attempting to avoid last minute frantic-ness as best we can. We're getting pretty good at beach vacations - and I already know what I'm taking re: clothes (minimal) and bought travel laundry detergent to know that I can wash anything I need. I'm determined to not over pack, especially since the airline we are on now charges for EVERY bag checked. No free baggage. Thankfully, J. is leaving golf clubs at home this time. Why haul them? There is a golf course near our rented condo and they will rent clubs if he decides to play.

It's approaching 1PM already - and I'm truly needing a nap today. Walking all four school campuses yesterday in the heat of the morning (it was HOT) pretty much zapped me, it seems. Hopefully, a nap will help. I have been productive this morning, while watching the Harry Potter movie marathon on ABC Family channel. Can't wait for Wednesday's release of the new movie and hoping to get out to see it Wednesday evening - though it may need to wait until we return from Mexico. Probably that's the most likely scenario....but I sure would love to see it Weds. or Thurs. before we leave.