Hooray for Spring Break!

Christian's brother Michael and sister Kayla had spring break last week, and lucky for us the whole Kelsey clan came to Denver to spend the day with us. Christian's dad texted me in the morning to let me know they had made it on their flight (they fly stand-by since he works for the airline). I got the kids up and told them to get ready for the day because a surprise was coming. I wish I would have taken a picture of the look on their face when they saw Grandpa pull into the driveway. They were so excited---and with good reason! We had quite a fun day. 

Our first stop was to eat pancakes. The kids got to ride in Chris' rental car, which they thought was awesome. I got to ride in my car, all alone, listening to NPR (and no Disney music), which I thought was even more awesome.

I liked how the kids quickly paired off girls with girls,

and boys with boys.

We kept joking that Kate has a personality just like Kayla's and James has a personality just like Michael's. I think it's pretty accurate, and I'll be totally happy if Kate grows up to be just like Kayla and James grows up to be just like Michael. They are pretty fantastic people! Seriously, you'd be hard pressed to find nicer teenagers than these two.

  During breakfast James kept looking at me and saying, "Grandpa sounds like Daddy." I tried to explain to him that's because Grandpa is Daddy's Daddy, but I'm not sure he got it.

James and Kate both got chocolate chip pancakes. They both refused to eat the bacon, sausage, syrup, or butter that came along with them. James pretty much devoured his pancakes in a couple bites.

After breakfast, very generous grandpa took the kids to Toys R Us to pick out whatever toy they wanted.  Kate couldn't believe it. She said, "Mom, can I whisper something in your ear?" I leaned down and she said, "Do I really get to pick something out to keep?? Today??"

Kate and Kayla found some pretty good stuff in the princess aisle. Kate eventually picked an Anna doll from the movie Frozen and a Merida doll from the movie Brave, but it took her a long time to decide.

The boys went off on their own and found balls and a pirate toy. They then had to wait while Kate made up her mind, but they found ways of entertaining themselves.

The store trip wasn't complete with out a giant q-tip battle.

 Kate was thrilled that she had two willing people to play 1,2,3 Jump with her in the parking lot on the way back to the car. Christian and I are boring and usually cut her off at one jump.

When we got back to our place, everyone played and played and played. We even played a game of t-ball (boys against girls), which came to an abrupt end when James bailed and decided he'd rather watch from Grandpa's rental car.

Thank goodness Chris and Michael were there to assemble James' pirate tower. I'm not sure I could have even gotten it out of the box alone!  It was pretty secure in there.

James was excited to have someone new to play 'baby' with.

We finished off with a trip to my kids' all time favorite restaurant (Noodles), and then went across the street for ice cream. I did mention this day was awesome, right? Because it really was.

Kate tried to convince me they she was going to fly back with grandpa to Utah. When I told her I would miss her too much, she said, through tears, "But Mom, I'll come back and visit you sometimes!"

I know how she feels! I was missing them when they left, too. Michael and Kayla are a great aunt and uncle and Chris is a wonderful dad and grandpa. I wish we lived closer!
 

Come back and visit any time Kelseys!