McLaughlins in the South

We had a very warm welcome as we arrived at Rob and Shannon's beautiful house. Caroline, the twins, Parker and Preston, and Shannon welcomed us with open arms. They took us right up to the play room so our kids could warm up. Matthew was a little unsure since he had just woken up and was really wanting his pacifier. But Andrew and Molly didn't skip a beat. After we played in the playroom for a little bit we went outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather. It was sunny and 80!!! Everyone was in heaven. They have 3 four wheelers and 3 additional ride on toys so everyone had something to drive. Their house is in the perfect location because they live in a cul de sac which is like a big race track for the kids.

Fast Friend: Parker and Matthew

Hello Texas!

We got a call that Rob and Drew were headed back home and that pizza was on the way. It was the perfect dinner after a day of traveling. We ate outside by their pool and enjoyed the beautiful weather. After dinner Drew gave the boys a bath and I gave Molly a bath in the sink. I wish you could have seen Caroline, Parker, and Preston while I gave Molly a bath. They thought it was so cool that she was in the sink having a bath! They are going to be great big siblings…good thing, because Shannon is pregnant with twins, again! After baths, we watched a movie in their theater room (aka Andrew's bedroom). Then it was time for bed! Molly slept in the office in a pack n play and Matthew slept in the guest bedroom with us in a crib. Once everyone was asleep we enjoyed some adult time with Rob and Shannon outside with our feet in the hot tub. Then it was time to head to bed after such an eventful day!

Saturday the McLaughlin's were up early (as always) so we hung out in our room while the rest of the world was asleep. Then Rob and Drew went to get coffee and bagels while Shannon and I stayed back with the kiddos. After breakfast we headed to a park by their house. The kids had a great time but Drew and Rob had more fun! They were like two boys back in college. They were throwing the football playing all kinds of games. Let me tell you, it was quite entertaining. We grabbed Chick fill a for lunch and ate back at their house. Then it was nap time!!! While the kids napped I was able to sneak out for a run. It was so nice to get a run in but I have to tell you, I'm not used to running in 80 degree weather, more like 20, it's quite a bit different. After naps the kids played in the hot tub for a little bit and then we got ready for dinner. We went to Rob and Shannon's favorite Mexican restaurant. It was delicious and we were able to eat outside since it was so beautiful. After dinner we headed to a frozen yogurt place where you make you add your own toppings and pay by the weight. The boys loved adding their own toppings and the fact that they each got their own dessert (that's rare:)). Then when we got back to the house the basketballs came out and everyone worked off their Mexican and frozen yogurt.

Where are Matthew and Andrew?

Boys being Boys

Hmmm, what next?

Enjoying a little queso

A smile after getting hit in the face with a basketball

Sunday we started off playing in the front of the house with all the ride on toys and balls. Then we had the bright idea to have the kids race around the cul de sac. It was so cute watching all their little legs move as fast as they could. After some capri suns we headed to the pool. Rob had heated the pool overnight so it was warm enough for the kids to get in. They had a blast! Andrew was mad at me that I didn't keep up his swim lessons over the winter because he was ready to go but I told him we would start again soon. Molly sat on the top step and played with a bucket and kitchen utensils. Matthew's favorite thing was the Barbie floatie:). They were worn out after the busy morning which made nap time a breeze! Sunday night we stayed in and grilled steaks, chicken and hot dogs for the kids. It was so nice to sit around the pool on such a beautiful evening.

Driving Miss Daisy

False start Molly!

Monday was our last day:( We spent the morning at another park with a pond and a firefighter pole. Unfortunately our kids started melting down sooner than expected. After the park we headed to a really nice outdoor mall and had a delicious lunch at Tommy Bahama. After lunch the kids ran around in the courtyard and then we headed home for naps. Molly fell asleep on the way home and was not excited about transferring. I tried laying her down a little while later but it was a no go. After the nappers woke up we played out front and then ordered pizza and tried to get everyone in bed early so the adults could watch the Bachelor:) Our plan worked pretty well!

We put them to work

The whole crew in one place at one the same time!

Tuesday morning we woke up early and hit the road to the airport. It's about an hour plus drive to the airport in rush hour traffic. Traffic was pretty bad but Drew assured me we would be fine. About half way to the airport Molly got sick in the rental van. Talk about my worst nightmare! I hopped in the back and helped as much as I could but there wasn't much I could do. We pulled over as we pulled up to the rental car place to clean her "rental" carseat and change her outfit. We threw her clothes away and jumped on the shuttle. I was very on edge worrying that she was going to get sick again on the shuttle, in the security line, waiting to board, on the plane. To our wonderful surprise she didn't! Thank you GOD!!!

We boarded our plane on time, there was a small maintenance problem that they were able to fix and we backed away from the gate. After we backed away the pilot came on and said that another maintenance light came on and we were going to have to go back to the gate! NOT A GOOD DAY FOR THIS! Talk about anxiety for me. I just wanted to get my baby girl home! We pulled back up to the gate and we were informed that it would be at least an hour. The boys were okay staying on the plane but my wonderful husband agreed to take Molly off and walk around with her. He came back with lunch for the boys and a sleeping baby, talk about amazing! We finally took off and had a smooth flight home. Unfortunately Molly didn't sleep during the flight so there was a lot of passing back and forth and entertaining going on but she did great and so did the boys. We arrived, grabbed our bags and hopped in our van which was waiting for us with my wonderful brother as the chauffeur.

Such a guy:)

HOME SWEET HOME!!! Thanks for an amazing weekend Rob, Shannon, Caroline, Parker, and Preston!