Birmingham

Jared, Hunter, Scout, and I packed up last Friday afternoon and drove to Birmingham. What is normally a three hour trip took six and a half after getting stuck behind a tractor trailer wreck! I learned some valuable lessons in mother-preparedness as I only packed for a short trip and certainly did not have any dinner packed or nearly enough toys. Hunter was a trooper though and we made it on peanut butter crackers, apple juice, and a box that we could put toys in and out of until we finally made it to chic-fil-a for a run around break and some nuggets. 

It was worth it though as we got to spend great time with Connor whose cancer has returned. He is five and this is the third round of cancer. I do believe that his remaining time on this earth is limited and we are anxious to pack in some good memories. 

Hunter's face in the photo below captures what a great weekend it was. We had a wonderful balance of conversation time with the family mixed with kid friendly activities. 

Connor had gotten new games of Sorry, Trouble, and Headbandz. I love board games! Connor often wanted to be on my team which ultimately meant that he sat on my lap and I watched while he played the game. 

Hunter adores his time with the cousins. He feels very much like a big boy. 

Connor wanted to go camping so Jared and I packed up the tent and popped it up in the yard. The kids played in it for approximately three minutes and then moved on. Zero little people wanted to sleep outside in the dark which I was totally okay with since it was a hundred degrees outside and the bed felt quite delightful.

We fed the ducks twice at the nearby lake which the kids and I loved.

The grand finale of the weekend was the water balloon fight. Do you see the two tubs full of water balloons!?! Karen purchased almost $100 of those new water balloon fillers so we were loaded. 

As with any good water fight, the water balloons gave way to buckets of water gave way to the hose. After watching the kids and me enjoy the activity, the family declared that I had the most fun of anyone out there. Quite true. There is nothing I love more than a good water balloon fight. Except, of course, a slip n' slide. Never to fear, it's already packed for the next trip. 

This little peanut steals my heart every day.