Fun at E and Papa's

E and Papa (Damien's parents) live up in Wine Country or 'The Country'. It is not a big city but instead more of a weekend getaway town that offers a break from the fast paced life here in Silicon Valley. Don't get me wrong, I love the pace of life here but it is nice to leave it once in a while and breathe a different breath of fresh air. My kids absolutely love E and Papa's house. It has so many things to offer them and one of them is the property on which they live. They can go to E's park (a small side strip of land with a big playset and room to ride bikes), swim in their swimming pool, a front yard perfect for running though the sprinklers or playing catch with a football, a lush jungle of sorts in the backyard where they can go exploring, and a ping pong table which stays there 365 days a year! What's not to love!!!

We were happy to be able to make it up the country for a day trip and we had such a great time. We had a delicious luncheon and even got to play with Lani and her kids who came over just to see us! My kids love playing with their cousins and it was cute to see them all enjoying one another. Emily is getting older and learning to love people. She is completely captivated by Megan and Caitlin and was especially drawn to the baby doll. They were so sweet with her and it was just adorable! Girl Power!

I barely even saw Seamus, Michael, and Claire (except to eat) because they were deep on the property making bows and arrows and using their imagination. You know, I have so much respect for Seamus. He is Lani's oldest child and he has always been fantastic with my kids. When Michael was about three, he started giving Michael attention and Michael LOVED it!! They are about five years apart in age and Seamus has always made Michael feel accepted despite the age gap. Seamus is Michael's idol- there is no question about that. He is even really great with Claire and I can't thank him enough for the hours he has spent helping them to expand their imagination and build up their confidence. What a cousin, huh?

Later that night, E made a great big crab dinner (Marlene knows I love crab) and we got to just sit around and catch up. The highlight of the evening for me was when Marlene (E) let Matthew have a big tub of spumoni ice cream. I am not sure he has ever had this classic italian ice cream but he loved it and kept walking around the house saying, "I yove spu-yonie". He cried when I had to take it away from him when it was time to go home but he talked about it the whole ride home. We had a great time at E and Papa's and they are always such great hosts and we love to go up and see them when we can! Thanks E and Papa for the great day! We love you!