Visit from the Adam Nagel's

A few weeks ago Lauren called and asked if they could come visit. YES, PLEASE! I think was my response. Amy has been counting down the days, Lauren wouldn't tell her boys until they were leaving. A tactic I should have used, as Amy was sooooooo excited. Anyhow- they got here on Thursday and it's been non-stop fun ever since.

The first evening they got here we had dinner then let the kids play outside until late. They had a ton of fun catching more and more lightening bugs.

(At this point, Amy and Jackson were sharing a jar and she was mad
 that he got to hold it for the photo. So she's pouting behind him)

We tried letting them all sleep together, but around midnight, we realized that wasn't going to work and separated some very sad little children!

On Friday we decided to head to Nashville and explore a little. I've really only been there one time (with Aunt Lynn) so I didn't know much about it. (although thank heavens I did take that tour with Aunt Lynn! It did help!)

We walked down by the river. LP Field (where the Titans play) is in the background.

We ate lunch at Big River (which is where I ate with Aunt Lynn and Ann. So I knew it was good)
Lee's face here cracks me up...

 

We walked up and down the main drag where all the country music bars are.

Stopping for a rest....

(I'm shocked that Will actually smiled for this picture)

Then we walked down 4th street, I pointed out where Taylor Swift lives (well, the highrise) and the kids played in a fountain. It was soooooo hot out and that marble was even hotter. So they didn't play long!

By that point it was just so hot (it was around 96 deg), we had to get back to our cars and a/c. We had wanted to ride the free bus and see some other things, but we knew the kids wouldn't cooperate. So, next time we are going to hire a sitter and us adults are going to do a bunch of fun things. The kids did well though, despite the heat, and it exhausted all of them. Most everyone took a nap either in the car or when we got home.

When they all woke up, we filled the kiddie pool and sent them out. Lee (reluctantly) had to go to school for some more dissertation edits and Lauren and I started on dinner. So Adam was the "kid watcher." At one point he came in and Lauren said, "You are leaving them outside alone? What if one of them drowns?" He didn't say anything and quietly walked back to their room. He came out a few minutes later.....with his swimsuit on. We just died laughing. (Lauren had just finished saying how he was a big kid). Then he jumped in the pool. I don't blame him, I would have too- it was really hot outside.

After dinner, they caught more lightening bugs and this time each had their own jar. I didn't get a picture of this, but when they were supposed to come in, we saw a frog jump out from the grass. Of course, they all wanted to run and grab it (Amy being the ringleader) but mean Mom/Aunt Sarah wouldn't let them. So instead we watched it. One of the kids had left their jar on the sidewalk, full of lightening bugs. The frog hopped over to it and kept jumping at the jar, trying to get the locked bugs. It was so funny to watch! Later on, I took the lid off and laid it down. A minute later, the frog jumped into the jar and had himself a feast.

On Saturday, we were all a bit tired, so it was kind of a lazy day. We all slept in, to some extent. And the kids watched cartoons.

While those 3 watched tv, sweet Maddox played with Tyler. Maddox loves baby Tyler and you could frequently find him looking at/playing with him. Such a sweet boy!

I don't think anyone even got dressed until around 11am! The kids played in the pool again, then lunch and more play.

We have them in Will's room. So there is the bunk beds and an air mattress. The kids had started jumping from the top bunk, onto the air mattress. I was a little worried that the mattress would pop at some point, so I ruined their fun and let the air out.

After awhile, my kids had rest time and Adam, Lauren and their kids went to check out some local stores. Will had a great nap (which he desperately needed!) and then more and more play. These cousins are so cute together and really get along quite well. Of course, there are a few spats (currently, Amy is ruining Maddox's block creation and he isn't happy about it. A minute ago, Jackson was trying to play with Will's guitar and Will did NOT like that.) But there aren't many.

That evening we Skyped the Ben Nagel's. All the kids here loved seeing Chase and Landon (and Uncle Ben too). Chase showed us a bunch of his airplanes- he's so cute! Little Brooklyn was sleeping so we didn't see her and Aunt Ashley was busy outside, so we just saw her for a minute. Skype is so nice! I love being able to video chat with out of town family!!

Then we had a pizza and movie night. The kids watched Alvin and The Chipmunks, and when we got them in bed, us adults watched New Years Eve (which we all liked).  

Sadly, the morning brought the end of their visit. They left around 9am and Amy had tears in her eyes.

Let me tell you- they are the best house guests! Adam swept my floors and cleaned up several times a day... Lauren was always cleaning the kitchen and did loads of laundry..... and they both held, bounced and rocked Tyler. It was wonderful!! Of course, they didn't have to do any of it, but it was such a help that they did! Perfect house guests! (I should be more like them when I'm places!)

We had an awesome visit and we are so grateful they came! I love that the cousins love each other so much and always have a good time. Even Will is old enough now to run around with them and he and Maddox seemed to hit it off. Thanks Adam and Lauren for the visit!! We hope we came do it again soon!