There's a Countdown Going On

MED and MAD, in particular, have a countdown going on in our house. It really kind of tickles me to see MED do this as she's been practicing subtraction skills without even realizing it (she's four!). What are they counting down to? Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt L, Uncle M, and cousins M and C are all coming to visit. The kids are all very excited and we have spent the last few days working on getting the house ready. Surprisingly, everyone is staying with us and I think the sleeping arrangements should work. Only two of my kids get displaced and they're happy about sleeping on the couches in our rec room. What troopers they are.

We have a few plans in place - nothing too involved and things that everyone should enjoy. I know that everyone will like Garden of the Gods as it's an easy walk and very pretty to look at. That same evening, 'the guys' and CED are going up to Denver to watch the Colorado Rapids play. JAD is very excited and can hardly stand himself knowing that the game is coming very soon. We're going to spend the 4th just hanging around the house, do some barbecuing, and let the kids run through the sprinklers. On a side note, we've had a rather warm summer so far, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s. My air conditioningless house has gotten rather warm, so I think the kids (and maybe even adults???) will enjoy running through some water. Hopefully we will be able to partake in fireworks, though I'm doubting that will happen as there is a burn ban in effect (about a quarter inch of precipitation in the last month and a half). Next Tuesday, Manitou Springs is where it's at. If you've never been there, it's a quaint little town with a main street full of little shops. It's really fun to just walk through and poke your head into all the different establishments there. In the middle of one side is a penny arcade (the games really cost a quarter) and a little kid's delight - lots of motorized riding toys. I know this will be the highlight of the younger kids' day and a great bribing point for us parents (no, I'm not above bribery).

Sadly, L, M, M, and C have to leave on the 6th. Grandma and Grandpa will be staying with us a few days beyond that and we are looking forward to a little hiking with them in the mountains. All in all, it should be an enjoyable week with family. After all, the cousins haven't seen one another in 2 1/2 years. It's going to be a crazy, loud, fun week spending time with family.

And now I'm off to continue cleaning my house...