Day 3 With Cousins

Our kids were very excited to take their cousins to our church Sunday so that they could meet some of their friends.  Unfortunately Katia got a bit sick on the way there, but she bounced back and was good the rest of the day.

Our "real" summer weather has returned so that means it's sticky hot, but there was plenty of running around outside again....so much so that the sword fights continued to ensue.  Thankfully we only had one minor injury, Caleb vs. the tree.  No stitches required.  Phew!

 Jennifer and I share the same birthday, July 4, but will narrowly miss being together this year.  So Chris braved holding down the fort with ten kids and let the birthday girls go out for some shopping and dinner.  It was a treat to have a few hours of just the two of us!

Day 2 With Cousins

After finally getting everyone settled in last night about 11 o'clock, most of the kids slept in a bit this morning.  The cousins have done great as far as not much jet lag.  It was fun just to watch the kids run around and play all day.

Michaela and Anika went to work immediately on their Girls For God e-zine 

Caleb squealed with delight when I pushed him on the rope swing.  I was his favorite "pusher".  :)

Gideon, my cute "Barney" that I shared a bed with in Japan!  We had fun playing games, shucking corn, and getting the mail together.

These two were pretty inseparable all day.

Oh, the sword fighting and boy play that is so different from girl play.  

 

Currently, Aunt Jennifer and the older three girls are out doing some American shopping.  Anika was anxious to hit the mall and get her ears pierced!  What great memories are being made.

They're Here!!

It was so exciting to wake up yesterday and know that "TODAY is the day".  The last time my sister's family was in the States was four years ago, which was just before little Gideon was born.  The last time our family was in Japan was 2.5 years ago when we were on our way to China to get Elijah.  We left Osaka on the morning of Jan. 8th and that afternoon was Gotcha.  With Skype we feel like they've met, but it was neat to introduce Elijah in person to his five cousins and Aunt Jennifer.

Waiting, waiting:

They're here!!

Ami and Katia, both five, so happy to see each other!

24 hours of travel, Jennifer and the kids did great.  I love Elijah's huge grin.

Count them, ten happy cousins.

The sun was bad for pictures, but I wanted to get the crew in the van....Benjamin, Josiah, Elijah, and Johanna.

Gideon, Michaela, and Caleb

Katia, Anika, and Ami

I love my big sister, Jennifer!

(The STL airport's main terminal still has most of the windows boarded up due to the tornado that hit in April.)

Finally home to Uncle Chris.....he was one passenger too many that wouldn't have fit in the van!

This is going to be a crazy, fun-packed week.  With years between the times that we see each other, this week is precious.  I love that our kids have relationships despite the miles.  Anika and Michaela email and chat even more regularly than Jennifer and I.  Benjamin, Elijah, and Josiah email and use Skype to discuss designs for their MindStorms and Legos.  Katia and Ami always have a hoot being silly on Skype.  Having technology to use across the miles is wonderful! 

All the Wolfes in KC

Shortly after our guests left yesterday, we headed to KC for a mini-Wolfe reunion.  Grandpa and Grandma Wolfe had flown in from Russia this week and it had been almost a year since we were all together last. 

We enjoyed the beautiful mild summer weather and played outside and enjoyed a yummy cookout.  We're looking forward to more time with Grandpa and Grandma Wolfe after our trip out West.

These two, so happy to see each other!

The kids always enjoy playing games with Grandpa and Grandma.  This time it was bananagrams.

Watching the girls jump from the trampoline into the pool was a hoot!

Benjamin said we have to get a hammock like Uncle Eric and Aunt Kate's. I agree.

Uncle Chris with Zane

Zane wants to learn some moves from Benjamin on the Rubik's Cube.

Titus, getting so big and grown up.  He really wanted to join the others in the bigger pool, but after trying it a couple of times and getting splashed, he decided the smaller pool was safer.  It won't be too long before he's running with the "big" kids.

Aunt Kate with Titus.

Grandpa and Grandma with all of their treasures.  When I get photos from Kate I'll post one of our entire bunch.  (I love how Ami and Elle had to hold hands.  And doesn't Elle look so cute in her new glasses?!)

Day 4 With 13

Last morning.....enjoying the amazingly gorgeous cool summer weather outside!

Yea!  Daddy H is back, and he can push the kids higher on the rope swing that I can!

Mommy H had to try out the rope swing, too.  

Thanks for sharing your six treasures with us.  We had a great few days!

Now we're off to KC to see Grandpa and Grandma Wolfe who just flew in from Russia.  Looking forward to the family time there, then more family time when the cousins arrive tomorrow.  Hang on tight, we're on our super summertime schedule!

Day 3 With 13

Wow!  The house was quiet until about 7:30 this morning!  I think the kids wore themselves out yesterday.  Everyone sleepily arose and we opened the doors and windows to welcome a beautiful mild summer day.  From 90s and humid to 70s and dry, the change is so refreshing.

Lunch on the deck:

Enjoying the gorgeous weather:

 Lots of rope swinging, Capture the Flag, and Freeze Tag:

We saw a couple of turkeys with about 10 babies; here's one perched in the tree:

Some little girl talked the boys into having a tea party with her, the ponies, and a couple of barbies:

Ahhh, mandatory quiet time :)

The outbreak of joy and cheering after the kids were informed that we were going out to eat and to Going Bonkers tonight....

Meal line-up:

Cutest duo ever!  Ami is about 6 months older, but a bit on the shorter side.

It's been a fun three days with our friends.  And it's been a great trial run for our next set of six house guests that arrive on Friday.  We can't wait!