This past weekend was our annual visit from my friend Sara and her 2 kids. What started back I was on mat leave with Cooper has turned into an event that both the adults and kids look forward to. We have covered off so much of the city and we rarely do the same activity twice. Except Calaway Park. We've been doing Calaway Park every year for as many as I can remember.
The one problem we run into is that Sara's kids are adventurous when it comes to rides and mine are not. Let's put it this way. Macy is barely 6 and she couldn't wait to get on the roller coaster this year. Grady on the other hand is 11 and has little interest in giving it a go.
The ship, as shown below, is Grady's favorite ride and up until this year has been the scariest ride he would even consider. Trust me, it is not that scary.
Sara and Macy were sitting across from us and while Macy's expression is totally real, Sara saw me taking the picture. I think it is an awesome one just the same.
Poor Macy is the only girl of the group and she takes it like a champ. In normal fashion, when you say everyone turn around for the photo, the only one that looks and poses is Miss Macy. Of course.
This year Grady tried this drop ride. It is always my favorite. I love losing my stomach on rides, I do not like to spin. I was happy that Grady stepped out of his comfort zone and tried something new, and he loved it. He went on it multiple times even by himself. Despite the non smile, I promise he was enjoying it!
Our new adventure this year was a trip to the mountains. We decided last year instead of putting Calaway Park on the top of the priority list that it was time to bring Sara's kids to the mountains. They loved the view so much that at lunch the 2 oldest refused to switch spots with us so we could enjoy it. Insert eye roll.
What you can't tell from these pictures is that Macy got car sick on the way and threw up just before we started the hike. Thankfully she recovered and we were able to finish the Grassi Lakes Trail which is about a 5km hike round trip with spectacular views. This is the first time we walked all around the lake and ventured into the caves. It made for a great photo op! There was no way I was climbing in that cave.
Here we are after our hike drinking Bud Lite and wearing the name tags (labelled proudly by Macy) that came in the box of beer we purchased on the way home.
The other part of our group looked a little like this. My boys love having Aiden sleeping in their room and I was happy that this year when Aiden woke up at the crack of dawn he didn't wake the other 2 up. Ha! It turned out that one of the mornings Aiden slept until 830 which may be his new sleep in record. So glad we got to celebrate that with him!
Sunday, the boys headed to a virtual reality place. I have no idea what it is or what they did but they all said it was the highlight of the weekend and it allowed us ladies to get our toes painted. This is something that I miss out on having only boys, no pedicure with my kids! I loved watching her face light up when they painted flowers on her toes and how she picked the same color as me. She is the sweetest... just like her mama!
I love the weekends that Sara comes to visit. Once upon a time we lived together and I love that once a year we pretend we are roommates again and stay up way to late watching Big Little Lies (instead of Golden Girls) and drink booze (instead of Diet Coke). There is just something about having a friend that you've had for longer than you haven't. Thank you Sara for dragging your kids 600km to come and spend the weekend with us.
