A Fun Weekend with Aunt Jess

In the wee hours of the morning last Friday, my youngest sister arrived by bus in Des Moines.  We were all so happy she had come!  (Or at least we would have been if we'd all been awake.)  Dakota picked her up from the bus station, and the rest of us got to welcome her later that morning.

There's nothing like being woken up by having three small people crawl into bed with you!  Maybe next time she'll pick the top bunk, which is slightly less accessible to the small people.

Friday was rather laid back.  We hung out, went for a bike ride, made some food, and watched a movie.

Saturday was the crazy-busy day.  The girls had gymnastics in the morning.  We stuck around to watch each of the girls in their classes for a little bit.

And between taking turns with drop offs and pick ups.  Jess and I did a little shopping.  The final gymnastics pick up time caused us to put our shopping on hold, as we picked up Emma and hurried home for lunch.

We ate a quick lunch, and all got re-dressed for the American Heritage Girls ceremony that afternoon. The ceremony went off without a hitch, and we enjoyed the reception afterwards.

Then it was back to shopping.  Ashlyn came along with Jess and me.  She HAD to visit the giant Olaf and have her picture taken with him.

Jess found a few dresses she liked.  I particularly approved of one she bought.  I'd actually bought the same one just the weekend before!

After a long day of rushing around, we opted not to stress over dinner, and instead to go out.  Though I'm not sure what's more work--making dinner at home, or attempting to eat out with three young kids!

We got home, finished watching the movie we had started the day before, and sent all the kids up for showers and bedtime!  Somewhere in there Jess also practiced some flute playing with Dakota, and worked on what she would say and hand out at church in the morning.

Sunday morning started out with some Mother's Day cards and gifts, and then it was off to church.  Jess played (flute) with the worship team, and got to speak to the congregation about her upcoming, year-long, overseas missions trip with CRU.

Sunday afternoon we rested.  It was much deserved!

The rest of Sunday and also Monday morning, we just hung out and played.  Played in the backyard, played Spanish Monopoly, played coloring... (can you "play" coloring?) 

The kids were so sad when it was time for Jess to go.  So we took one last picture.

Ok, maybe two...

And we said our goodbyes.  It had been a full and fun weekend!  The kids want to know if we can do it again next weekend.  What do you say, Jess, are you up for it?  ;)