There was a lot of sitting by the pool and having people over for dinner (literally every night). When you have access to facilities like this, you kind of just want to share it. We had to water the plants every day and walk the dog twice per day. That was the bulk of the responsibility, and well worth it! Penny is a wonderful dog, and she loved the kids and the kids loved her.
The kids did great here over all. They both went in the pool a couple times, but it is a different experience parenting somewhere that isn't baby-proof and has an un-fenced, in ground pool. That is honestly part of the reason we kept inviting people over. The more eyes and hands the better!
We got here Tuesday and that afternoon/evening we had some people and their kids over for a BBQ. I actually came while the kids napped so I could get set up. Dave and the kids joined later. Those two hours I had to myself were sooooo relaxing!
The BBQ dinner quickly grew to a group of 10 adults and 12 kids under the age of five. Lots of fun, but not relaxing with all those kids RUNNING (with us yelling, "WALK!") around the pool and swimming and playing.
Trying hard to round up the kids and get them to sit still for a picture.
Almost all the kids! Audrey and Brielle heading straight for the pool. Don't worry, we had dads right there just in case! haha
Wednesday we had my parents, Aunty Sonya and Oma D (Bo Bo Moma) over for dinner. Burgers again! We also walked again to Williams Park next door. Beautiful park with a fun playground and lots of creeks to play in and throw rocks in.
Sweetwater swimming hole anyone?! (Riverdale reference)
Penny actually got sort of protective of the kids by the end of the week. She'd keep track of them, and get visibly anxious if the stroller fell behind while we were walking, or if Dom wandered off or if another dog got too close. Interesting! She's such a gentle sweetheart.
This burger was so. so. so good! I put mayo, ketchup, lettuce, pickles, cheese, bacon, caramelized onions and mushrooms on it! <3
The boys dipping their heads in the water. Dom was so great with the pool (well... for Dom anyway). Yesterday we had him swimming with a pool noodle supported by Dave. He was kicking his feet and everything!
Dave off putting Dom to bed or something, so I hopped in the hot tub with a (plastic) glass of wine. I could get used to this! We also went in the hot tub every night after the kids went to bed. Nice way to unwind and unplug after a busy day. Maybe one day we'll have our own hot tub :)
I wanted to veg and watch TV, but didn't want to waste the beautiful evening weather, so we set up on the patio and watched a few episodes of The Good Place on Netflix.
Oh Emilia. She is so secure with me. It's cute and endearing, but also exhausting! She would rather be with me floating on the water (she doesn't particularly like being in/on the water), than being on the dry land without me.
At least she's good company and keeping the sun off me a little!
Grandpa teaching Dom how pool noodles shoot water. Dom got confused with the noonoos (noodles) and tried to take a few bites out of this blue one. Sorry hun... different kind of noodles! Haha
It has been the most glorious week, but now it is time for us to pack up and go home! Back to a busy reality! Just over two weeks until the wedding, and a few other events (friend's stag, Scott & Ashleigh's stag and stagette, rehearsal, appointments, possibly camping, life, etc.) before that! Taking a few more deep breaths before the kids wake up and we get back to it.
