A few weeks ago at one of my Friday morning mama/baby play dates, we started talking about how fun it would be to all get away for a weekend together. I know – two days in one house with fourteen adults and seven toddlers? Could be fun. Could also be complete mayhem… But Adrienne found us some huge kid-friendly digs in Port Townsend and everyone else jumped at the idea, so Shane and I decided we were up for the adventure.
And while I’d hardly call the weekend relaxing, it was indeed full of laughter and play and lots good food. As we all sat down for dinner on Friday, I was struck by how incredibly blessed I feel to be part of this crew.
Once the kids were all tucked into bed that night, the grown-ups headed out for s’mores and stories at the backyard firepit, huddling together until the rain drove us inside.
We were up bright and much too early on Saturday, but it was nice to look out at the early morning fog with a cup of coffee in hand.
Once we’d all eaten and properly caffeinated, we drove over to Fort Warden State Park to hang out on the beach. The kids contentedly played in the sand for nearly an hour – such focus!
And when all that scooping lost its charm, there were rocks to be thrown.
We went back to the house for lunch and a little pre-nap storytime with La Verne.
And while the kiddos slept, we assembled three big pans of lasagna for dinner – cooking for 21 is no joke!
When everyone was back up and at ’em, we herded the little ones out back for an Easter egg hunt. On your marks, get set…
Go!
Juliette made quick work of filling up her basket.
And then emptying her basket, putting all of her eggs into N’s little bunny. We were so proud of her for sharing! Until she reached over and tried to yank N’s whole basket out of his hands. I’m afraid her generosity only comes in quickly-fleeting bursts.
Oh, Jules!
Once the last egg had been found, we worked out the last of those afternoon wiggles in the house’s ball-filled garage…
And the crazy upstairs playroom, which was piled with giant foam blocks.
photo by Adrienne
The house was equipped for plenty of toys for the grown-ups, too! Seriously, it was like an 8-bedroom amusement park.
photo by Adrienne
We chowed down on our lasagna, did the bath-time/bed-time circus, and the house was quiet by 8 pm. Amanda popped popcorn, the last few beers were pulled from the fridge, and we all sat down to cap off the day with a rousing game of True Colors.
Everyone slept soundly that night (a minor miracle!) and then we gathered in the kitchen for Sunday breakfast as our weekend in toddler town wound down. Juliette and N pounded out a few tunes on the piano while Shane and I packed up our things.
There were times when the house crazily rang with sounds of thuds and laughter and cries and squeals, and there were times when a kid or two went temporarily missing, but really, the weekend couldn’t have gone better. We partied hard, pigged out, played and played and played. No doubt, we’re a fun, wild bunch.
