That someone is usually me.
Shane had fun building a machine out of a coaster and random materials from Jama's apartment to amuse himself.
The eternal struggle in Jama's apartment is not to make noises that upset the woman underneath (She's super sensitive).
As long as there were no large "thuds," Shane's game could evolve however he wanted.
Jama cooked us breakfast and then we drove her over to Megan's house. It was a twin-friend and family reunion day! Lolita and her family were the first twin-friend of the morning.
Mary and Jenn were supposed to arrive.....Sunday. Now they were supposed to arrive around 11:30 AM! Surprise!
It was a good thing Big B was out of town visiting his brother. Megan's house turned into a veritable party zone.
The three boys......were three boys.
Three, hyper, happy, and loud boys.
Shane and B are huge extroverts.
Cole's a little more reserved, but he loves being in the mix with his cousins.
The girls still stick near Ka and Stu.
They don't cry anymore when I try to speak to them, at least.
Stu, the brave man, tried to interrupt free play time with some structure. He wanted to teach the boys Uno.
I salute your courage, Stu.
It mostly went well. Someone played some sort of attack card on Cole and that caused him to rage-quit.
All the commotion wore Jama out. She started her nap early despite the noise!
When it was nap time for the youngest kids, the electronic stimuli came out.
Tenley, Sammy, and Jama all laid down to rest.
B was the only kid who started off entertaining himself without electronics.
Everyone got a good nap in. I really enjoyed the ability to hang out and talk with the adults (who were awake).
There weren't enough tablets for everyone, but the kids shared well enough.
Mary was the next twin-friend to arrive after lunch. She's a professional violinist. I found out I'm only a few degrees from Dave Matthew through her.
Shane really enjoyed my relaxed electronic standards. I wanted to spend time with everyone which left him to his own devices (pun intended).
Nap time ended eventually and I tucked the tablets away after a few pictures.
I love how everyone is so close and it's a kid friendly group. People would wander off and however was in the neighborhood would watch whatever kids were there. I played with Mary's baby some and Sammy changed hands whenever he wore out whoever was trying to hold him!
I left with Jama to take her home and left Shane playing. When I arrived back at Megan's, Jenn was there! It was a little after 11:30 AM (by nearly 5 hours!), but that just meant the party and excitement of new arrivals got to be stretched out all day.
It was a non-stop, Lake Braddock reunion day!
Shane managed to find other ways to entertain himself. He got to fall out of a tree from a minor height in the library parking lot and learn more about gravity. Those little bumps and bruises when it's from a safe height remind you to be careful and keep the thrill in climbing!
John, Shane, and I went to Whole Foods for John's dinner and hung out. I got to see part of the Clemson game in the NCAA playoffs and texted Silas after one amazing catch (because you know every Clemson fan was watching).
We got back in time for a lightsaber fight...
...and to see June! I told June that Jama was upset she didn't get to see her. June amazes Jama.....and Jama called as I was greeting June, so I passed the phone over.
Somehow, friends always became family growing up. I've always considered my sisters' friends to be my friends.
I really want that for Shane. Getting together with his extended family is part of that plan.....not to mention I relish that sense of connection myself. My family has always meant a lot to me.
It was eventually time to call it a night. We spent ALL DAY at Megan's.
Shane was still high on excitement when we got back to Jama's. I let him stay up late, but do you think he was worn out or about to let me sleep in?
That's okay, though. It was a fantastic day.
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