Staycation

Every summer we do a family vacation. Last year was Maui. We had beautiful beaches there, a ton of family with us, great views, sunrises, sunsets, waterfalls, snorkeling, a WEDDING...... How do we plan a vacation better than that?? How?? well...... we don't.

Since we couldn't top that, we decided to try something new. Do something not many people do. Save a ton of money and keep our level of fun at the same high. We had a "staycation". A real one. We packed our bags and headed to my sister's house, who lives 20 miles away for an extended weekend. We were joined by my parents and other sister's family. All in all, we are a big pack of 11, all staying in one house.

DAY1

Friday started out at Babes restaurant. Where great food comes on big plates and you can dance the hokey pokey. No really, the food was great and Jess and V did the hokey pokey.

Making the place even better was a real train outside. Vince loved the train (but of course). While we were looking at a stationary train, a real one with tons of freight cars came rushing by. He was in awe. He kept talking about how the train went "honk" (pic below).

"Honk"

"Look over there, it's a bird, a plane... no, it's a train!"

"We're so handsomeeee" (Vince sings that all the time)

Family photo, and by family, I'm including the train.

"BIG Train"

After the train show, we went bowling. I don't have many pictures from here, but I do have this one, showing the winner (don't know how that happened) and one of Vince playing the jump rope game he loves... we were supposed to do laser tag but the night got away from us.

DAY 2

The next morning we woke up and headed to Lake Texoma where luckily, they had a boat that fit us all!

The Three Amigos

"Mommy makes him wear this silly lifejacket, UV ray shirt, hat, and lots of sunscreen "- Vince

Our little family

Parents of the Three Amigos..

It's no Maui, but this sand will do..

We took turns getting pulled in this raft. Warren and I had the most fun. But Vince really didn't like people in the raft. He was crying the whole time and just wanted everyone in the boat. Look at his scared little face :(.

Luckily he loosened up and joined us in the water later.

It was a great day and tired most of us out.

I said most, but not all!! The three amigos had enough energy to have round 2 of fun in the pool back at the house. Vince can jump in with no help if he has the life jacket on. He ended up pulling grandma into the pool and she had a blast with her three grandkids.

The rest of us dry folk made smores. "Smore what?" (Get it?? Sandlot reference).

DAY 3

The next day (Father's day) we hung out all day at Hawaiian Falls. We had a private cabana as our little headquarters so we could take turns relaxing. Here's a pic of daddy and Vincey on Father's Day 2010 and also one of my dad and V from Corpus (because it's grandpa's day too!).

We did say our farewells that night. But not before we celebrated Jess's birthday which was the next day. Vince helped her blow out the candles. Everyone's in this pic but the photographer (me!). I think I need to photoshop myself in. Can anyone teach me photoshop??? Anyone? Anyone?