It had to happen, eventually Rhetta has to leave town and leave the dad and kids to their own devices. No, we didn't self destruct, but are amazingly capable of having a great time without a single trip to the E.R. In fact, we even managed to hijack mom's computer for a little update of our own.
First of all, it is more than apparent how much Rhetta does around here to keep us sane, well-fed, clean, and laughing hysterically over her quick wit. Without her, we have to resort to some unusual methods for entertainment..
.Not surprisingly for Utah, the weather turned on us with a whiteout snowstorm. After hunkering down for the morning, we all headed outside for some vitamin D therapy and some happy faces.
Gratefully the cousins showed up in time to keep us from getting too relaxed and lazy. The decibel level in the house rocketed up to about airplane level, and smiles were the uniform of the day. Once in a while we got them to slow down and chill for a while, which they did in classic cousin style.
We even managed a Valentine's Day Cookie Decorating Party that had us all tired of frosting (okay, at least dad).
Thankfully, after some coaxing, mild threats, and a lot of giggling, the kids rolled out the sleeping bags for a little (read, very little) shut-eye. I wish I had a picture of the story telling contest with the flashlight under the chin, but let it suffice there are some vivid imaginations in this little crowd.
We missed the mom, but had a great time. Even though we manage just fine on our own, it is so much better to have the whole family together. Yes, we appreciate everything she does, we can't help it. But when the cat/mom is away...
