There is nothing quiet about this group. There was a constant contest to see who would end up with which telephone. Conversations, real and pretend never ended! 
Tegan & Mayci spent a hot summer evening splashing around in Grandma's new pool. It didn't last long since we discovered that it was defective and the water water wouldn't stay in. They slid and splashed, threw the basketball and tossed the rings.
Jayden wore many faces during his stay. He performed on his guitar, showed off on the basketball court, and played games on the Wii. He found an old Tetris game and taught himself to play. When he arrived he had a loose tooth which came out during a wrestling match. The Tooth Fairy left him $2 richer. He was a big help and a good example to the other kids.
During the hot hours of the day the kids joined together in all kinds of play. Avery, Gracyn, and Mayci danced their little hearts out while Jayden and Tegan played video games. We joined in looking for the hidden treasures sewn within Grandma's I Spy quilt. Babies and Barbies were a big hit with the girls. Running, jumping, and singing went on hour after hour.
When the temperatures cooled down, the kids donned their swimming suits and headed for the water. Tegan, Avery, and Gracyn enjoyed running back and forth in the cool spray of the sprinklers. During a thunderstorm they blew bubbles, then sat in puddles and had races, leaving their "butt prints" in the wake. Mayci took over the job as protector of the sidewalk chalk while the kids created their artistic masterpieces in the driveway. Tegan became a giggling blue chalk monster.
The big sleepover started out in the family room with children scattered on the floor and couches, but before the night was over the girls were tucked safely into an upstairs bedroom near Grandma and Grandpa.
As is normal for a group of children, getting a group photo with everyone smiling and looking toward the camera at the same time is a novelty. This is the best we could do after a half dozen tries.
Grandma didn't do to badly getting all the kids fed, dressed, hair combed, and to church on time. Kevin and Kristen helped out during the meeting to keep the kids calm while Grandma and Grandpa participated in the choir. They even attended Primary class with those who were timid.
I think this will become an annual event ... after I recuperate!
