A visit from the Hoppers

So, I'm pretty much posting the same things that Vera has been posting on her blog lately, so if you frequent both our sites, I apologize for the repeat. Though I'm sure there will be some subtle differences. These things happen when you have a shared occasion to document.
The Hoppers arrived at our house, for the first time EVER while Pop was still here visiting. It was fun waiting for them to drive from the airport. Levi kept saying, "But will it take SO LONG?" As soon as they came in, they sat right down and watched the remainder of a movie together.

Levi was taken with Ari as soon as she walked in. He does love him some princesses. As he had his arm around her he says, "What's her name again?" "It's Arianna." "Arianna, I love you."

After the movie we decided to play in the back yard for a bit until Gracie woke up from her nap. The Hopper kids have dogs, but they don't play with them, so this was a new experience for Xander. Levi pretty much views Charlie as an extension of his toy collection, as well as his bff. Xander got some lessons in shooting dogs; it's great fun.

Once Gracie woke up we took our small army to the park behind our house. Or as the Hopper cousins call it, "Levi's park."

Every cousin wanted to help Gracie do everything; walk, find her toys, drink her milk. They obviously all know what it's like to be a bigger sibling. Even Kole wanted to be her helper. He must just know they're waiting on his little brother or sister and he needs to practice.

Who says the sun doesn't shine in Washington? It shines beautifully.

We went home once the sun went down and it got too cold. I started making dinner while the kids worked on getting every single toy out that we own. Auntie Vera took this picture (and got reprimanded by Levi for it) when they were playing "bomb shelter" with the lights off.

While dinner was being prepared, Gracie and Kole got some quality time together.

A patient toddler accepting his little cousin's form of affection.

Gracie kept requesting kisses from Kole with her fish lips.

Just the curly haired kitchen guard, keeping things safe while dinner is prepared.

The next day we were on our way to Gig Harbor for my cousin's wedding. We took the ferry across and it was a big hit with all the kids. It is a pretty cool process.

As we were all gazing out the windows the Hopper cousins were saying, "Look, a duck. A fish! Another boat." Levi, however, had on his crisis voice and was saying, "Oh no look! A robot is flying right at the window! Hide! A giant wave is gonna crash our boat!" He's not content with peaceful waters.

Once we got to our destination, we had a pre-wedding party to go to. There were stairs, so Gracie's time was occupied. Up and down, up and down. That's all she did. Makes me glad we do not have stairs in our house.

These three played together allot. They were playing "go to bed" or something like that. Running from one bed to another and getting told by "mom" to go to bed now.

Gracie started a trend of stair fun

Oh yeah, other people were there too...not just our kids.

Grammy caught playing with Iron Man

If only Gracie knew what that anchor represented in her life. She may not be cuddling up against that pillow. But, it's a cute picture anyway.

The party gathering was at a beach house so we eventually bundled up and took our adventure down the long stairs to the water.

I think that ledge was a little nerve wracking for Auntie Vera, but she put her brave face on for the sake of making memories.

Gotta get as many good pictures in with the daddy before he's gone.

I took some pictures of Vera's brood, and Levi snuck in for one of them. He blends right in, it's fine.

Vera took a few pictures for us too

After the Hopper Cousins started the ascent back to the house, Nathan and Levi went out on that platform. Nathan could sense that wouldn't be a welcome detour with 7 kids!

One last picture before we leave of Uncle Lou's twin in the front yard. I know, right? Awesome.