Great grandparent-a-thon

For a while now Matthew has been wanting to visit his grandparents. But, I was big and pregnant and not in the mood for travel, and then we were just in survival mode after Olivia was born. But, last weekend we decided it was time to get in gear and see the great grandparents while they were still here. Matthew and I got up Saturday morning at around 6:00 a.m. to get everything packed and ready to go. We got everyone in the van, and left at around 8:30 a.m.---an hour later, we had only gone 30 miles! First Olivia started SCREAMING, so we pulled over to feed and change her. After 25 minutes we were back on the road, only for Aidan to tell us he didn't really go to the bathroom before we left after all, and was going to pee his pants. We were well on the highway at that point and there was no where to stop, so on the side of the road he went! That took another 10 minutes, because Aidan got "stage fright" and didn't get on with his business right away. After we are back in, seat belted up, and on our way again, Emma says "I think I need to go pee, too" Really? Seriously? You didn't have to go 10 minutes ago when we were already stopped? SO, we pull over AGAIN and out hops Emma, very excited, unlike her brother before her, to pee in the dirt. "Look dad, I made the ants a pond." To which dad replied--"that's great, get in the van."

So, three, instead of two, hours later we arrive at GranMarie's assisted living facility in Gilbert. And, much to our happy surprise, Matthew's sister Amanda and her family had waited for us and we were able to visit, play games, and let the cousins hang out. Here are some pictures of the first stop on the great-grandparent-a-thon:

GranMarie eating her lunch, while Grammy Ann holds Olivia. Parker, being adorable as always!

I'm not sure what to say about this one...Emma's a nut!

The cousins playing in the shade

Playing Apples to Apples while trying to feed Olivia at the same time

Four generations of Petersons/Carpenters. Aidan takes after his father WAY too much when it comes to smiling for pictures!

After our visit with GranMarie, we headed to Cafe Rio for some very yummy Mexican food. I love eating there because 1. reminds me of Provo and 2. if you eat in the restaurant kids under 12 get free cheese quesadillas. Everyone was well behaved at the restaurant, a nice side effect of being tired, and the only complaint I had was that there were no changing tables in the bathroom. I had to change Olivia and Parker on the floor. Then it was off to Valley Farms to visit the Carpenter grandparents. This leg of the trip was much better, everyone was passed out :) Here are a few of the photos we snapped while there:

The kids eating the wonderful dinner Grandma made for us, along with their second cousin Tanner. His family lives right across the street--very Everybody Loves Raymond, although I think they all actually get along :)

Me and Olivia visiting with Grandpa and Grandma

Parker, showing the love

And last but not least, Grandma with one of the newer great-grandchildren...I can't keep up with how many there are now!

It was a long trip and a long day, but such a wonderful one. The kids really had a great time visiting with everyone. But the best part of the day for me was the ride home, in the dark, while everyone was sleeping, and the happy and content look on my husband's face. Let's hope he feels the same way next summer when we all go to Vermont :)