What a great way to start the school break. My sister and brother-in-law had a night in a fancy hotel, and we got to play with the cousins.

First, we went to watch Rose's last day of circus class. I presumed we would all be excruciatingly bored, but, in fact, it was fun to watch the kids attempt to walk across tight ropes, roll in German wheels, and climb silks. We also listened to Bill Harley stories to and fro, which made all of us very happy.

Then, the kids played dress up for almost two hours. They used to spend every waking minute doing this, so it was fun to see them still into it. They layered themselves with Grandma's hats, Goodwill finds, and my old gold bridesmaid shoes and put on a play.

We had multiple types of pasta for dinner which everyone liked, and then we all watched Singing in the Rain, which everyone liked. John was very excited to share his love of early era musicals with the kids. I was once again enthralled by Gene Kelly's dancing. And now when I say, "I can't stand 'em" the kids will get the joke.

All four kids slept on futons in the living room, and I actually mean slept. David did have a bad dream and needed to go back to his bed with Daddy at 3:00 a.m., but it was not a deal breaker.

In the morning they made pancakes together and turned the sofas into forts until it was time to go to the cookie decorating party.

We drove to West Seattle with the entire kitchen in tow. If you've read previous entries about attending this particular cookie decorating party, you know my dear friend creates a safe space for me to make gluten-free cookies at her party and I provide the g-f dough and every accouterment necessary.

We drove the cousins home just shy of the 24 hour mark with David clamoring for them to come for lunch.