KC Craziness

What a vacation!  I mean it wasn't exactly a lounge around, sit in your bikini while someone serves you pina coladas, kind of vacation.  Rather it was a 18 people - 8 Moms, and 10- 2 1/2 year olds hanging around and wreaking havoc, kind of a vacation.  Needless to say I need a vacation from my vacation.!

The cliff notes: We arrived it was mid 60's and sunny.  When we left there was about 6-8" of snow on the ground and I had my first experience of driving in a snow storm.  Ever. Kids cried. Kids played.  Kids had time outs. Moms talked.  Moms drank (clearly not enough).  And we all got to meet each other - for the first time (well for most everyone anyway).

The long story:

I've mentioned these ladies a few times - and it's really hard to convey to everyone just how close we are.  I mean where else can to you talk about your kid non-stop and not have anyone look at you funny, but on the internet.  Yes this group of ladies that I have the privilege of knowing and calling my friends, have been chatting online since early 2007 when we all found out we were expecting a baby - or two or three.

In my business and pleasure travels I've had the chance to meet most everyone in the group (which is about 12 ladies who still actively chat).  This time we had 8 mamas - and 10 kids (yes one of the mama's has triplets).  For more than a year we've talked about getting together at a convenient location for everyone... we were supposed to meet initially in Chicago last summer, but that never panned out.

Then suddenly Kansas City became a reality. It was centrally located, two Mamas already live there, and it's fairly easy for everyone to get to.  Plus in the Spring weather should be decent. So we picked this past weekend and it all fell into place.  Well that was a joke!

Ready for all the pictures?!

First up, the kids eating Pizza on the day we arrived

The next day we headed to Crown Centre for a little entertainment and food. 

The photo above is courtesy Helen!

Helen had the only group shot - at lunch at the Crayola Cafe.  I mean it's hard enough to seat a table of 18 let alone get everyone in the photo.

Then we brought the kids into the store and they all had fun chasing the moving shapes that lit up the floor.

Some cute shots of Ryan - the little boy we met when he was about 5 months old.

Suddenly Friday Night/Saturday Morning a bunch of white stuff fell from the sky

We had to then evacuate our beautiful Lake House dwelling for a hotel. The roads were a bit narrow, hilly and curvy at the Lake House and we weren't sure about whether they'd be plowed or if we would be stranded.

On Sunday while many were leaving, whether driving or flying, a few of us made it back to Helen's house for a little play time and pizza party.  A little break before heading back to the Lake House for the last round of laundry.

We had our last chance at a group shot of the kids... missing are 3 who were already on the road including the only girl of the bunch.

After we left the Lake House again, the Mama from LA and her son rode to the airport with us.  And when we dropped off the Rental Car, the Hertz man told us he was getting someone to drive us to the airport.  That way we didn't have to deal with the shuttle.  Can I tell you how much a lifesaver that was! 

Drew did awesome on the flight there and back!  In fact he didn't have any accidents - only one that mommy created when she didn't pull his pants down far enough.  So that's great!  He was a great traveler. And the best part was that he carried his own suitcase (roller backpack).  I think that was a big trip saver and made him feel important.

 It was an amazing trip, and so great for all of us to see/meet each other and for our kids to get to play.  Drew is still talking about all of his friends.  Hopefully next trip we'll get all the Mamas together - and without kids!