Easter with the Cool-Murffs

Good times are inevitable when the Cool-Murffs come to town. Our families have as much fun together as any family should be allowed. And when did these kids grow up? Seriously, when they came in the door, these little boys had become the size of men! And these little girls, well, Bailey anyway, was a woman. The only kids in the house were my own. Even Maegan isn't a little girl anymore.

The pool had warmed to a balmy 74 degrees, but the kids didn't mind. So swimming was done by all, except the adults (who are too wimpy) and Austin (who's still "maturing" his dreads). New games like wiffle pool ball were invented. (Wiffle Pool Ball is where wiffle balls are thrown into floating pool rings.)

When we weren't at the pool, the big kids were at the Skate Park, or playing basketball out front. When night fell upon us, we enjoyed the magnificent Arizona evenings on the back porch and told "Knock Knock" jokes. Cooper got a huge kick out of them and before we knew it, he was the "teller" and often made up his own. For example:
Knock Knock.
Who's there?
Trampoline.
Trampoline who?
Trampoline. Time to jump on me.
Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-HA!!!
Cooper and Barik AND Debbi and Brent would laugh hysterically about those silly Knock Knock jokes.

Easter morning was here before we knew it. All 9 baskets were hidden...in the hall closet.

Here's Cooper bringing the baskets out...(NO. His basket is NOT purple.)

This youngster was sent back to the starting line by his father.
"We must all start at the same time."

Ready. Set. GO!!!

219 eggs divided by 9 "hunters" equals 24.333 eggs each.

"...I love my Easter basket." (said with a mouth full of candy)

Water Balloon Baseball

It's kinda hard to see, but the water from the balloon is flying at me...

All too soon, the time for the Cool-Murffs "Good Bye" has come again. The only comfort I find in their departure is the sweet note Debbi always hides. She's so thoughtful. This years note was no exception.
The hardest part of these trips is the end! We all love coming to stay with all of you and we feel so sad when the time comes & we load up in our van to go home. BUT we all know we can't stay away too long and "we'll be back"! We love all of the new memories we create with each other. The love & friendships that continue to grow stronger. The love that our children feel from all of you. We are so grateful to be loved by such an incredible family. Thanks for more good times, great food, awesome company, much laughter, new games, fun pool time, chatting under the stars, knock knocking, easter egg hunting, nummy food for easter (and daily), more laughter, birthday celebrating for "old" people, more knock knocking, chatting, playing, laughter and all around Great time was had by all! We love all of you! Love, Brent, Debbi, Austin, Brayden, Dillan, Bailee &n Maegan :)