Unbirthday Party

On Monday, our final full day of our trip we decided to throw an Unbirthday Party with all the kiddos. Since we are never able to spend birthdays together because of the distance, we had a giant unbirthday party for everyone.  The day started off with the kids drawing names for each other and shopping at the dollar store for a $1 gift for their cousin.  Cooper and Amanda got gifts for each other.  Dillon & Jaxton got gifts for each other, and Kaylee & Spencer got gifts for each other.  When we got back to Grandma's house, the kids separated and wrapped up their presents.  Then they got to decorate the basement with streamers and balloons.  Once the room was "party ready" the kids exchanged gifts.  We baked some cookies and sent them all outside to play in the kiddie pool, slip and slide and to fill and toss water balloons.  What a fun filled summer day!  We will never forget it.  

When it was time for Melissa to take her kids home, we realized that this would be goodbye.  We would be flying home in the morning and we would not see them for another year or two.  When it was time to say goodbye, Amanda and Dillon began to cry.  I don't know if my kids fully understood what was happening, that they would not be able to see these good friends of theirs for a very long time.  Jaxton began getting a little teary eyed, but Cooper was happy as could be.  He wasn't sure why Amanda would not stop crying.  They hugged and we said our goodbyes.  I cried too as I hugged my sister.  We have so much in common and it was a lot of fun to be together and let the kids grow such wonderful friendships with each other.  

On the airplane home the next day, it finally truly hit Cooper.  He looked out the airplane window and started to cry.  When I asked him what was wrong, he said he didn't want to leave.  He knew he wouldn't see his cousins or grandparents for a very long time.  And it truly made him sad.  He closed up the window, and about halfway through the flight, he quickly jerked open the airplane window and looked out.  Then he turned to me with teary eyes.  I asked if he was feeling sad.  He said, "The mountains were my clue that we were in Utah.  And now the mountains are gone."  What a sweet boy. No worries, though.  We will return!!  What a wonderful trip!