For Christmas each year, we get my Dad a family night out at the Embassy Suites (and it's a gift we all enjoy, of course!). The past several years, our tradition has included eating a late lunch at Mimi's Cafe, and it is always SO YUMMY!
With full and satisfied bellies, these kids are ready to. . .
. . . Hit the pool!! Without a doubt, swimming is the kids' favorite reason for staying at a hotel.
This was our 5th Family Night Out. To show how much we've grown in 5 years compare the above picture to the kiddos from the original trip. Yes, Sydney was certainly in the minority being the only girl back in those days (there was also a Baby Oliver, not pictured, so the score was 4 to 1! Now it's all even up. . . well until next September, that is). And look how cute Tyler & Calvin are!
Back to 2012: Oliver having fun with grandpa & Brynnie. . .
. . . and Violet had fun with EVERYBODY! She has been doing aquatic therapy during her physical therapy sessions the past few weeks, and it is really paying off. She is so much more comfortable in the water now, and actually seems to enjoy it!
(I don't have any individual pics of Calvin; I guess that is because he is such a good little swimmer these days, I don't have to keep my eyes glued to him like the others. Sorry, Calvin!)
Baby Kyla also tried out the water for a bit.
Our crew definitely has a way of taking over a pool!
Heading back to our rooms. . .
1 -2 - 3 - Sa-wing!
The Manager's Reception is a close second to the pool when it comes to favorites at the Embassy Suites. Look at all of those Shirley Temples!
The bartender was generous enough to just give the kids big cups full of cherries so they wouldn't run out!
While most of the kids were all still enjoying their snacks and drinks, Oliver and Violet begged Russ to take them on the elevator. Not going anywhere in particular, just up and down. Look closely and you'll see Violet in the middle and Oliver on the right. They loved waving at everyone down below.
We watched basketball, enjoyed some chocolate fondue and other snacks we'd brought from home, and all found a comfy bed for the night. With 17 people and 3 rooms, the ultimate sleeping arrangements always end up pretty interesting. No, Violet didn't sleep here, but it probably would have worked!
And there just must be something about these TV cabinets. While looking through the old pictures of our Embassy nights, I found this one of Calvin & Tyler from when they were almost the exact age of Violet now. I've always had monkeys in my family!
I'm so blessed to have such wonderful family and I love the memories we make each year on our Family Nights Out!!
1 comment:
Oh my gosh, Beth! Believe it or not, we used to do the same thing with Todd and Alissa! We'd give them a 'gift certificate' at Christmas, and, when Winter just got too long, we'd head to Embassy Suites for a night of fun!
If your kids read your blog, you may wish I hadn't added this, but...late at night, when all is quiet...it's a GREAT place to fly paper airplanes!! Off whatever floor you're on, to the open area below. :o)
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