Last week we had a visit from Japo and Aunt Lara for what is becoming a beautiful tradition.

We packed in all kinds of fun, most of which benefited me the most!

First, Japo very kindly watched Ben ALL day so Adam and I could take the other kids and friends to Great America. Then, a few days later Aunt Lara showed up.

We immediately headed to Chinatown for Dim Sum!

As soon as Lara arrived, she joined my mother in helping around the house. While Japo tirelessly folded laundry, Aunt Lara refinished our table!

Before

After

The next night, Adam and I checked into a hotel sans kids and enjoyed some time together.

London House

I got to go eat at all my favorite places.

Slurping Turtle

Goddess and the Baker

We went running TOGETHER, instead of tag teaming our runs to take turns babysitting.

Buckingham Fountain

And we got a chance to explore the city without distraction. The walks we do with the kids feels more like herding cats then exploring.

CANstruction exhibit

CANstruction exhibit

While we were away Aunt Lara and Japo watched our rambunctious herd. We got home just in time for the block party (see previous blog post).

The next day Adam watched the kids for the day while us ladies spent the day celebrating Japo’s 80th birthday.

We got reflexology at our favorite spot, Fit Foot.

Then we went to see “Crazy Rich Asians”.

Not so crazy, or rich, but somewhat Asian.

Finally we had dinner at Girl & the Goat.

I was very sad to see them go this morning, and wished again for the millionth time that we all lived closer.