Conleys and Swissies

We've been busily working at remodeling the bathroom upstairs, and with many errors and challenges, it was time to take a break.  Our friends, the Brothers, met a family, the Conleys, and we've visited with them a couple times before being invited to come visit their house.  We arrived on thursday evening and left Saturday morning.  Here are some pics of the fun we had.

 My children were excited that we were taking Friday off of school, but when we got there all the children went upstairs to their school room and started playing school.  Funny how it's more fun when it's their idea.

 I don't think they respected their teacher very much.  :)

 The whole bunch! 6 adults & 17 children (with 1 on the way)

Time for games!  There was a major competition of foosball, basketball, ping pong, and some racing game on the wii.  There were people playing as hard as they could all over the basement.  We had some good games going on between adults, children, and adults and children.  Everyone had fun!

 Clay is showing the brackets and explaining the rules.

He should have also said to have more fun than wanting to beat someone.  These two guys below always need that reminder, though they typically do have fun even when they are determined to beat the other.  :)

After the children went to bed, the adults stayed up later and played adult games or just talked.  Doesn't feel like we get that time often of just adults, so it was refreshing and enjoyable.  The laughter in itself was a good thing as there isn't much of that going on with the remodel project.  :)

Saturday morning we got up early, had breakfast then headed out to a special thing we planned for the children.  We are interested in Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, and I found a weight pulling event for this breed just an hour away from the Conleys.  This was our first time to actually meet this kind of dog, and they proved to be the best breed for us.  Continueing our search for a puppy when we have saved enough money.  The children collectively have saved $250, so we are well on our way.

 We loved talking with other owners and meeting so many dogs!

 Saphira wasn't bothered one bit by their size. 

The pulling event was really fun to watch and though we didn't stay for the whole thing, we did read online which dogs pulled the most and how much.  It was fun for the children to read how their favorite dogs did.  

Sometimes you just need some time to get away for a short bit and enjoy fellowship and fun.  The best was when we left the dog pull and the children just beamed with thankfulness for bringing them there.  We love to give good things to them, and even love more when they are appreciative of it!  A successful surprise I'd say!