Last summer I was able to visit Seattle two times with Ami. While there I met her sweet niece, Koda, and we instantly hit it off. She came here during the summer for a family reunion and was able to spend some time with me and my girls and we have stayed in touch. This awesome 9 year old saved enough of her own money to buy a plane ticket to visit again during a school break. I would like to think she came just to see me, but I will let Ami get some credit... Really, I think Katie was the deciding factor.
I was so happy to see her I just couldn't stop hugging her. I asked her if she was used to all that emotion and she said, "No! My family isn't like you!"
Ooops, more hugs!
The first night she arrived we had a sleep over at my house with Koda, my girls and Ami's monkeys - Poor Reece, the only boy, but he had a great time.
Our cat, Annie, could not get enough of Koda.
Quincy and Bella were on a roll and I knew I would be up all night with them, so Ami and I decided they had rashes and we administered the Benadryl.
Isn't this a sweet picture of Reece? Don't let him fool you, he is a little turkey!!
Oh, yeah... that Benandryl is kickin' in.
I promised all the kids a waffle and bacon breakfast, so when Quincy and Bella kindly woke me up by yelling in my ear that they were hungry, I jumped right up and got to work. Reece walked in the kitchen and saw me slaving away and said, "YOU LOOK HORRIBLE!" I was like, um what?? Then he tried to make up for his blunder and said, "Well, just your face."Obviously, I will post no pictures of me that morning.
Koda LOVED Katie and Maddy's scooters. Look out Grandma and Grandpa Dance, I think this is next on her list!
Monday night we met at Cafe Ole' for dinner (kids eat free night plus a pinata). Katie is decked out in her new hat.
Our little ones kept our poor waiter hoppin'.
To get a picture of my Katie Bug, I have to man-handle her, but she's getting tough!!
A portion of the kids we had at the table... Our great friends, the Walkers, came with us - but again, Reece is the only boy.
Me and my baby.
Pat and Randy Walker being goofy for my blog photos.
I am so lucky to have the two BESTEST friends EVER. I love you Ami and Susan!!
Koda wanted to stay the night at our house (yeah!). She actually ended up spending the whole week... I loved it!!
She was the first to fall asleep...
Koda wasn't happy when she found out I was taking pictures of her while sleeping!! I couldn't resist, she is so cute and she is sleeping with a blanket I gave her for Christmas!
On Tuesday, my girls played hookey and we spent the day at the Y. Koda said this was her favorite day. This is one of my favorite pictures of Bella and Quincy.
I was able to get a lot of pictures of the little ones, the big girls were too busy swimming and diving.
Maddy, Katie and Koda - Gotcha!!
These girls had so much fun together. Koda fit right in.
My babies and Quincy Lou.
Maddy was very sweet and would take the little ones in to the Lazy River. She looks so big in my old swim suit...
Maddy making a big splash...
Is this girl having fun or what??
Koda is going for the big dive.
Katie was the hardest to catch on film.
Katie and Koda, two peas in a pod.
Trey, Trey before the hypothermia set in.
His lips are turning blue, but he refuses to get out of that water!
Bella Bleu in her new swimsuit.
Bella is the only one I can get to pose for me...
I think Quincy would like Maddy for a big sister.
Koda and I had planned a day at the mall and we wore matching outfits and I was so excited when Koda agreed to let me do her hair.... Little did I know that she wasn't used to the blow dryer or my big styling techniques - SHE FAINTED!! Luckily, I caught her and dragged her to my bed. She didn't remember much and thought she was dreaming.
She is slowly recovering with a cool glass of water, all the windows open and the fan going. Of course I have to get pictures, but don't worry, Grandma Dance - she was in good hands!!
Who wouldn't faint over such a cute do?
Bella was a bit jealous that Koda and I were going on a "special date".
Our first stop was Build-a Bear. 
We had a great time!
Meet "Violet"... I tried to talk Koda into naming her "Selina", but I guess her love for me only goes so far!
We have got to get going... More shopping to do!
Koda needed a break and I needed a Pepsi!!
Koda had a great time with me, but the real fun begins when Katie comes home.
When Koda called Grandma the first thing she told her was that she fainted! I could hear Cindy over the phone saying, "WHAT!?"
Koda was a big help with my vinyl lettering business, she has a job here anytime.
Friday night, Ami got this "great" idea to go to the YMCA and let the kids run all their energy out... 
Maddy practiced for her upcoming speed jumping competion.
Then things got a bit wild. Of course Ami was NO WHERE to be found.
Reece got a bloody nose, Maddy got scratched, Katie almost broke her finger...
No matter what I said, the wrestling would not stop. I finally ended the night after Quincy pulled her new Hulk Hogan moves on Bella, Katie wouldn't stop crying and I had a headache. Maddy FINALLY found Ami gabbing at the front desk and said , "My mom says it is time to go, Quincy is beating up Bella and being really naughty!" I wouldn't have put it that way, I just wanted some more adult supervision. Thanks Ami...
Getting ready to take Koda to the airport...
Quinn gave Ami and Koda a hard time for never being at their house. Sorry guys, I guess I am just more fun!! :)
Me and all my sweeties.
Saying goodbye at the airport...
Koda, you have an awesome aunt, and Ami you have a precious neice.
We love you, Koda.Thank you so much for spending this week with me. You always are welcome in my home and have a forever spot in my heart.
XOXO,
Selina
5 comments:
Selina- holy cow- what an awesome post. it made me laugh out loud several times. thanks for taking the time to put that together. that was an incredible week and you built some wonderful memories with and for Koda. We are the lucky ones to have you as our friend and in our life. If I were Koda I would want to be at your house instead mine as well- hey what am I saying.....i would rather be at your house instead of mine. now if only pat would be ok with that. :) love love you. thanks again the great week.
p.s. i do love you with or without your jeans. :)
Thanks so much for the pictures of Koda's week. I love it. You and Ami made it a great time for Koda and she missses everyone. Already starting to save her money for another trip. I am grateful that Ami has such good friends.
I think I need a trip to Boise to be spoiled.
We are all so grateful that Ami has managed to find herself a friend that hugs! And, more importantly, one that is willing to pass along her hugs to our little niece. Our family is definately not like that! Koda had so much fun (I asked her if she missed me as much as I missed her and she said in oh such a sweet voice, "NO! I didn't even think about you!") You made things so fun for her. And, she has been trying really hard to bring some of your sweetness back to Seattle with her. The problem is, back here in Seattle she's surrounded by all boys...much like the turkey that Reece is. It's hard to stay sweet around all that! Thanks for openly loving Koda and giving her some of the much affection that she loves and needs.
p.s. I laughed out loud that Ami was no where to be found at the Y. She's good at that!
I always thought Bella was the one to fear when it came to hair. But now I know where she gets it! I need a copy of the pic of you, Ami and I that was actually a good one.
I will let you do my hair - even if I faint in the middle of it! Koda is never going to forget you (for the good reasons - not the fainting).
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