Aunt Cyncy a.k.a. Queen Crab

The girls had been counting down the days until Aunt Cyncy's visit for weeks. When can we start considering something a tradition? Because our spring  and fall visits with Aunt Cyncy have become one we look forward to and enjoy so so much.

We started our visit with dinner at Joe's Crab Shack, which I think we can officially say has become our thing. The weather was unseasonably gorgeous, so we sat on the patio and caught up, while the girls played with the crab crackers. That is until the Cupid Shuffle came on. Then, they ran into the main dining room with Joe to watch the waitstaff do the dance. The thing is Abby has been practicing her cupid shuffle for two years now. It's her most favorite thing about Joe's Crab Shack. So, she didn't just watch. Abby ran right into the lineup and held her own with the other dancers. Joe and Ella joined in too!

The bibs really never get old.

On Monday morning, Aunt Cyncy got a glimpse of our chaotic routine that involves getting everyone fed, ready and out the door by eight. Monday morning always seems to be a little more challenging than other days of the week when it comes to getting it together and not feeling rushed. Aunt Cyncy came with Ella and I to drop Abby off at school. Abby couldn't contain her excitement as she walked us down the hall. She loves showing off her classroom and her morning routine to anyone. With a few hours before we had to pick Abby up, Ella got some special time with Aunt Cyncy and I. We started with the only thing open that early, Starbucks. The grownups had coffee while Ella enjoyed her sweet treat. Aunt Cyncy and I couldn't help but dream about how fun it would be to do this once a week if we lived in the same area.

With no real plans for the morning, we went over to Barnes and Nobles. Between our time looking at books and playing with the train table, we spent about an hour at the mall.

With a little more time until we had to pick Abby up, we headed over to the park and Ella went down the slides about 1,376 times with the biggest smile on her face. It was a great morning!

I guess we were having so much fun when Aunt Cyncy was here that I forgot to take pictures of the rest of our time. We spent lots of hours connecting. Each visit we learn more about a part of family history through a photo album she brings to share. Aunt Cyncy even helped Abby sort her big pile of colorful beads while she was here! :)

Thanks for making the drive to come see us, Aunt Cyncy! We are looking forward to next time already. Until then, we have always have Thanksgiving!