The Kids' Last Day

 August 27, 2023

We're ending their visit with a bang!  A visit to Andretti Indoor Karting and Games!  Kind of like Dave & Busters on steroids!  Lots of arcade games and laser tag and and air hockey tables and bowling and, of course, the racing carts!  Plus there's a bar and a wine cafe (both closed, unfortunately - but something to remember for another visit!) and there's a bunch of other stuff, too.  It reminds me of a casino.  The lights are low so that the brightly lit arcade games catch your eye.  There's no sense of the passing of time.  And the arcade games are basically slot machines for kids (and grown-ups).

Iori, the speed demon!

Traffic jam!

Sakurako approaches the curve.

When everyone has finally had their fill, the families split up.  Ben and his crew go home for naps and Andy, Ginger, the kids, and me go to Applebee's for a traditional all-American hamburger and fries, or whatever everyone wants.  I have the impossible burger and it's really tasty!  

The kids traded their tickets for prizes

Just 'cause it makes me happy!

We met the dad who did this wrap for his kids for Christmas!!!

Ginger took this so I could prove I was there, too!

After lunch Andy drops us off at home and he and the kids go off in search of omiyagis (gifts that you bring back to friends after a trip). They will have to pack when they get home and we'll all have our last dinner together this evening.

Andy met up with a friend of his from college and he and all of us went to Ben and Elizabeth's for dinner and games.  And Randy came!  We almost missed him because he and Amy are leaving tomorrow for Hilton Head!

Tae's wedding present to Ben and Elizabeth (sorry about the reflection from the TV).  It is 
hand-cut paper and I can't even guess how many layers there are!

Lee Chandler and his artwork 

Exploding Kittens!

A rousing game of Skip-Bo!

Plotting male domination!

We're home again and Andy is organizing the packing.  After a month, there is a lot of paraphernalia to gather! They will have to leave tomorrow morning around nine o'clock!  Sigh.  Sure glad I came up early to see everybody.  They haven't been here since before COVID and boy have the kids grown!!