mini road trip

I admit it. I can't seem to stay caught up. Summer is getting away from me and much of the time I just don't feel like capturing the moment via photo but rather just lingering in it for my own memory.

This past weekend we traveling to Omaha. We had a busy couple of days and loved every moment, well maybe not every.

First thing up. a couple cavities that I needed filled. We go to the dentist in Omaha so this just seemed like the logical time to do it. However the placement of the two did make for a few laughs. Check out how I looked at the Children's Museum.

I tried not to smile but if you know me its tough. D loved it and made fun of me the entire time so that made for an enjoyable morning. He also couldn't believe it when I told him I would put it on the blog. But without it you don't get the just of just how bad it was. Slight embarassment of course but keeping it real around here.

Plus the children's museum was awesome.

Water play, grocery shopping, fire engine, playground stuff, houses, art and crafts, a princess show, face painting, and of course the ball course (our favorite i think). Even Sage had fun.

So that was Thursday. Then we got to play at the pool and eat at the very famous VI (or Village Inn). Not sure what started Shadd's love affair with the restaurant but it is one place all our kiddos will eat and eat well. Plus D and I got a really goo omelet so it was perfect.

The smiley face person made out of pancakes, eggs and bacon is a huge hit.

We topped off the night with a french silk pie from Perkins per D's request as we watched game 7 of the NBA championships. Slight tear. Really wanted the Spurs to snag the win.

Anywho. Friday. Zoo Day. We hit up the zoo with Frama & Papa. It wasn't too crowded and we got to see all our favorites.

Look how close these lions were to the glass. Amazing.

 Plus the new cubs.

Then there are the gorillas. A family favorite.

He was just posing in the window.

 Of course all the nooks and crannies make the zoo awesome.

We snacked and breaked and hoped for an amazing sea lion show but it was tough to beat the awesome one we saw down in Florida.

Then we met Uncle R and Aunt E and Cousin B for a train ride. Probably not worth the $5 a person price tag but at least you get to see the animals up on the hill without walking it. This is where Sage had finally had enough. He and Ells both took turns snoozing in the stroller.

The penguins. My personal favorite.

 And the beautiful giraffes.

The zoo always reminds me of God's amazing creatures and creations. If the differences in each human aren't enough just check out the distinct, perfect design of all the animals. Designed for specific purposes with specific characteristics for survival, etc. Our God is truly AMAZING!

So the rest of the day went like this. Lunch at Runza (our favorite - we did eat there twice). Swimming in the afternoon. Off to my cousin A's wedding. Dinner and Dancing. The toasts were fun and the kids loved that. In fact, we have clanged a few cups the past few days. But the dancing. Oh the dancing. They would have stayed and closed the place down. Don't get me wrong I loved it. I love to cut a rug especially among family. I mean who cares how stupid you look, right? Well Sage was the best. Couldn't keep him off the floor. I think it was partly the lights and maybe the fact it was way way past his bedtime but still small joy sang from this dancing momma. 

Since we got home I have had a few requests for more weddings. We don't have any coming up that I am aware of so we may have to just become part time wedding crashers. Although I doubt we could fly to far under the radar. I mean three small kiddos and red hair.  Dead give away. 

Still it was a blast and we are slowly recovering from lack of naps and irregular schedules. 

Little Sluggers

Tball is under way. We have 6 games and thankfully no practices. I mean the games are kinda practices, you know. 

Anywho. The kids are enjoying it. At least it seems like it gets a bit better for Ells each time. Sage is liking it less and less as I crack down on his drink stealing and dug out time. Plus I think he might have figured out that rocks just don't taste all the great. 

As you can see the ratio kid to parent is about 2 to 1. Lots of helpful advice like where first base is and such.

Of course, Shadd loves to hit and says it takes a long time sometimes to get up to bat. He seems to really be getting the hang of things and will love real tball next year I am sure.

 Now Ells is a bit comical. She is little I keep reminding myself. She hits and kinda hates to run. Since D was on first last night I think she would have been satisfied if she just stayed there. She wasn't too keen on traveling to second and third. She has been hitting good though and I think she got a little faster this last game.

 And then there is the the wannabe. Can't seem to miss out on the action. And if it weren't for the distraction of a trash can I really wouldn't have any pictures of the kids. I guess the third one is meant to keep you busy.

Week two is almost complete and then we wrap up the following week. Plenty of time commitment for this mama and daddy right now. Oh when the sports fully begin it will definitely be an adjustment.

Father's Day 2013

What a special day? Thankfully D got to enjoy it to the fullest. Church. Golf with Shaddy. Then watch golf while I mowed the lawn. Dinner on the grill. Then some family time with his side.

A real treat for our daddy as of late. He has been a busy beaver trying to fix all our lawn problems. Lack of rain last year and lots of rain this year caused some settling so he has been busy filling in dirt. Replacing sod. Planting shrubs. Watering.

Among the other side projects like helping his brother with edging, retaining walls and the little swing set.

He is the best. I'm lucky to call him mine. And I think my children are even more blessed to call him theirs.

Plus I got lucky to have one of the best Dad's around. He set the bar high for the one I married and he still the one I call whenever I have a problem. I mean what else are dad's for. Thank you Lord for all the moments I have with my dad and all the moments my kiddos get to share with theirs as well as their Papas. May we never take a moment for granted.

Papa T with all 5 grandkids. Minus the one in Aunt E's tummy! 

Summer is here

We are in full summer mode around here. I mean like vbs, tball, swimming lessons, kinda crazy summer. Add in a few missed naps, late bed times, mud & a new swingset and playhouse and well it means a whole lot of no blogging, no cleaning, barely any laundry kinda days for this momma. Let along any pictures. Don't worry I will get you a few sometime soon.

Here are few from instagram and a few weeks back as I am a bit behind.

big boy loves the rollercoaster

and helping Papa

Just the start of our swing set. I will blog with pictures as it is almost done. Waiting a few pieces of barn board from my grandpa. It looks awesome though. A bit partial I realize

my sliding barn door

here is a teaser....doesn't that door look awesome! bro huge help. d props for the x factor

Sage enjoying the new swings

 M, T & little R got to come hang out again. M built these amazing shelves for our garage complete with rolling ladder. Pretty cool of course. Plus an awesome work bench for all my crazy projects.

 And the luxury of Papa building a swing set equals tickle time with Frama. Love it.

Plus the park. Big boy going down the slides all by himself. He is quite the dare devil. Climbed up our slide barefoot all the way to the top tonite. He will be the first to go to the ER mark my words.

Little Anna and Sage racing to the top. Love that they are playing already!

 Trying to get some summer smiles. Of course, silly boy.

 And kinda serious girl.

 One of our favorites is cooling off in the guest bedroom downstairs for wrestle matches and pillow fights. It is super cool (literally like air wise) and a great way to cool down after the summer sun.

T ball...

Date night with Shaddy. Ells stayed overnight with Frama & Papa so Shadd and I rented a movie and enjoyed some one on one time.

And I'm off to finish up a few VBS crafts because I make things a bit too complicated. Hope they love them!