Swimming!

Our second week in Kansas, the weather turned more traditional July…hot and humid…so off to the pool we went with Maggie, Sam, and Aunt Kristin.  Lily and Maggie spent most of their time in the deep end, teasing the older boys, while William was content cruising the baby pool and snuggling with the ladies.  Lots of summer memories were made in this pool growing up, so again, a bit nostalgic for me!

Tea party

Nanny and Lily spent one afternoon organizing a tea party for a few special guests…Mema (my grandmother) and Uncle Tom.  

Lily created the menu...chocolate and powdered donuts, pink lemonade, cookies, and pretzels.  Memories from my childhood surfaced while watching this transpire, as Mema used to host similar "events" when babysitting me in elementary school.  I remember feeling so special to attend such a formal tea party! 

After our tea, Maggie, Sam and Kristin joined us for some bubbles in the backyard plus a little train track lessons for William.  We love spending time with these kiddos…both Lily and William look up to their big cousins and have lots of fun!

{William Thomas and half his namesake, Uncle Tom}

Rodeo

The Rodeo was in town!  A parade down main street on Saturday night kicked off the festivities, and we joined Liam curbside to gather as much candy as our bag would hold!  (Lily was given the option of walking in the parade with Papa Kurt on the bank float, but decided she wouldn't get enough candy if she had to "work" during the parade).  

We walked with Auntie, Uncle Casey, and Kona Bear to check out the horses and bulls the morning of the rodeo.  

Sunday night, Nanny and Papa Kurt treated us to the main event.  We were up close and personal with the horses and bulls…front row seats at the rodeo!  William was very concerned when the cowboys "fall down!" and Lily likes the roping of the calves. She also stood near the pen to name each bull and calf after their performances.  

Such a fun weekend, and very nostalgic for me.  Ryan and I attended these parades and rodeos every summer growing up, so it was extra special to see Lily and William enjoying it as much as we used to!

Grandma & Grandpa, plus a special extra!

Our adventures in Kansas continued with Grandpa and Grandma O!  To make our time extra special, cousin Liam spent a week in Sabetha while we were home.  Liam and Lily will both start Kindergarten this fall.  These two had a great week together and created many summer memories!  

Liam and Lily checking out Grandpa's motorcycle and exploring the shop {Daddy was a bit jealous - he'd like to ride that bike!} 

William continues to prefer men, and asked to sit with PaPa any chance he would get.  Grandpa's lap is often full with both these sweet boys.  

Saturday morning, we had breakfast at Buzz Cafe.  After the kids finished, they were having a hard time sitting quietly while the adults chatted over coffee…so off to the park we went.  Getting our sillies out!

A trip to Kansas wouldn't be complete without fun adventures in the country!  You can not mentioned Kansas to William without him saying "PaPa horse!"  Both kids loved petting Timber, Lily fed her a few times, and was even brave enough to sit by herself.  

Another favorite was riding Grandpa's "tractor" (don't you love my city kids and their version of tractors, ha!).  Off to the woods they went, where Lily gathered treasures and William enjoyed the ride.

The best part of our trip was spending quality time with all our grandparents.  We don't make it home very often, and normally only during the crazy holiday season.  To spend one-on-one time with our family during the slow pace of summer was priceless.  Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules and for creating amazing summer memories with Lily and William!

{More adventures to come…}

Nanny's house!

{The kids and I spent two weeks in Kansas visiting as many family and friends as we could squeeze in.  Ryan stayed home to work (and as Lily says, take care of Ellie-dog too!).  While we missed him so much, we loved spending quality time with some of our favorite people.  I am going to break our trip up into a few posts…so get excited for a little blog activity over the next few days!}

FUN AT NANNY'S HOUSE!

William had a rough time settling into bed the first few nights we were home.  When I went up to comfort him, he would say "Down.  Papa.  Sit."  He settled down immediately on Papa Kurt's lap, begged for his hand to be tickled, then headed off to bed without a peep.   

We woke up one morning to a thunderstorm.  William was enthralled with the rain and a little nervous of the thunder.  The cooler temperatures the first week we were home were absolutely amazing!  Such a treat for my Arizona babies.   

Driving Nanny's "tractor".  Lily drove all by herself around and around (and around) the pond.

Sprinkler fun! It really is the little things in life.  Water plus soft green grass made for a fun, and wet, morning!

Papa Kurt spoiling Lily with both ice-cream and being allowed to sit in Nanny's living room with food.  Nanny and I were on edge watching this occur!

Mom and I snuck away to KC for two nights, while Lily and William enjoyed one on one time with Grandma and Grandpa.  An amazing dinner at Novel with Mallory and Casey the first night...

…and a blast at the Rieger with Papa Kurt and Kelly on night two, while Mom was living it up at the Paul McCartney concert.

{Lots more fun and photos to come….}

Say cheese, please

{a trip to the ice-cream store}