Field Trip Day

The four first cousins had their first field trip day March 30th which included going to see where their Papa works and Grama getting ready for Schmeckfest!  The kids had a lot of fun.  Seeing the four of them doing things together just warms my heart!

The 3 big kids on the John Deere lawnmowers before going in to see Papa.

Checking out the tractor that Papa was working on.

They all were excited, but I think Denver was the most excited to finally see where Papa works and to see the big tractors and combines in the shop.  He loves fixing and he always talks about how he's going to go work with his Papa at John Deere.

Checking out Papa's tool box!

On our way into school to go see Grama!

If I remember right this was pluma moose making day.

Playing and blowing off steam before going back to the farm for naps.

My sweet, little nephew Caleb.

How can you not LOVE this adorable lil man!

To keep things together by date (as this happened that evening), and to help me maybe some day got caught up here's Kenna in the tub being a wonderful mommy to her baby!

Cleaning her baby up!



Our Big Girl!

Makenna had been begging for a big girl bed like Dedee's for quite some time, including some tears so we finally gave in and said she could be a big girl.  Prior to the bed change Makenna had potty trained herself so I thought it was only fair to be in a bed that would facilitate her being able to get to the bathroom if needed.  Unfortunately, after the conversion she quit using the potty chair.  Not sure if it was too many big girl things at once or what, but they were all things she asked for, not that we necessarily were ready for ourselves.  So on March 23, 2011 our big girl went to sleep in her toddler bed for the first time.  Here are some pictures of her seeing her big girl bed and getting in it for the first time.

Soooo happy!

Fast asleep

Next morning...Denver's so happy for Kenna too.

Maybe the following morning?

Can you tell by her hair she's sleeping good in her bed?



In the morning, this little girl wakes up so happy.  Hops out of bed, gets some books and reads in her bed until we let her out!

Chicago 2011

The middle of March, Evan and I were able to visit Chicago with our good friends Brandon and Ashley.  While we were gone the kids stayed with my sister and brother in-law and their cousins!  Bless her heart for taking that job on!  The kids had a blast and I'm so grateful for the extra time they had with their aunt and uncle and cousins.  It was a much needed trip for Evan and I to have some time for ourselves along with our good friends, prior to Brandon's departure to Oklahoma for several months this summer for more mmilitary training.  We left on St. Patrick's day and came home that following Sunday.  We took the train from Omaha, NE to Chicago and back to Omaha.  It was quite an experience, but we had lots of fun!

Ashley & Brandon on the train on our way to Chicago

We spent the majority of the time on the train to Chicago playing cards (and the entire trip back!)

Ashley and Mindy waiting to get our luggage after getting of the train at the Chicago train station (which is MUCH bigger than the Omaha train station!) :)

One day the boys spent going to March Madness Basketball games while us girls shopping and had goodies, like these "Sprinkles" cupcakes!

They were delicious!

We tried some new food, and I suppose I'll put this wrong, but I think it was clams...I wouldn't try them, but Evan loved them.

Some of our sight seeing included Shedd's Aquarium which we all enjoyed.

We saw a dolphin show at the aquarium.

Yummy Chicago style pizza!

We also visited the Navy Pierre

A night out to a fancy steak house for aged steak.

Ashley's aunt and uncle joined us one evening as they live right out of Chicago.

We did lots of walking and took some taxi's, but this night we came upon a limo ride for the cost of a taxi!

Playing cards on our way home!