State Fair 2011

My year would not be complete if I did not visit the Nebraska State Fair. I. Love. That. Place.
So many things (and people) to see!
We tried Swiss Cheese and Rye on a stick, chocolate covered crunchy Cheetos, a corn dog, and a yummy Philly cheese steak sandwich. I did not get to try the deep fried Twinkie on a stick. (Hey, I need a reason to go back next year!)
Calla just wanted to watch the Racing Pigs and see them eat the Oreo Cookie when they win, and ride a pony. We completed both tasks! She got a ticket from a friend (Thanks Gina!!) to do some fun things and eat some free things while there. She choose to ride the Merry-Go-Round and that completed our day.
My parents came to meet us there and hang out to help me celebrate my birthday. I have celebrated few birthdays without seeing my parents, might we weird to some of you, but my birthday just isn't quite the same if I don't see the people that helped create me!

Calla riding on Baxter!

The GIGANTIC Praying Mantis Chad found on one of the buildings. Calla's shoe is a size 7.

All the apples she picked in the Family Fun Tent.

Collecting eggs in the Family Fun Tent.

First Day of Preschool

Calla was so excited to be at her first day of Preschool!!! I have loved having her there with me everyday! It is so fun to see her grow and change in to a little girl!

A Fishing Trip

Several weeks ago, Calla told me that she wanted to go fishing again sometime. We decided it was beautiful on Saturday and Yanney Park would be the destination. We were there about 1/2 hour and Calla caught one fish that jumped off just before she got it to shore. Now she wants to go again so she can catch a bigger fish.

A few new pics

We have moved right in to August with some fun times. We visited the county fair, mostly finished painting the house, visited the pool and park, and just spent some time together!

Drake enjoyed watching the kids at the park.

A kiddo pic before church...so hard to do when Drake just wants to go and Calla can barely hang on to him. :)

The house is mostly finished. We. love. it.

We had the greatest carnival at our county fair. They were very kind to parents, allowing us to take our children in, buckle them up, and then get them out when they were done. All without hurrying us along! They also allowed parents to ride the slide for free with their child!

As girly as she is, she did love this pink four-wheeler!

The boats were not as cool at the boats at Grandma Julie's fair because they did not have water to float in!

Parents could also ride the Merry-Go-Round for free...and we did lots!

She also loved the motorcycles!

Missouri. 2011.

Last weekend, my children and I set out on the Missouri, 2011 adventure! Drake had never been there to meet any of our family and Calla could not wait to get back there. We had such a great time seeing everyone and visiting a few places along the way. Enjoy!

Calla, Drake, and I at the empty tomb at the Precious Moments Chapel.

Putting on the annual show on the well house stage

Drake & Great Granny

It was hot, hot, hot and the girls had a great time in the pool!

Before we left for vacay, Drake taught himself how to play piano!

Uncle Jeddy and the kids

Uncle Shane & Drake

Great Granny & Grandpa with my kids!

The Precious Moments Chapel! It was as great as always!!

Papa & Drake It was so nice to be outside and not get attacked by mosquitoes!

The kids and a Precious Moments turtle

Granny gave my mom and I some old screen doors and windows so then I had to go searching for things to photograph. I have lots to choose from now to decide what will go in the frames. I found this cool wooden bridge while driving around trying to get Drake to sleep!

This was at one of the motels we stayed at!

Wamego, Kansas! Oz Museum!

Calla and the clown

She was SO EXCITED to see Dorothy's museum!

The giant Tinman and Grandpa and my kids!

Calla at Toto's Tacoz!

A neat windmill shot!

Toto's Tacoz! Great food and inexpensive!!

The Boys & The Girls

Calla and I wanted our picture together today before church. After ours was done we decided we needed a picture of the boys too! I love my family!!!!

What a Wonderful World!

The last week Calla has been running a 102-103 or higher temperature. If you read the previous post you know Drake did that, but his only lasted 48 hours. Calla's.never.gave.up. We called the Dr. on Monday and they said to wait another day and if it was still high to bring her in. Tuesday morning it was still high. Chad took her in and she has strep throat. She got 2 shots to help her heal quicker. We sure felt like fabulous parents. She didn't complain of a sore throat. She just wasn't eating. Now we know.
Today she has been feeling quite a bit better. We went to Wal-Mart this afternoon and bought her school supplies. My FAVORITE time of the year!!! It is way exciting for me to actually have a child to buy for this year. And not just for myself. :)
Tonight the children and I went to the elementary school Calla will attend next fall. The just finished a giant tree house and we finally found time to check it out. It is part of their outdoor classroom and I think Calla thinks kindergarten will be held there next year...not sure! We were going to play on their playground, but there were some people there pulling weeds and cleaning so we opted for a different park. They had a great time playing!
Thanks for checking in!





















This boy LOVED the swing!

On her way up to the tree house.

inside the tree house

A view of the outside from across the yard!

The almost fully healthy girl on the slide!

Happy Independence Day America!

We had a nice lazy weekend around here! Drake ran a high fever most of the weekend and after a visit to the doctor and no other symptoms it was decided it was "something viral." He rounded the corner Sunday evening and has not turned back...Praise the Lord!
On Monday, we had 2 parties to attend. First we went to Chad's parent's house to hang with them and the cousins. Then it was on to our friend's house. Both parties were lots of fun, but boy were we glad to have the big bangs over with so that we could all get some sleep!

The boys!

Calla and her usual 4th of July attire...headphones!

The girls!

The girl cousins with their headbands from Grandma Karma!

Drake just taking it all in! He didn't need no stinking headphones!

Calla is working on our special 4th of July strawberries!

Thanks Family Fun Magazine for the great idea! They were delicious!!!

We actually spent $$ on fireworks this year and did some quiet ones at our house. Chad was so excited to get an Army tank and introduce the children to that. Well it went off and both kids started crying...Chad was bummed!

Drake enjoying his first Popsicle.

Watching fireworks at Grandma & Grandpa's house!