Gathering

We had a long overdue gathering with the Pankratz's, Jaberg's and Bartel's last weekend. For those of you who know our little ones, I thought you might want to see how big everyone is getting.

We have a 2nd grader

Stuckeys in St Louis

We usually make a trip home to Indiana in the summertime. This summer, my parents had a trip to Alaska. The timing of their return to Indiana didn't coordinate well with my week off of work. So, though we  missed seeing a lot of friends and family, our trip "home" just didn't work out this year. Instead, we were so glad that Dave and Teneesa Stuckey (and their kids Amelia and Owen) could meet us in St. Louis for a couple of days.

This time we did bring our camera. But, most of these pictures are from Dave and Teneesa's camera. They have a great camera and did a better job of documenting our trip than we did.

We started our mini vacation off with a little dip in the hotel pool. It was a bit green and it was rumored to be freezing (I was the only one who never ventured in), but it didn't bother the kids.

Some bedtime reading. I find it endearing when Tyler looks after Aubrey...and when she lets him. 

We ate some good food while we were together. Our first breakfast was at a diner. I think this is a cute picture of Teneesa and Amelia.

Aubrey on Teneesa's iPhone. Another reason I need an iPhone. ;)

On our full day together, we started with a trip to the zoo. Here we're petting/touching (whatever you call it) the stingrays. A few of our crew touched the sharks too.

At the children's zoo, they enjoyed brushing the goats.

A ride on the carousel.

Since the temp was over 100 degrees that day, we took the train as often as we could.  (Sorry about the pole, Dave)!

Getting a bit worn out.

Tyler and Owen looking tough with the Rhinoceros Beetle statue.

Hot and tired after a long day at the zoo.

After a little rest, we headed back out. First we found a delicious Italian restaurant for dinner.

 Then walked to the arch.

Tyler and Owen checking it out at the base.

Dave, Wayne and the kids (sans Aubrey) getting ready to ride the elevator to the top.

The view from the top.



Checking it out.

We had a great time! :)

Washington Visit

My sister, Lynette, celebrated a milestone birthday on June 29. Rusty coordinated a trip that weekend to celebrate together in Washington. My cousin, Trina, and her husband Trent and daughter Tipper Olive were able to fly out for the weekend too.

I went alone, and I worried before leaving how Aubrey would make sense of my absence. Of course, she was fine. Somehow, even though I didn't have to pack for children (think DVD players, snacks, toys, etc), I forgot to bring my camera!!!! What!?! So, thanks Trina for sharing your pictures.

I know I've said this before, but living hundreds of miles away from most of my family makes me really treasure the time we do get to spend together.

I really loved seeing where Rusty and Lynette live. We stayed next door to Rusty's parents with neighbors who welcomed us like family. We experienced some incredible hospitality while we were there.

We went to see Deception Pass.

Lynette, Trina and the snugly babes. :)

Rusty, Lynette and little Hank



It was so good to just be together. The delicious food and shopping was the icing on the cake. (That I can't stop thinking about).

Now...when is that next trip? :)

Silly Girl

Happy Friday!

This morning, Tyler woke us around 5 am with a bout of ... stomach issues. I woke him late morning and now he appears to be back to normal.

Aubrey and I went on a mid morning walk. Not too far away, she fell and scraped her knee and hand. We came back to clean her up and she cried to take a nap. So, she is up from an early nap.

It's been a strange start to a Friday. I hope that the afternoon is uneventful for them this afternoon while Grandpa and Grandma babysit and we go to a movie.

A few more...

A few more pictures from the Showalter visit, photos courtesy of Sue Stuckey. :)

Super Aubrey to the rescue!

Tyler and Grandpa Ted playing Gubs.

Trying to get up the courage to touch the lobster at Red Lobster.

There was lots of jumping on the trampoline.

Rachel and Reid at Jimmy's Egg.

All of us, after church Sunday morning.



Showalter Visit

Hollins, Rachel, Jillian and Reid visited last week. Every time we have a chance to have a visit with family, I wish we lived closer. We relaxed, took in a couple of movies, went out to eat at Red Lobster, enjoyed a date night while Grandpa and Grandma watched the kids, went to the YMCA water park, Botanica, and the Hesston splash park.

Aubrey and Jillian, our 2 1/2 year-olds, loved playing together. They enjoyed a nightly tea party in their bath...complete with lots of shrieks and giggles.

They had their share of two year-old arguments ("mine" "no - mine!"), but really did love playing together.

Reid is such a good baby. He was starting to sit and is scooting around.

Hollins reading to the girls.

Enjoying some time at the Hesston splash park on the last day of their visit.

Aubrey thought the water was too cold, so she sat out most of the time.

"Cheese!"

Hmmm, I'd really rather go play on the swings or slide, Mom!

Trying it out...

Ending with Popsicles ... still trying to beat this Kansas heat.

We had a great time!