A highlight for the boys is always the annual trip we make to KS in the summers. Not so much because of the 2 days in the car--yes, it takes us two days with all of the stops we make to stretch our legs--but because of the week we get at Nana and Papa's house!!
Our eager travelers on our way out of town.
This year, I had Eli and Micah pack some toys in the tub between the seats. These toys were in addition to the activities I had already packed. The tub worked very well for keeping things contained and accessible.
I wasn't sure how Joshua was going to do in the car for so long. He's usually full of energy and not one for sitting still. He did great and only got my activities out a few times. He did like this matching game. When he was finished matching, he had loads of fun making up his own game with the pom-poms.
Our first leg stretch is almost always at "Big Sam." It's only an hour from our house, but it's fun for the boys and a great landmark for the way home.
For lunch and a longer stretch break, we stopped at the Dallas Arboretum. We had never stopped there before, but had a fun time exploring. (The boys liked this sculpture and wanted a picture by it.)
Micah (our future storm chaser) loved this weather section.
When we finally made it to Kansas, Luke had lots of fun meeting his cousin and aunt.
We had some time to play outside.
All of the kids loved this merry-go-round. This is the same one my dad would spin me and my brother on. Now, he gets to do it for our kids! (My dad still hasn't grown up and loves to ride as much as the kids! Ha!)
The weather was beautiful while we were there and we all enjoyed a nice train ride.
Me, my dad (Papa) and Luke
Nevaeh was so good with Luke! She loved holding him and pushing his stroller.
The children's museum in town is great! My boys always look forward to going. We never knew that it was okay to get in the pond they have out back. Joshua was fascinated by the tadpoles and was desperately trying to catch one--or all of them!
All the kids loved the tadpoles.
One of the best areas of the museum is the painting station. All the boys make a stop in there every time we visit.
Paul, Joshua and Nevaeh play at the light table.
We had never taken the boys to the history museum, but it was definitely fun to play and pretend there.
Joshua
Micah
Eli
Eli
Luke hadn't mastered the art of sitting independently before we went to KS. Nana made it her mission to practice with him until he got it! Well, he got it!
We had fun doing some "safe" fireworks.
And even got to swim at Uncle Taylor and Aunt Roxy's new house.
Eli and Micah always enjoy playing with Nevaeh when we are in town.
In this picture, the kids are playing a game Eli came up with--Money War. It's a war game, but the cards have pictures of coins and bills on them.
We obviously had lots of fun while we were visiting, but we were most thrilled to be in town when Nevaeh was baptized! We have been praying for her for a long time and we are so proud to be her Godparents!
After a fun-filled week with family, it was time for us to head home. We found a few new parks to explore,
(Luke)
slept well,
and explored a railroad museum!
(Eli was grumpy, claiming he doesn't like trains.)
As always, it was a great trip and we are looking forward to the next time!
