Memorial Day Weekend Fun!

So words just can't describe the fun had with these amazing families (Steele's, Hamlin's, Klatt's, Schueler's, Ramberg's, & Reese's) it seems like each year brings even more fabulous memories. The kids only have to hear "McandDonald" or "Buffy" and they trip over words in their haste to bring up past adventures with everyone. Their smiling faces as they recant such times in vivid detail just brings joy to us. Hopefully you can sense how special this weekend tradition has become for us so thank you honey and Buffy for that moment so long ago when you found each other, formed that bond of friendship that's carried us to today! What a journey and wow how we love knowing our kids will pass on this torch!

A full weekend of campfires, fellowship with the Lord, remembrance of those who gave their lives for this country, giggles, pig piles (not just the kids too!), "lots of poor food choices" (love your phrase Amanda), a petting zoo visit like no other, great conversations, some tears, and most of all spending time with those you love unconditionally - can't beat it!

Lots of photos from the petting zoo visit, clearly we were too busy with all the above to take photos of the whole weekend, will do better next year!

Aubrey, Brie, Ayden & Conner playing on a fountain at the malt shop we ate at after the petting zoo!


Conner thought that if he waited a the counter they'd think he was too cute to make him wait, he waited and waited, this boy was hungry!

Nana & Brie lovin' the time spent at that petting zoo!

Papa giving Conner a boost to see the baby chicks/ducks

Nothing like times like this with Papa.....

What beautiful Ladies!!! Tina, Buffy & Tandra!

Conner completely ignoring the "DO NO ENTER" sign that he's holding onto for dear life. Thought he'd like to climb in the pen with the peacocks and other birds... Not so much little man!

Tandra & Mike, what a cute couple!

Precious cuddle time, Nana & Abbott

Thank you Buffy & Don for the pony ride - notice the smile on Conner's face, you were responsible for it! Man how he loves you!

Ha ha, if you knew the story behind this one - okay have to spill it. So this was a failed attempt at getting Conner to sit still long enough for Mommy to hail his sister over for a cute photo op in this covered wagon. Cuz seriously how many times will a covered wagon pop up for me to take a great photo of my kids in it.... Knew you were on my side, well if you look at the expression on Conner's face he is trying valiantly to "hold it" because he at this point is very near to peeing in his pants he has to go that bad, had to scrap the whole shot and rush off to the bathroom. Sorry Conner, had to be done, it sure brings me laughter when I see this :)!

There was much concern that these silly goats weren't going to get their heads back through the fence holes, but lo and behold these are smart goats, they only trick us into thinking they are stuck so we feel sorry for them, works every time! They know how to get out and also are great at working the crowds!

Watch out Thomas they spit!!!

Daddy trying to use up the feed on a bunch of sheep

A fawn listening to his Mama and laying low

Here is her pesky brother who couldn't resist a peek just a few feet away

Farmer Conner, has a nice ring to it doesn't it?

A bear oh yes, but a very well fed bear at that!

Caught our two handsome boys ....

Out for a stroll

Stopping along the way for some mischief, again, no surprise....

Nana, Papa, & Mike feeding a deer

Lots of free roaming geese, they were hungry!!!

Everything is a jungle gym in Conner's world

The stand off, later the geese moved in for the kill while Conner continued to back away, they hiss you know!!!

Truly an odd duck
The Lynx was a favorite

These long haired bunnies were one of Conner's fav's

Awww, look at these adorable newlyweds!!!! The deer is cute too!

Go Brie, how cute it is to watch our "a butterfly is chasing me" daughter love every animal in this petting zoo!

OK, so there ARE a few non-petting zoo photos!

Hey, Ayden, my aren't you handsome!

I think that Conner & Boo (Brie too) spent most of the weekend on this trampoline, their legs have to be rock solid!

And yes, teaching of the young....

Spring Choir Concert

This is a photo from Brie's spring choir concert, what a sea of colors as the kids were so excited to be able to wear jeans!!! They sang one of my all time favorites What a Wonderful World - it's what they had playing in the operating room when Conner was born, Peanut, you sang it so beautifully and we are so proud of you!

Disclaimer, no video clips because this blog only allows files up to 100mg, well my video is way bigger than that (500+) and this lady doesn't have time to trim it down..... Sorry you'll have to come and watch the long version at our house!!!!

Jenna & Seth Birthday Weekend!

A Seth & Jenna weekend invasion at the Reese's! Actually this year we thought that since we do not get entirely enough time with our amazing niece and nephew that an idea of having them come for a weekend of celebrating their birthday's was born. We had so much fun, look out Mom & Dad, we're hoping to do this again next year, and the year after, etc.....

One of the many adventures we embarked upon during this weekend, a meal at Conner's favorite restaurant, Space Aliens. Above is a shot of some of the "loot" they walked away with after playing games for tickets.
With all the tickets he earned (around 150 I think) Conner chooses this plastic pirate eye patch for 20 points and leaves the rest for his sister, he's done! That was easy!

The three musketeers took much longer to decide.......

Seth playing games....

Conner at a fish game, no surprise there...

They had some luck with this one...

The "girls" side of the booth....

The rowdy boys side.....

Each of the girls' pretty toes after their pedicures!!!!

We stopped by Mommy's office building since it's close to our next stop Charming Charlie's.. this was taken in the atrium in the middle of the building...

A little about CC, it's a jewelry extravaganza! Easily one of my favorite places with chandiliers decorating the celing along with a ton of beautifully displayed, jewelry, purses, scarves, sandals and much much more! It's actually overwhelming at first and you kind of get a little shell shocked, but not by the prices, by the sheer quantity of stuff to choose from. Jenna was able to nail it down to a couple items for her birthday but we all agreed a return trip will definitely happen!

A peek through the hall windows into my office, maybe they can take over my job, would love that!!!

After the pedicures we had to pamper our tummies as well, Olive Garden here we come! More importantly bread sticks and alfredo sauce here we come! Jenna's first experience at an OG and this Auntie laughed when she was picking through the dessert menu, like we ever get that far! She understood after our entrees came, they were so full they hardly took 5 bites! Little birds they are....

Waiting patiently for the polish to dry/harden

Put two giggly girls in a hand/foot dryer with a bowl full of suckers and candy in front of them, recipe for disaster!!!!

Brie lovin the massage chair

Jenna's pretty toes, she loved her first pedicure, they both had such a great time - hint hint, great idea for future b-days!!!

Jenna with her feet in the bubbles

Of course we regret to inform you that while this day was spent the girls going one way and the boys going the other, this meant that no photos of the boys' day exists as Uncle Steve is just not an avid photographer, not yet at least! Seth, Conner & Steve spent the morning at their home away from home, Cabelas where Seth hit the jackpot and found a steal of a deal on a fishing rod. He was so excited and the beaming smile on his face was just awesome to behold! Uncle Steve helped fill more of his tackle box with lures and now Seth is ready to take on any fish that swims his way. They also took to the lake and if I'm not mistaken, Seth might have out fished his Uncle Steve. Well that's how I remember the story, depends on who you ask though :)!

Friday night we watched Avatar, Saturday was adventure day, Saturday night we had a pizza party and watched The Green Hornet and Sunday was Church (more fishing for Steve & Seth) and then Space Aliens. Overall it was an awesome weekend, stayed up way too late, but had such an incredible time. A big thanks to Bill & Sarah for letting us spoil their kids for a weekend, we loved every second of it! Until next year.........