Puddle Jumpers

Every time it rains (which has been about three times in the past three months), the kids beg to play in the puddles....



Who am I to tell them no!



One morning, there was no begging, just doing! Never mind the fact that we needed to run to Walmart...puddles take priority!







Everlee thought Bubba was pretty silly....



then discovered some water of her own!







It rained all day yesterday (and the temperature dropped about 30 degrees)....perfect day to have a friend over and play in the basement. But what rainy day play date isn't complete without a little pudding jumping!










Directing tricycle traffic


Cru loved worm hunting!

Speaking of Cru....and water....a few weeks back, when Reese was at her friend's house, he asked to play in the "pool" in the front yard.....



This "pool" has brought us hours of entertainment this summer!

He also wanted the princesses to join him....





Don't worry, Grandpa, it only lasted about 20 minutes, then he wanted to play ball!



Do yourself a favor, next time it rains, as much as you want to curl up under a blanket, go splash in a puddle instead! It does the soul some good. And not to worry if your socks get soaked, as often as we get rain, they'll have plenty of time to dry.

Birthday Trip to KC

If you remember last year when Reese turned five, her grandmas and myself surprised her with a trip to KC to the American Girl doll store.

She definitely remembered because months prior to her birthday, she began asking if we were going back to for her sixth birthday.

It was such a fun experience, so we definitely wanted to take her again this year.





Since her birthday fell on Friday, we set out early Saturday morning....



ear buds in! She jammed the whole way....moves like jagger, moves like jagger, mooooooooooooooves like jagger. Thanks Grammie and Papa for the new iPod!!!

After a quick first stop at my favorite second hand store (which never gets old! Reese hit the jackpot this trip!), we were finally there!



Her agenda for this trip: getting MaKenna's ears pierced, MaKenna's hair styled, and spending her own money (the girl had $178 saved!!!).









$14 for ear piercing, $20 for hair style....whatever makes you happy, Reese! Daddy isn't here to say no ;)

We did a little walking around the mall afterwards and couldn't leave without one ride on the carousel.



Then, we ate a late lunch at the Cheesecake Factory....always Grandma's favorite!



And finally, we ended with a some shopping at Crown Center. The rain had stopped and it was perfect weather for outdoor shopping.....another one of my favorite places!



It never gets old walking through Pottery Barn Kids and dreaming!

Such a fun day! Thank you, Grammie, for coming along! And we definitely missed having Grandma Cheryl there this year. Hopefully, next year because I'm sure we'll continue the tradition.



And I think that finally concludes Reese's 6th birthday celebrations!

Spoiled? Yes! But she's LOVED even more!!!!

Reese is 6!

It was a little torturous having Reese's birthday party three weeks before her actual birthday. However, on August 31st our sweet princes was finally officially 6!!!



She received the best present of all....no school! Wahoo! So, we started our morning with donuts, Papa, and Chimney (you all remember Chimney, right?). He had been waiting all morning for us.



He made Reese a special card and necklace, which she so thankful for and wore the necklace all day!

After donuts, we headed to Wichita to the zoo. I was a little nervous taking all three kids by myself, but thankfully they behaved so well!




We love gaters!








Usually, we only see the zebras doing stuff like this!














The kids thought this guy was hilarious with his butt pressed up against the glass....see Cru laughing in the reflection?! Haha!!!




So very thankful for these three blessings!


Snakes were the souvenir of choice!

Chet golfed that morning in Heston, so once he was done, he drove to Wichita to meet us where he thought Reese needed to celebrate her birthday.....



Call me a fun-hater, but I was not a fan of this idea! It totally grossed me out...ack! However, after witnessing how much enjoyment that germ-infested place brought the kids, I am so happy we took them there.












Hello, blue eyes ♥












What you looking at?




Little Evee was not shy at all when she spotted a handsome little man!

Tip - If you're thinking about going there, go in the middle of the afternoon! We went at 3:00, and there was no one there! When we left two hours later, people were starting to flock in.


Dancing with Chuck E for free tickets



Once we were back home, it was finally time to open presents!


MaKenna!!!



And she also had special visitors come over - Casyn, Grandma Cheryl, Grandma Linda, and Grandpa Dell. Our girl is loved!



When we became parents six years ago, there's no way I could have dreamed it would be what it is. It's hard, very hard, but this girl makes it easy. She is an amazing little girl with a big imagination and has the kindest, most compassionate heart. I am so very thankful our journey into parenthood began with her!

Happy 6th birthday, Reesee!

Next post - Reese's birthday KC trip....yes, there's more! We celebrate big in this house!