One more fun trip before school

We started the weekend out with a parade and spending the day at a water park. The kids got plenty of candy and had a great time swimming with a bunch of cousins.

We took the Kids to Worlds of Fun, an amusement park in Kansas City . We had a group of 18 and spent 11 hours in the 100 degree heat. But the heat didn't slow any of the kids down. Brendon, Caleb and Trevin went on almost every ride in the park. They were very brave and made me a little nervous watching them fly upside down.

The nice relaxing train ride.

Less than 5 years until this is a reality...

and this

The water felt great!

Meryn loved all the kid rides.

Gotta love those cookies

We are in trouble

Trevin Trey Caleb

The race is on

Trevin flying Meryn around

Riding the "Bug"

They were worn out...

It was nice the boys were still excited with the worm ride even after the big rides.

Meryn & Malia

Caleb, Brendon and I stuck on the Patriot (mechanical problems) thank goodness it was at the end of the ride

Meryn's Surgery

Meryn had her plastic surgery on her lip this morning. She wasn't too worried about going and didn't seem like it was a big deal. After the nurse came and took her from Mommy, it was a different story. She was pretty upset, but after she was out of our site, she quit and from what they said, she did very well. She was gone for about an hour and after some anxious waiting, the doctor came out and told us all he had done. He was able to do more than he had anticipated and after we saw his work we were more satisfied than we had hoped. She came out of recovery without a whimper and has been a trooper all day. She's had an occasional wince of pain, but is doing excellent. She got a bunch of presents from G&G Neir and her "Bubbas" and her Sunday school teacher, Mrs. Staib stopped by with a beautiful set of roses for her. We can't wait until this whole ordeal is finally over and she can be done. Thank you to all those who prayed. We know Gods hand has been over her through this.

Poison Ivy

Trevin had his first bout with poison ivy this week. He woke up the second morning at Jason & Heathers new home, covered in spots. We thought at first it was bug bites, but soon figured out he had gotten into some poison ivy playing around the outside of the yard. We finally found some cream specifically for this and it works great. He's finally over the itching and it's starting to heal. Hopefully it will be his only experience with it.

Prairie PUNISHER... I Did it!!

Today was the BIG day. I felt sick to my stomach this morning just thinking about the race. It was a hot and humid morning and that made me even more nervous. We started at 7 am and the part I thought (running the first 3 miles) would be the easiest for me, was even hard. It could have been because I was in the middle of a few hundred people, most who probably train faithfully. I tried to run their pace for about the first two minutes and thought I was gonna die. So I found my pace and finished the first run to hop on my bike and take off for those grueling 18 miles. I actually felt great at first because there was a nice breeze blowing on me. I soon forgot about the breeze and remembered the "mountains" I had to ride up. I finished biking and as I came into the transition area I had a big crowd (Greg and the kids, plus several other members of my family) cheering me on. The last run was the worst part of my morning. I expected it to be hard and it WAS! I tried to start jogging the last three miles, but my legs and mind were telling me they didn't want to. I eventually made it back to the last stretch and about 10 of the kids were there to run with me to the finish line. They were cheering me on telling me "mommy see your not the last one, there are still more runners coming!" The twins knew I was worried about that:) So I am exhausted and sore tonight, but it was a great experience and I am glad I did it. I'm maybe too tired because I am actually thinking about doing it again next year...Thanks June & Damon for talking me into it. I think!

Blue Angels

Last Saturday, the kids and I went to McConnell AFB in Wichita, for an airshow by the Blue Angels. It was the first time I had seen them since I was a kid, probably at Moffett Field in California. So this was really exciting for me, to see them again and for the kids to experience the show. After we arrived, we walked 20 minutes to get to the gate, then had to wait in line for a quarter mile to go through the security check. Finally through, we walked forever to make it to the static displays. There were some cool planes there and you could go inside several of them. We decided to wait in line to tour a KC-135 air re-fueler, but after moving forward 10 feet in 15 minutes, I said we'd hit it on the way out. By this time the show was starting, so we headed over to the viewing area where we broiled for the next 5 hours. The bank signs said it was 100 but I'm sure it was closer to 150. The afterburner blast from the F-18's was a welcomed relief if that tells you anything.

The show was great and we all had fun, despite the heat. It was neat to see the Blue Angels again after so long and especially after their crash earlier in the year. I hope this will be a happy memory the kids can look back on when they take their kids to a show. Thanks Dad for the shows we went to!

For those who are interested, here are all the pics we took.

More Family Fun In KC

Meryn
Maggie & Caleb
Brendon
Eli & Meryn
Caleb
Avery & Meryn
Kids on the 4th
Trey & Trevin being silly
Trevin still being silly...
Meryn & Avery
Meryn attempting the slide on her own

Enjoying the free popsicles

Trevin

The kids and I went to Kansas City this week while Greg had to work. We had a fun week and did lots of swimming. We went to a water park two different days and then to my brothers pool all day Sunday.

I was able to bike ride the "fun" 18 mile route a couple times while I was there. I am not quite ready for this duathalon on the 28th but I am going to give it my best:) We all had a lot of fun!

More Cousin Time

Julie and her kids stayed a few days extra when we got back from Colorado. So our kids got a little more cousin fix.

Meryn LOVES baby Brooklyn!

Brendon and Caleb did a great job entertaining Brooklyn. She really enjoyed them too.

Uncle Greg is always a hit with the kids. He was doing a little wrestling (tossing the kids) this night.

Brendon & Brooklyn

Caleb and Brooklyn (right after she spit on him)

Aunt Berta & Meryn

Meryn, Malia & Meredith

Trevin is always out of sight when all the cousins come. So once again I don't have pictures of him. We let him go to Kansas City to spend more time with some of the cousins. He is having a great time. We are all missing him here at home!