Saturday Get-a-way

With a hint of fall in the air and a full day of nothing to do, we decided to head over to Sioux Falls for a quick trip. Summer has been busy and we felt like we just needed a day away for the family. 

Our first stop was the Washington Pavillion where the kids ran around like crazy from one hands-on exhibit to the next. The theme on the main floor was space so they had fun launching rockets, pushing buttons in the space ship, and even learning about how to use the toilet in a space ship!

The next level was all about dinosaurs which is right up our kids' alley. They loved digging for fossils and even building a triceratops. 

The animal and insect exploring continued on where Bennett got to dress up as a bee keeper.

Music and sound was the next floor where they ran, rolled, and even did cartwheels on the giant floor piano.  

We were busy here for hours and really enjoyed each and every exhibit!

After grabbing lunch, a ferris wheel ride at Scheels, and some new Coyote gear, we headed over to Falls Park.

We all loved climbing the rocks and feeling the mist from the falls. Of course we ended our trip with some ice cream.

It was a peaceful ride home with some tired kiddos.

Goodbye Summer

 Well, summer has come and gone and we have had the greatest time!

Trips, plenty of ice cream, swimming, boating, parks, popsicles, beaches, sleeping in, riding our bikes, splash pad, and so much more. 

 But now it's time to look forward to school!

Marie will begin first grade, Bennett will begin 4 year old preschool, and Brooks will be with Mom.

 We are so thankful for these wonderful memories this summer brought us!

The Little Apple

We enjoyed a relaxing and fun weekend with some of the greatest friends we have in Manhattan, Kansas. 

Bryant and Molly along with their cute kiddos, Piper and Max, hosted us this summer for a long overdue visit.

The kids became fast friends spending all their time playing, creating, and being silly. 

Max and Bennett enjoyed cars, tractors, and bothering the girls.

Marie and Piper spent hours in the "art studio" gluing, giggling, and drawing many masterpieces.

It was so special for me to see these kids play together. Molly and I used to spend hours and days together non-stop as children and teenagers. 

I so wish we could be closer to each other in location, but am so thankful we are still close as friends.

We enjoyed a trip to the zoo, donut shop, walks, tour of Kansas State Stadium,

 and one epic water fight. 

My voice was sore and hoarse when we left town, and my eyes may or may not have been watering a little... 

Thanks Van Meeteren family...until next time!

Go Big Red

 We fulfilled a bucket list item for Andy during our vacation this summer -  a guided tour followed by time on the Husker football field. 

I have to admit...it was a really great experience. 

 We all put on our Husker gear and were able to see where the players lift weights, saw the practice fields, even the locker rooms. While we were wrapping up our tour, players were getting ready to get taped by the trainers for practice. So, we even got to watch the players walk in and out of the trainers room and snag a few high fives for the boys.

On our way onto the field, the boy each got to touch the luck horse shoe on our way out through the tunnel. 

 What is a football field tour without a game of catch?

The kids ran out onto the field and scored as many touchdowns as the could.

 This was something I hope we get to do again as the kids get older. 

Go Huskers!

Omaha Zoo

 To wrap up our vacations this summer we took a road trip to Omaha for a day. 

We chose the hottest day of the summer but we still had a blast!

 Brooks loved the aquarium and since it was air conditioned, we spent lots of time in there!

These kids are the greatest and we have truly enjoyed our summer with them. I can't believe how old they are getting!

As soon as we got to the hotel we had a big surprise...a tornado!

 

 Yep...those are my kids watching it. It was a safe distance away but yet thrilling all the same!