Kansas City

Emmie and I (along with our friends Leah and Kate) had the opportunity to travel to Kansas City for a girls weekend.  The purpose of our trip was to attend the Kansas City LDS Temple open house.  I was able to attend quite a few growing up and I couldn't pass up the opportunity with Emmie.  Kansas City is about a 5 hour drive--- not too far for an almost 4 year old.

Our first stop was Union Station.  We thought the girls might like to see the trains.  The building is beautiful!  We didn't stay too long because I parked illegally and I knew Brenden would flip if I got a parking ticket.

Next stop was the Kansas City Crown Center. If you have kids, you need to go here.  There are tons of things to do like a playground, aquarium, huge crayola store, and a kids theater.  We saw James and the Giant Peach.  It was adorable.  The kids get to sit on the floor and the plays are only about an hour.  Perfect. 

 

The highlight of our trip was the Kansas City LDS Temple open house.  For  two weeks prior to the temple's dedication anyone can tour it.  It was really special to be able to walk through with Emmie.  She thought it was beautiful and especially liked the Angel Jaroni (Moroni) on the top. 

Of course there was a stop to the Plaza. I couldn't resist the H&M or the cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory which I inhaled in about a minute. This place is pretty ritzy which is why Emmie is demonstrating such restraint.

Overall it was a great trip.  I am really glad we went.  The only downside was the missed highway I was supposed to take on the way home making our trip home an hour longer... Oops. 

Happy Birthday Mom!

My mom has a blog and on a loved one's birthday they have an entire blog entry dedicated to them with a story of why my mom loves them.  I have to admit, she has made my eyes wet on more than one occasion.  I thought I would return the favor since it is her birthday.

 When my sister and I were in high school and college the three of us would go out shopping.  These were not practical trips but shopping trips dedicated to spending time together and socializing.  We would frequently be out around lunch time and my sister and I would say, "Mom, we're hungry!". On more than one occasion my mom would say, "Well, let's go get some ice cream".   And that we did.  Ice cream for lunch is the best. I still enjoy spending time with my sister and my mom... they are the best at saying, please don't buy that or that looks great. 

She has passed on this love of fun with the grand kids.  She is a great mother but she is an even better grandmother.  We love you mom! Happy Birthday.

Peter Pumpkin Eater

 

Pete had his 18 month check up today.  The kid is 25% in weight weighing 24lbs 12oz.  He is 95% in height with a measurement of 34.5 inches.  Looks like we have a tall skinny kid.  We have nicknamed him "stealth" for his excellent running and hiding skills. 

What we've been up to

Happy April Fools!  We have a serious cat problem here in our neighborhood.  We are always joking with the neighbors about the cats living under their deck and under our swing set.  We made them a kitty litter cake in honor of the cats.  The cake was actually really tasty if you could get over the looks of it. 

Dying Easter eggs is always fun and by fun I mean a smelly mess.  We created egg "monsters".  They turned out pretty cute. 

I threw this in here because I find them doing this a lot... you know, hanging out in their Hawaiian gear.  No, just kidding... they love to sit on the step and read Pete's animal book. 

Pete is a lot like the Peanut's character Pig Pen.  I thought to myself, if Pete wants a mess I'll give it to him.  I filled the bowls up with flour and let him have at it.  There was flour everywhere.  I think next time I will use rice.

The Easter Bunny came a day early at our house.  Brenden's grandpa passed away earlier in the week and he went up to WA to attend the funeral.  It was sad news!  Grandpa Reid will sure be missed.  We are glad that Brenden can be with all his family for Easter!

The kids during the Easter Egg hunt- Emmie running at full speed while Pete sits and eats his first find. 

And lastly, this is what you get when you say "cheese" to Pete.  

Happy Easter!

Ten minutes before church started... bribed with one peep each. Not bad at all.

Happy Easter!

Hawaii

My parents, grandparents, Gregg&Rachael, Jim&Richelle&kids all decided to take a trip to Hawaii.  We were super jealous but my parents sent back these cute outfits.  Pete just needs some shades and a camera- don't you think?

Sandhill cranes

Brenden and I took the kids to see the Sandhill cranes last week.  Millions of these guys migrate through Nebraska this time of year.  We tried once during the day but all the birds were in the fields eating so we went back right before bed and caught a few flying in to the banks of the river.  It was really cool. 

Trip to Lincoln

We drove to Lincoln last week so Brenden could attend a couple conferences there.  The kids and I tagged along so we could visit our good friends Brad&Emily and Mike&Jamie.  I would have never imagined we'd have this many kids between us- 7 and one on the way!