August in Nebraska

The boys and I headed to Nebraska recently to celebrate my mom's and Monica's birthdays and my parents' retirement, and visit the county fair.

Stephen plays some tennis.

Riding the tractor

Paul hangs out with Aunt Megan.

Stephen plays hockey.

Paul shows off his climbing skills.

Stephen makes sure Megan's yard looks beautiful.

Paul helps out as well.

Riding at the fair with Emily

Paul was more interested in all the people than the actual parade.

Stephen took this picture of a fire truck.

Checking out the livestock

Playing with Grandpa

Ready to watch the big show

I love watching Clare perform.

Emily is quite the performer as well.

Of course, Grandma had to wear some cow ears for the cow birthday party.

Happy 2nd birthday, Monica!

Some water fun!

Grandma and her grandkids

Grandma, her kids, and her grandkids

Stephen had to help Monica open her presents.

The chairs were there, so the kids sat in them.

Paul discovered that there are holes in his nose.

 We met some friends at a park for some morning fun.

Stephen loved the merry-go-round.

Paul loved anything he could play on.

Riding the trike at Grandpa's house

Colorado vacation 2013

My family came out once again in July. Stephen was very excited to have more people to play with!

On Wednesday we headed to Evergreen Lake. We got there just in time to see them unloading some fish into the lake.

 We got a great group shot with some beautiful scenery.

 We walked a bit around the lake before it started raining. We took shelter and then found a dry picnic bench to eat lunch at.

After lunch another storm was threatening so we decided to head home. After supper we walked to a park and had lots of fun! Steve joined in a game of tag with Clare and Jacob.

On Thursday we headed downtown to visit the State Capitol.

Then we went to the downtown library. The kids all enjoyed reading books.

The next morning started out with a bike ride for most of the group. Stephen had his first ride in our bike trailer. He wasn't too sure about it, but he did calm down and enjoy the ride.

Paul really wanted to join the big kids.

Paul and Monica had fun playing.

 After we picked up the bike riders, we went to a sprayground. The kids all had a great time playing in the water.

Stephen enjoyed filling his hat with water.

We had a picnic lunch and then headed home for naps.

On Saturday the kids played outside, and then we headed to Wings Over the Rockies, a museum in an old Air Force base hangar. It was cockpit demo day, so the kids could get into some of the planes. Stephen loved it. He still talks about the airplanes he saw at the airplane museum.

Getting some help from Jacob

Getting some help from Monica

Ever since seeing the jet cars, Stephen has been enthralled with jet engines.

Steve even got to climb in a cockpit.

We had a picnic lunch under this airplane.

Cuddling with Grandma

That evening we went to one of our favorite restaurants - Dino's. We drove through a crazy rainstorm with some very close lightning, but the food was worth it!

After church on Sunday morning we got a couple more group pictures.

Brushing teeth before church

After lunch we went to the hotel where my parents and Amy were staying to swim in the pool. Stephen and Paul had a great time!

That evening we grilled and played outside. Stephen liked having some digging buddies.

We even grilled s'mores.

On Monday it was time for everyone to head home, but we managed to line up the cousins for a photo.