Announcing . . .

Well, it's been the summer of surprises, for sure.

 

Looks like we all get to cuddle another little one this winter!

 

Don't they look like they'll be great a great big brother and big sister! What a blessing my children are to me. I can't even begin to imagine adding another little blessing when I already feel so full.

Life is good, folks . . . life is good!

Gettin' Their Swim On . . .

Swimming lessons started this week.

 

I'm looking forward to having two little fishes!

It's Hot Out There!

This is what two kids look like after running through the water hose - fully clothed.

 

This is what happens when we get a proper sprinkler out so they can play in their swim suits.

 

It's been so hot here this summer. Funny, these two don't seem to notice.

Happy Summer!

A Good Fit

He's really good at this . . . Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there!

Western Kansas

We took a long weekend trip out to Dirck's hometown of Lakin, Kansas.  It was the perfect time of year for a visit.  Wheat harvest was in full swing, but we managed to find a few fields that hadn't been cut yet. My son got to hold an old shotgun - which was one of his highlights. We visited the Heartland Cemetery. Hearltand Kansas was the western most end of the Chisholm Trail. The town was founded in the 1800's & ceased to exist when the townspeople of Lakin burned the courthouse in hopes of securing the county seat in their town . . . it worked.  Western Kansas is windy, flat, desolate and so different from anything I'm used to seeing. Having said that, it's also beautiful and interesting.  Seeing the sunset over a wheat field . . . well, that's the most beautiful and truly golden "golden hour" you will ever experience.  The area is also at the edge of the Central Time Zone, so the sun doesn't set this time of year until sometime after 9:00pm.  You may have a little trouble finding a hotel out that way, but if you get a chance, it's definitely worth seeing - such true Americana. 

Summer Vacation, Part 2

Seriously, could I have picked a more boring title??

Despite the lame title, our beach vacation was fun, relaxing & quite the time we all had hoped for. We rented a cabin at Topsail Hill State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. This is the 3rd year we've come here for a beach vacation. The park is very family oriented and child friendly. It's quiet, peaceful, and bargain priced for the accommodations. I highly recommend this place if you are ever looking for a relaxing beach vacation.

Once we arrived, we had to check out our place. The kids claimed the screened-in wrap around porch and picnic table as their special place. Well . . . it IS pretty special.

We went out for lunch one day and managed to take a family photograph (lovin' my self timer, thank-you-very-much).

 

After lunch, I had to take a few images of the kiddos. They weren't really that interested . . .

BUT, eventually they warmed to the idea of photos - well, my daughter did. My son tolerated the camera only because I was going to take a picture of the blue marlin too!

 

These munchkins love their daddy (and I do too!).

 

I'm very fortunate that she still likes to hold my hand - just had to snap this image to remember!

But what's all this talk about a beach vacation, but no beach pictures yet? Well, don't you worry, I've got it covered. There were just too many to try to whittle it down any further, so here ya go . . .

But don't think that just because this was a beach vacation and beach park that the beach is the only thing to do at Topsail Hill . . . Nope, there was plenty to keep us occupied. . .

We even visited the Gulfarium on opening day where we learned all about tidepools, and we got to see a seal & dolphin show.

 

Our last night there, we took the kiddos to a family-fun center where we rode bumper boats, go-carts, carnival rides & even played a few video games. When we asked our son what his favorite thing was that we did, he said it was the video game when he got to shoot buffalo . . . hmmmm. . . he's quite like his dad!

Such a fun trip. I'm already looking forward to next year!