Summer Oklahoma Visit

Because my parents live almost exactly half-way to the Sr. Stahl's house, we decided to combine our summer visits this year. So after our Colorado jaunt, we headed to Oklahoma. Yes, it was a new challenge packing for three road trips within a road trip. ;)


I LOVE peach pie and got to eat this delicious dessert soon after we arrived.








We started our first morning off with a fun activity my mom planned. She put together a scavenger hunt for the kiddos. They each had their own list and items to hunt for. Some shared and some specific. They really enjoyed it and it will be a fun memory!

What we refer to as "Heavenly Light" just looked gorgeous this particular morning.

The peacock feathers mom found near a neighbor's house were one of the favorite items.
Lorelei mentioned taking it to show her class. They also really loved their specially painted rocks.
Lorelei painted her own rock for a friend later.

One evening after a "tell me a story about when you were a kid" request I was trying to explain our elementary school see-saws and how we could make them jump in order to even out each side because there are three sections in the middle. (See...you don't even know what I mean do you?) I asked Nana if they still had our old equipment and thankfully they are still using it in the small town our school was located in. It was fun taking the kids to check out the "old time" playground equipment. We did go past the old school as well, but that was a bit depressing with how run-down it has become. It was fun giving them a little glimpse into my childhood. :)

When going through A.J.'s room in search of some Legos, Nana and the kid stumbled upon an unopened box that was a Lego chess set. With Uncle A.J.'s permission Makin assembled it and wanted to play a game each day, if not more than once a day.

We headed to Sunset Lake after getting a delicious box of peaches from the Colorado peach truck. (So yummy!) The kids love exploring here.

Checking out a baby hawk in the tree.

The swings were especially popular this visit. We caught gorgeous weather!

Lorelei liked to chat with Nana while she would swing.

Papa took the kids to check the cattle and run through the irrigation sprinkler.

When reading a book about ice cream earlier this summer it talked about the different machines invented through the years to make ice cream. This lead to us asking if Nana could make some home-made ice cream during our visit so the kids could see how it worked. Of course, it was a huge hit.

Thanks for a great visit Nana and Papa!

Summer Nebraska Visit

We love a summer visit to Nebraska to enjoy cooler weather and time with family.

We made the drive to Nebraska all in one day. I grew up with long road trips so 14 hours doesn't phase me much. The kids are super troopers and completely content with hours of DVDs. (One of the many bonuses of a low media household!) They also love some of their special road-trip-only snacks. We found some wireless headphones so Brad and I didn't even get shushed during the drive!

The kids love time on the farm. They especially enjoy driving the gator and time with the animals.

Brad enjoys fitting in as much golf as possible while he is off of work and was able to golf each day of our visit!

Long-time friends Jesse and Ty joined him for a round of golf Monday night.
Anthony joined them for supper.

Karter loves a chance to golf with Uncle Brad. Brad did a good job coaching both boys
I love the laid-back prairie golf course in town.

Lots of fun with...

Knex

Cards

Wii Sports

The Hideout

Chalk Drawing

Special Evening of S'mores and Fireworks

The kids make such good memories and absolutely love coming here.

Thanks for your hospitality Grandma and Grandpa!

Quickest Family Picture Session Ever...

Before what I like to call Stahl version of The Berenstain Bears Too Much Vacation Day...

We headed to see the air show in Cheyenne. I should mention this is about 1 1/2 hours from the Sr. Stahl's house, just to help you comprehend the magnitude of the day...

The kids were thrilled to finally ride a school bus, which was our shuttle after we arrived at a parking lot in Cheyenne.

School bus ride! Yay!

And just as we find a spot through the crowds, get our chairs unpacked and sit down...they announce that the show has been cancelled due to weather. 

Pack 'Em Back Up

Waiting On The Shuttle Bus To Come Back

And since we are annoyingly optimistic, we decide to continue the day's plan of heading up to the mountains so our kids can have their first-ever mountain experience...I mean the weather forecast on our phone says there is 100% chance of rain but our hotel rooms are nonrefundable...so away we go. Apparently I'm still working on that whole "learning to dance in the rain" thing (literally and figuratively in this case...), so you may detect a hint of a curmudgeonly attitude for this visit...

Areal Tram. You cannot tell but it is pouring rain.
No, I don't look while I'm in that thing.

Karter and Makin feeding the chipmunks.
He came and took a peanut right out of their hands.

Proud Explorer. Don't you just love that gorgeous mountain background?

Well, since the chipmunks won't take my peanuts...I'll just have a little snack...
At least its gorgeous lighting for pictures.

Hannah looking too grown up and beautiful.
Grandma staying cheerful in the cloud.

C'mere Chipmunk....

Karter and Makin loved exploring together.
I imagine this will be a really special memory for Makin, despite the lack of view.

At least this chipmunk isn't full or hiding from the rain... ;)

After supper near the stream we did manage to get a cute cousins pic!

Treasured these cousins having fun in the pool.

Thanks for a fun visit Stahl family!