Nebraska Visit

We always enjoy heading up for our annual summer Nebraska visit.

This year we mixed some sadness with our usual fun times as we said goodbye to one of Brad's cousins, Amy. I loved marrying into a large extended family when I married Brad. He grew up in a small town with most of his cousins nearby. His family did everyday-life together and also celebrating big events together. This week we said goodbye to one of these cousins, who will be dearly missed. She had a servant heart and was a friend to everyone. Well over 300 people came to honor her memory and say goodbye this week. It was amazing to see how much of a community of people she touched in her lifetime even though we don't feel like it was long enough.



We were blessed to get to see much of Brad's family we don't often get to see during our visits.

Brad fit in plenty of golf.

After Brad, Anthony and Ty golfed, Lisa (Ty's wife) and I met up with them for supper.
(The kids loved staying with Grandma and Grandpa while we went out.)

We always love cousin time with Hannah, Karter and Brooklyn. Brooklyn became Lorelei's shadow this visit, and it was sweet to see that.

Giving Oreo a scrub.

Hannah and Grandma making her famous Smothered Burritos

Lots of coloring time.

Loved a chance for some one-on-one with Karter. Growing up so fast!

Gator time!

Brad is more than a little thrilled golf is on Karters list of favorite sports.

Karter's super-fast remote car.

Lorelei requested s'mores.

Yes, Hannah is growing up too. This is her SENIOR year. Crazy.

Makin loves playing cards with Grandma.

The "road-side pillow" was a hit again this summer.

Sweet Oreo

Thanks for a fun visit Grandma and Grandpa!!!

Summer Adventures

Lorelei assisting with a science project.

Library Programs
We are so appreciative of the many library programs offered throughout the summer.

Checking out a porcupine

Making Wishes

Roller Rink
We headed to the roller rink for the school yearbook signing party. It was a great chance to see classmates mid-summer.

Lorelei and Jaedynn

Noah, Makin, Robyn and Luke

Brady, Jaedynn, Mallory and Lorelei

Farm In The City
Back in February at the school auction we bid (silent auction) on the prize "Visit to the Smith's Farm In The City" per Lorelei's request and won. Between the two busy schedules, we didn't get our visit until July. The baby chicks were no longer babies, but the kids had fun holding them anyway! :)

They also wanted to till the garden and planted some seeds. 

They painted pots and planted flowers in each. The Smiths also set up a game of horseshoes for us to play with them. The kids had such a great time! As we drove away Makin said, "That was a great day!"

Ice Cream
Its not summer without a little extra ice cream! The kids had been asking about Rolling Ice Cream for a while so we put it on the summer bucket list. It was a unique experience and they really loved how fancy the ice cream looked.

Bowling
We enjoyed bowling with friends.












Pool Time
You know how much we love our pool time!

Going-Into-4th Pool Party

Aquatic Center - we met friends here but didn't get a pic

Going-Into-2nd Pool Party

Lorelei and Reagan

(Poolside ;) ) Sunglasses Selfie

And of course we couldn't miss one of our favs because of the wave rider, Jack Carter Pool

Books
Along with fitting in plenty of time for reading this summer, we fit in one more book club. We chose Little House In The Big Woods because one of my friends had always wanted to put together stations for the kids to go through from this time period. I mean seriously. Two moms put together the stations, one of them hosted it at her house, another mom led the discussion. What an amazing group of women. Of course, the girls absolutely loved it. What a memory to go with their book!

One of L's favorites, cross stitch.

Grinding corn, then turning it into tortillas.
It was like a cooking show where you have the next step ready to go...they didn't grind the corn that long!

Making corn husk dolls. 

Washing Clothes

Making Paper Dolls

Movie
We watched Ferdinand in the theater. They offer movies throughout the summer for $1. Such a treat!