Derby Days Parade

A friend and I took the kids to the parade last night for something to do.  It was 88 and sunny  - hot.  The kids have never seen a parade so I was trying to explain to them what one might be.  We bought hot dogs, chips and drinks from a church fund raiser and found a shady spot to enjoy the show.  

Maddie was soooo tired as she put it that she had to lay in the grass during part of the parade.

As you can see in the second to last picture Josh was being sneaky and taking cheetos out of Maddie's bag behind her while she wasn't paying attention.

And you see sweet Maddie in this last picture, but this is not what I was actually taking a picture of.  In the background you will see a person wearing a police office reflective vest sitting on a motorized scooter/wheelchair type vehicle to the right of the road block.  We were just wondering how in the world this police officer would be able to, say break up a fight or do crowd control....hmmm, interesting. 

JJ's Summer 'do and Maddie's New Sleeping Position

I finally was able to get JJ a summer hair cut so he won't get so sweaty.  This is a good thing since it will be in the 90's this weekend.

Maddie is starting to defy her naps and this is what happens at the dinner table....

Say Goodbye

Here is the regular before deployment family picture we take...John took off this afternoon.Should be home Mid Aug.

Weekend Updates

My friend Kristin flew in on Wednesday for the weekend.  We took the kids to good ol' Chuck E. Cheese for a late birthday present from Kris.  We actually all had fun!  The key is to go during the week at lunch time.  

On Friday, we took the kids plus one to the zoo and met up with another friend and her twins.  JJ and Kristin were able to feed a giraffe, ok well JJ grabbed the food they paid for and shoved it all at the giraffe at one time!  

The weather was great all weekend!  On Friday night we made home made vanilla and strawberry cheesecake ice cream.

On Saturday, John and a friend took the boys to the Wichita Wild indoor arena football game.  

Kristin brought kites for the kids, but it wasn't windy enough while she was here so on Memorial Day I took the kids out in the front yard and got one up and going in the breeze.  You get a nice shot of my belly on that one that JJ took of me flying the kite!

Great Wolf Lodge

Sunday we took off for Kansas City, KS for some quality family time before John takes off in a few days.  We had a great experience at Great Wolf Lodge.  It was perfect for our kids' age. 

The blue slides are the slides JJ refused to go down but a few times one day.  And of course that is the day I didn't bring the camera.  

Maddie absolutely LOVED just floating on her back with the life vest.  She would have done it all day if we let her.

We went to a nice shopping area near by and had lunch at the T-Rex restaurant.  It was over priced and not so good food.  The dinosaurs were cool, but that was about it.

Every five minutes there is a bell that goes off signaling that the bucket is going to dump 5000 gallons of water.  John stood under the falling water so the kids could laugh at him.

They had story every night at 8 which the kids really enjoyed, an arts and crafts room, and an arcade room.  They also had a game that took the kids all over the hotel.  That was for the older kids so we didn't participate, but looked pretty fun.

Date Night!

So I think this is my last post for the day. I had some catching up to do.  Last week I watched a friend's little boy and ended up having to pick his sister up from school while my friend was with her husband during his knee surgery.  Anyway, she rewarded me/us with a gift card to Outback!  So John and I and another couple went out for dinner sans the kids.  We stopped for ice cream and a stroll through a nice shopping area.  Apparently it was prom night and at the pretty water fountain all the couples were getting their pictures taken.  Oh to be THAT young again.  But I cannot believe all the things that happen for prom nowadays.  I sound old, I know.  But we saw some of the parents we recognized from church and they said after this picture time, they were all off to the actual prom.  The parents all follow to that as there is also a red carpet where all the couples are announced and more pictures.  Plus this big party had a huge suburban limo.  I mean I know some kids did limos, but what happen to getting a nice dinner and then just going to the dance?   Now there are red carpet's and all the glam?  What the heck is it going to be like for my kids in 12-14 years?  Geez.

Anyway, the four of us had a really great time hanging out together before John leaves.

Kiddie Pool Fun

On Wednesday, I believe, it was beautiful out and the kids had a blast in the pool.  I got out the floaty rings which entertained them all the better!

Zoo Trip

Last Monday we went to the zoo and bought a membership so we can go all summer long.  The kids love it!  

The giraffe's are JJ's favorite thing to see.  The gorilla exhibit is pretty cool too.  Maddie was really into watching them eat sticks and leaves.  Hopefully it stops raining soon so we can go back!

Seriously? Another Deployment?

Yes, they are squeezing in another deployment out of John before baby comes in September.  I don't know why I am surprised.  It IS the military.  He is leaving May 25 thru the middle of August.