Yanny Park

While in Nebraska we went to a place in Kearney, NE called Yanny Park. It was fabulous! The kids had a great time. Really, how could you not? Papa and Mimi took Carson and Owen there a year ago. It was Stella's and Isaac's turn to experience Yanny Park. We went to the park after going to Luke's and Jake's golf tournament and visiting Great Grandma Porter. We were so happy that Papa, Mimi, aunt Michelle, Luke and Jake could join us at the park.

Owen started out by running through the rainbow of mist.

Isaac and Luke strategize.

It did not take long for the boys to figure out if you pour a bottle of water down the slide just before going down makes the slide really, really fast! The boys were flying off the slides.

Owen about to crash at the bottom of the slide.

Luke and Carson race down the short slide.

Ike and Jake off to another activity.

Stella loved this rolling slide (once she got over her initial fear.)

Owen waits for a bucket of water to fall on his head.

Isaac running to tell the adults he's having fun in the water.

He couldn't get enough of it!

Stella loved watching the boys run and be crazy. She preferred the playground over the water activities.

Luke introduced sunflower seeds to Owen and Carson. They thought they were the best thing ever!

Unfortunately, none of the adults participated in the water activities, however I believe all would have secretly loved to have joined in on the fun. It was HOT and humid!

None of the kids wanted to leave the park. We had a great time and look forward to our next trip to Yanny Park.

Wedding Day

The kids and I drove to Nebraska last week for my cousin's wedding. The kids loved many things that the wedding brought our way. For one we got to see lots of cousins, aunts and uncles and Papa and Mimi.

Throwing bird seed as the bride and groom left the church was lots of fun. Getting the little sacks of bird seed open was a bit of a challenge, though.

My uncle is a buffalo rancher. On the way to the reception we took a little field trip to see Uncle Gale's buffalo.

We finally made it to the reception. Someone told my kids it was okay to run. I'm sure they regretted telling my children this because all they did was run once they had the thumbs up to do so. They ran inside and out. (I love small town weddings!)

Hi cousin Will and aunt Amy!

The kids ate very little dinner and lots of cake. This gave them a burst of energy to light up the dance floor and to be a little goofy.

A little (or a lot) of punch was consumed to keep the energy level up as well. Apparently Mimi and aunt Michelle forget that mommy prefers that Isaac drinks water.

Cousins Luke and Jake showed the Wright kids lots and lots of great dance moves.

I know it's blurry, but they were dancing that fast.

Stella needed a drink break after all that crazy dancing.

Papa's turn to dance with Isaac and Stella.

Luke shows Owen some moves.

Owen and Kelli during the dollar dance.

A very tired Carson is ready to call it a night so off we went.

The drive home was very interesting. We ran into a bad storm. I had to pull over on the side of the interstate in Nebraska. No cars were driving on the interstate at all. They were all pulled over to the side of the road. I still had more than an hour left in our trip home at that time. We eventually made it to Papa's and Mimi's safe and sound. It was a very long day, but very fun!

Thank you Kelli and Dathan.
Congratulations!

The Fourth of July

We typically go to my in-law's cabin in Nebraska for the Fourth of July. This year was no different. They always have a fantastic party (with party shirts for everybody) that has grown and grown over the years. The party officially begins with the adults vs. kids volleyball game at the top of the hill at Murphy's cabin. The adults always win the volleyball game thanks to my father-in-law's unique scoring system. (And when I say kids, I mean anyone under the age of 45.) During and after the volleyball game the younger kids play mini golf or go down the Super Slide (which came from FantaSea right here in Wichita, KS. It's the real deal.) Carson loved the super slide this year! Owen, not so much. Going down once was enough for Owen. After socializing and when those activities are over everybody heads to my in-law's cabin for an outstanding cook-out with the most amazing food you could imagine. The night ends (in theory) with fireworks. The fireworks show is always an adventure! Too hard to explain why. Take my word. During the fireworks show the little kids glow. They have glow necklaces, bracelets and glow suckers. The Fourth of July party is fun for all ages. This year the forecast said it was supposed to rain all day. It sprinkled in the morning, but the skies cleared up by 2pm. It was a beautiful day!

Carson and Owen swimming with Papa as Daddy watches.

Testing some fireworks on July 03.

Stella watches Owen golf.

My Father-In-Law explaining the ever changing rules.

Watching the game...or shall I say pretending to watch the volleyball game as they socialize.

Isaac even got a party shirt.

Cousin Kate and Stella with their hair and t-shirts alike.

Carson runs down the Super Slide. (This makes his mama a little nervous.)

And into the water he goes!

Owen preferred to observe.

A friendly football game after dinner.

The fireworks platform arrives!

Waiting for the fireworks to start.

Little Jack, Owen and Carson

Kate, Owen, Carson and Jack take their positions for watching fireworks. They've got their suckers, necklaces, and bracelets all lit up. Let the fun begin.

This is actually how dark it was. The kids glow as they watch the fireworks.

Thank you Gary and Nancy and all our friends and family for a wonderful Fourth of July.