The Split Weekend

This was a momentous weekend for us. It was the first time Kinley and I were apart from each other. It was scary to think we have never spent a day apart in almost a year and a half, but it was definitely time to get away. My parents came up to Kansas on Thursday. We hung out, got packed up, and on Friday Tom and I left for California. Now, this is where we begin the two drastically different weekends.

Tom and I had a great time! As soon as we got into town, Billy and Sarah picked us up and drove us to Pasadena. We met Nick Cline and Beth at The Cheesecake Factory for dinner. Delicious! After a little walking around, we headed back to the hotel and ran into the Jensen crew. We decided it would be a good idea to check out the pool and hot tub. Of course being the competitive people that we are...there were a couple rounds of chicken fighting, throwing kids, and a little bit of relaxing. We both passes out once we hit the sheets, and unfortunately, I didn't sleep all that well. I don't know if I was worrying about Kinley or it was just one of those nights.
Saturday morning we were supposed to meet at 8:30 to go to the beach. I actually got up a little early to run (I struggled) and we went to breakfast and then spent the next 45 minutes trying to get everyone together. After much searching and dragging Nick Cline out of bed, we were off. Apparently late night burrito runs take a lot out of you, although Beth was a trooper. We finally made it onto the Jensen's RV and headed for the beach.

You may think this looks cramped, but this was just 5 of the 17 people in the RV. So, like I said, we made it to Manhattan Beach. It was great! The sand was amazing, the temperature was perfect, the water was blue, and there was great people watching!

We actually had great time management and made it back to the hotel with 3 hours to get ready before we had to catch the shuttle to the wedding.

This is Tom and I all spiffed up before the wedding at our hotel. It was so different seeing the family all dressed up. Although I have to say we are a good-looking bunch.

The wedding was beautiful and great fun! Nick and Lotsie both looked great! We had a wonderful time being with adults and not having to worry about Kinley.

It really was a nice break for us. We headed home Sunday morning after breakfast and a few good-byes.


So...This is what Kinley was doing while we were away.


Here I am with Papa. We are working on bonding. Going good so far.
So then Grami and Papa decided to take me to Target. This was great! Look at all the cool stuff they got me. I know there's lots of stuff my mom would never get me, but that's okay, she didn't!

Here I am in my new shoes, but I don't think I can wear them with everything, I'll have to check with the fashion police. Also, see my new stroller for my baby. I tried to catch a ride in it, but I was a little bit too big, but I can push it real good.

Grami and Papa also took me to the Oz Museum. It was pretty cool. I think there's a movie or something about this, but I'm not sure. There was a pretty lady with a puppy, (I got my picture with him), a beautiful lady with a crown and pink dress, a tin man, and scarecrow that can talk, a lion that is scared of everything, and bad lady with striped legs and a green face. I had a good time, and I think Grami and Papa did too.

We were going to go to the zoo in town, but it rained the day we were going to do that, and then Mom and Dad came home. I sure did miss them, but I had so much fun with Grami and Papa. We played so much! They even let me swing as long as I wanted and I got to eat ice cream too!
Well, that about wrapped up my weekend. I guess Mom and Dad had a good time; they came home smiling!

Wisconsin

We all went up to Antigo, Wisconsin for a few days. There is a great doctor there that is a chiropractor and uses laser therapy. Tom has known Dr. Draeger for a few years now, and thought it was time for some more treatment. We had a great time! Tom and I both ended up getting some treatment, you know how it is once you turn 30...everything falls apart. Anyway, while all this was going on, Dr. Draeger's daughter, Danae, was watching Kinley.

They were fast friends! This made it much easier on all of us, and gave her something to do. Besides all the treatment, we played, had great meals, saw the workings of a scratch bakery, and rode 4 wheelers for a little bit. Kinley tried riding with Tom, but she didn't like it so much. She had more fun in the little play car in the garage. Actually, she held the door closed and threw a little fit when we told her it was time to go. All in all, we had a great time. The Draeger family is so kind and generous and selfless, and we thank them for all the treatment, babysitting, meals, and all-around good time!

Texas Beach Trip

Well, I know this doesn't look like the clear blue water and white sand beach that most people think of, but this is the Gulf...a little sand, some brownish water, and lots of sun. This is a small beach in the little town of Port Lavaca, Texas. And believe it or not, it was perfect for us! We had so much fun. The water was pretty shallow far off shore and warm. Both pluses for kidos. There weren't many people around, so we didn't feel cramped or invaded.
Kinley LOVED the beach. She liked playing right where the water came up on the sand. She would dig a little and chase some birds and play with her cousins. She was o.k. going out in the water with me. At first she didn't really like it. She just wanted me to hold her, but once she saw everyone else walking around, she would follow them back to shore. Mostly, she just liked to play on the beach and have some snacks.

One day we spent at the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi. All the kids had a blast! They got to hold sea urchins (Kinley threw her's back in the water), pet sting rays, and watch a dolphin show. There were so many fish to see, but also snakes, aligators, sea otters, and jelly fish.


We were going to tour the USS Lexington, but after the aquarium we were all hungry and tired of walking, and it takes at least a couple of hours to tour the ship.



All in all, we had a great time! No one got lost, hurt, or too badly sunburned. Can't wait for the next adventure!

4th of July

Happy 4th everyone! We had a pretty good day. It started off hot...temperature that is. I think it was 90 by the time Kinley and I got to the track after 10:30. Okay, maybe not 90, but pretty close. Anyway, a little storm came in later in the day to cool things off, but by the time we went to Cliff and Karol's for dinner and evening entertainment, it was fine. We had great burgers and fixins and then we watched a couple of movies. When it started getting dark enough, Karol, Kinley and I went out front to watch all the fireworks. We could see at least 6 different "shows" at the same time. I think the highlight of the evening was watching the baby bunnies in the front yard. We think there were 6 babies with mommy. They didn't seem scared of the fireworks. In fact, when we spotted them they were just sitting by the porch watching all the chaos around them. We had a nice evening without all the fuss. Truly a holiday!



This last picture is one taken earlier today. Tom was playing with Kinley, and he catches my attention to see this...



That's right. Kinley loves her Daddy. She just kept leaning over and giving him big smooches. I have to admit, she never does this with me. I practically have to beg her for kisses unless she falls down, which isn't very often. Too cute!

I know the pictures are a little fuzzy, I don't know if it was us or the camera. Sorry!

Sliding

This is a little video of Kinley sliding like a big girl at the Janvrin's. You can tell she is so proud of herself. Hope y'all like it!


I'm experimenting, so please take that into account here.