Nebraska

We spent time in Nebraska to finish up our summer travels. We had such a great time making memories with our family. Thank you to all our hosts who made our favorite foods and had special treats and to all of those who took time out of your busy lives and made an effort to spend time with us. It always means so much to us to spend time with you and for our kids to get to know their family members.

Jumping off the board at the waterpark

Playing and Playing and Playing with Cousins!  G&H are the best of friends!

The only Kozmo Kid brave enough to ride on Grandpa V's big equipment!

Playing in the pool at Grandma & Grandpa D's

Aren't they so cute?

N & W

Grandma D took G on a little shopping trip.  This is what G pickd out. 

Grandma Ruth

My Grandma Ruth is a very special lady to me. I don't really have words to describe her or what she meant to me during my life because there are so many emotions and thoughts wrapped up in doing that. She passed away just weeks away from her 90th birthday and we celebrated her life surrounded by family and dear friends.  Thank you Grandma for the incredible blessing you were to my life!

Kari

Once again, I am so proud of my cousin Kari for all she is accomplishing...she really makes me proud. I plan to follow her on her blog while she once again travels to Africa, this time for six months. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers as you travel and begin this amazing journey Kari!!!

Godspeed dear Friends

I met our friend Alix in Charleston at an AXO alum get together 9ish years ago. I love hanging out with Alix because she always makes me laugh...luck would have it that after we moved out West, so did Alix and her husband! Even though we have only lived just under 3 hours apart, busy schedules make too many get togethers possible but we always love the times we do get to see them. It is crazy to think that under a decade ago we could fit with our spouses in a sedan (or smaller!)....now we couldn't all cram into a Suburban! Well, now Alix and Trent and their beautiful children are starting a new adventure in life!!! We are so excited for them and cannot wait to visit them all around the world! We wish you the best of luck as you begin this journey!!!

Had to throw in a pic of all the kids...don't want Little Asher feeling left out!

Yellowstone

Brad's Aunt and Uncle came to visit us for a long weekend which included a couple of nights tent camping in Yellowstone. Thankfully this was before the bear attacks or I might not have been so enthusiastic about the trip! We had such a great time and it was SO SO wonderful to have two extra sets of hands to help with the kids. Aunt and Uncle are fabulous with kids and just took any crazy behaviors in stride! Before we got to Yellowstone, we drove by the Tetons. We figured you cannot be in such close proximity to these beauties without swinging by for the breathtaking view!
We did a lot of sightseeing which included buffaloes creating a huge traffic jam and then swimming across the river, a Mama Grizzly and her twin cubs, Old Faithful, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Brad took an awesome pic of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Because G1 has overly cautious parents, she has never really been within 20 feet of a campfire. Due to difficulties with both a grill and a cookstove brought to make our meals on, we actually had to cook over the old fashioned campfire....but, with two extra set of eyes watching and helping, we let both G1 and W roast their own hot dogs. Talk about major excitement (and stress for Mom!)

Both boys were of course having a blast getting as dirty as possible! Can you say DIRT?