Huff 'N Puff 2016

On a whim we decided to get up early and take the girls to Topeka for Huff 'N Puff. Jane wasn't happy about being woke up and frowned most of the way there but she loved it. While even ran into Uncle Thomas, Aunt Serena, and Adell so there was an awesome bonus!

Anna sure loves her cousin

 We picked up breakfast on the way and that made the girls happy too.

The girls really enjoyed watching all the balloons take off. I only wish there were a few more so it would last a little longer. 

Kevin and Thomas

The Dads with the girls!

I thought this picture was so sweet with Aunt Serena, Adell, and Anna. 

It was a fun morning. After the balloons, we had another breakfast with Grandma and while Jane napped we went went over to let Adell and Anna play some more. Then we stopped by Uncle James and Aunt Michelle's house for a little bit too. A great day and I'm so glad we decided to go!

Edit: I found this picture on my phone and thought I'd throw it in. Proof I was there!

Deanna Rose with Daddy

Normally it's just me taking the girls to Deanna Rose (one of our favorite activities), but this time we went on a weekend so Kevin was able to join us. Although Kevin has been before it had been awhile and the girls were excited to show Daddy around. First stop was the chickens. 

We actually met up with some friends and the girls played in an area that we haven't spent much time in so it was really fun!

Jane was getting a little tired from all the walking so she needed a little stroller snack break.

Anna's friend Ethan started preschool this so they haven't had many opportunities to see each together. I was happy we were able to meet up giving the two a chance to play.

Little cutie! 

This year we purchased a membership and included in it were a couple of fishing poles and a couple of bottles of milk for the baby goats. I told the girls all year we couldn't do it without Daddy there (hooks, water, and two small children by myself does not sound like a good idea) so they were stoked for a chance to fish and feed the goats. 

This was Jane's first time fishing and Anna's second.

The fish were really biting and they both caught several fish. Anna especially loved holding them and throwing them back in the water. 

Jane was a little less sure about touching and holding the fish but she definitely had a blast. 

Feeding the baby goats was also a huge hit. They weren't as aggressive as they've been in the past and with the girls being a little older I may do this again even if Kevin isn't with us. I was definitely happy to have another pair of hands though!

It was a great day on the farm!

Sunflowers at Grinter Farms

Farmer Ted of Grinter Farms in Lawrence plants a field of sunflowers every year and they all are in bloom for about 2 weeks in September. I had heard about Grinter Farms last year and I really really wanted to go but it just never worked out. I was determined to make it out this year and we did! We went on a Thursday and missed the crowds over labor day weekend. It was amazing.

We could have driven to another area and hiked further in but Jane didn't really like walking when the sunflowers were really dense. It was nice that we didn't have to go on a long hike to take in the beauty though. 

Anna was in flower heaven. 

Family Selfie!

Being silly.

Jane loved smelling all the sunflowers.

We found a little open area and the girls loved running in it. 

Flying high!

Family photo.

It was a gorgeous evening and visiting Grinter Farms is definitely something I want to try and do every year. 

Summer Flashback: Wisconsin Vacation

July meant another vacation for me and the girls. My parents rented a van and we loaded up for a road trip to Wisconsin to visit the Koch side of the family. Kevin had to work and we missed him but we were glad that we could ride together with everyone. There is no way I would have wanted to make that drive myself with two kids.

 I had prepped many car activities for the girls and we lucked out that our van had a DVD player in it. The drive would have been more difficult without it.

All loaded up and ready to go!

My Dad was recovering from shoulder surgery so I ended up being the primary driver on the trip. I didn't mind though. I've been wanting a minivan for quite some time and driving one for a week only made me want one more!

Anna and Jane were both very excited about Gus, Uncle Kent and Aunt Deb's cat. 

Gus was such a champ and did really well all the commotion and two little girls practically in his face. He gave Jane one little nip as a warning and she was a little more gentle after that. 

I didn't get as many pictures of everyone as I would have liked. We hadn't seen this side of the family in almost 3 years and it was great having a little reunion. Anna was only 9 months old on the last trip and this was the first time for anyone to meet Jane.

Aunt Betty, Aunt Deb, Uncle Marion, Mom and Molly

 A great perk was the pool. Not sure who was more excited. Hailie and Seth or the girls. 

Another day, another dip in the pool.

The flamingos and swan were a big hit.

It was great having Hailie to help me out with the girls in the pool.

Mom and Uncle Kent enjoying a lovely day out on the pool deck.

Snuggles with Grandma.

Our friends Dennis and Rachel (along with baby Helen) had recently just moved to Wisconsin. I couldn't pass up an opportunity to see them so I took the girls for a quick visit to their house which wasn't far from where my Aunt and Uncle live. 

Dennis and Helen

 It was fun getting to meet Helen although I realize how rusty I am at holding young babies. 

Anna and Jane have been really into babies lately and Anna enjoyed getting a chance to sort of hold Helen.

It was nice getting away from the heat and humidity of Kansas. We enjoyed time outside with bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and exploring the yard. 

Since Jane and Grandpa sat next to each other in the car they had a real chance to bond. She was definitely a Grandpa's girl this trip.

Uncle Marion and Aunt Betty brought their dog, Pepe, and the girls liked him too. 

A group picture from our last evening. We're only missing Kevin and Molly's husband, Mike. 

Back: Nate, Mom, Jane, Justin, Dad, Deb, Betty, Marion, Molly, and Kent
Front: Hailie Seth, Anna, and Me

 On the trip home we did the drive in two days. We stopped in Springfield, IL and enjoyed pizza in the room and swimming. It was a little rough getting both kids to sleep that night. I decided to not bring the Pack N Play in for Jane and just put her into bed with me. Well Anna didn't want to be in the bed by herself so I ended up laying with both of them practically on top of me in one bed until they both fell asleep. Then I was able to move Anna to her own bed. 

I thought it was funny they were both in the same position in the morning. 

Everyone was happy to be done in the car by the end of the second day but the trip was so worth it. Next time we will hopefully have Kevin with us and it will be easier for me to get more pictures!