Oklahoma - Kiki and Mr. Scott

This past weekend, we went to Oklahoma to visit our old neighbor and dear friend, Kerry.  She got married in August to a wonderful man and we were so happy for her but we had to miss her wedding because of a family wedding we had already been planning for.  So sad to miss, but so happy for her.  She was like family to us, our next door neighbor in Milwaukee and was the true meaning of a neighbor which I'm realizing is just so rare these days.  She loved our kids and spent the most time with Sofia (since we moved when Gabe was 3 months old) so she definitely has a special bond with her.  And she definitely remembered her AND Mr. Scott!  And Gabe was all about her too - he was saying her name up until yesterday!  She did a lot of babysitting for us which was so amazing to have someone we loved and trusted with our kids.  She spent a lot of time and our house and us at hers.  Just a great friendship that we do dearly miss.  And right before we left, she met an amazing man who I couldn't have have handpicked better for her, so it made us feel OK to leave ;)

So, when she was coming to Oklahoma for her hometown reception, we had to make the drive to see her.  Yes, we were a tad nervous to make a six hour drive with the kids but they were AMAZING.  I mean, so awesome.  And Sofia was super excited to go to Oklahoma to see Kiki and Mr. Scott.  It was a quick trip, but really such a fun time and worth the long drive for sure.  

Had to get an ice cream shot - because of how she was eating it!  Stop #4, almost to Oklahoma! Braums - YUM

 And Gabe is insisting on eating everything on his own these days - with his own utencils

 Breakfast at Cracker Barrel in Oklahoma - giant checkers

 at OU's campus (shhh don't tell anyone!)

 penny wishes in the fountain. . . between hunting for clock towers (Sofia's obsession for the day)

 Sorry Kerry, impossible to get a good shot of both kids!!!

 This cracked me up . . . 

 This was on the way home.  We stopped for Wendy's frosties (yes, more ice cream - we had to pull out ALL the stops for a six hour road trip!).  Gabe would NOT let me feed him in the car. So, we waited until we got to a rest stop (an awesome one by the way complete with a great playground!) so he could eat it himself.  Sigh. This kid.  

Zoo with Gimmie

On Fridays I try to do something fun with the kids.  Something for them, not just me (like going to the gym or running errands).  Doesn't always happen that way, but I try!  So this morning when Sofia asked to go to the "z-o-o zoo" (guess we spelled it in front of her one too many times), that's what we did and Gimmie came along with us.  It was a HOT one.  I was dripping in sweat by the end of the morning and ready to head back home.  Whew.  We packed a lot in, too! Saw lots of animals...the monkeys were a favorite this time.  The rest of the animals were mostly in hiding from the oppressive heat! We did a carousel ride, played on the playground, petted the goats, and took a train ride.  I called it a picnic train ride since we ate our lunch then :)

Splash pad

Today I decided to have some fun Mommy and Gabe time while Sofia was in school.  It was nice to be able to follow his lead...usually since Sofia is the most mobile and vocal, she calls the shots when we are out and about and Gabe just has to go along.  I took him to story time at Discovery Green park which he was interested in for about five minutes, then he wanted to explore so we did.  Didn't take long to stumble upon a splashpad,one of his favorite things :) The best part was Mike was able to meet up since the park is right next to his work.

Aquarium

This past weekend Mike was out of town so we spent the weekend at my parents' house.  Saturday we had no idea what we would do but knew we needed to do something!  So, I suggested the aquarium and so glad we did!  I was totally hesitant going to a place like that on a Saturday but figured we had nothing to lose.  It was raining and the mosquitoes have been AWFUL  so there weren't a ton of fun options.  I think the rain held the crowd off so it worked out great.  We all had a blast!

Amazed

 Her first penny fountain wish

 wow...

Petting the stingrays. . . so cool!  They actually would come up and "wave" to be petted. . . the kids got a huge kick out of this

 lunch at the aquarium after our tour

  

Vacation Take 2

Well I am so glad we got another chance to have a vacation. We had a blast at the beach in Galveston.  My parents rent a beach house each Labor Day and are nice enough to invite us along :)  I just love the beach so much . . . so relaxing and just the perfect little getaway.  It was extra special because my mom has been in chemo for the past couple of months and having this time was beyond deserved for her.  She wouldn't let me take any pics of her but I did sneak one in just for the memory's sake. I won't post it but I think it's important to record moments in time for when we look back when she's all done and healed. :)  I'm so glad for her sake that we were able to enjoy this trip oh so much!  It was the perfect way to "end" the summer.

Gabe missed his toys, obviously .. . . 

 Chillin with Gippie on the beach

 loving the sand

 sand princess complete with seaweed crown.  What a mess that was to pick out of her hair!

 Such a sweet boy.  Woke up from his nap to find Uncle Matty and couldn't stop smiling at him. 

Baby butts after showering al fresco

Ah, the beach

chillin on the couch

Mmm, my favorite.  A Ritas treat to cool off. Custard and shaved ice, GENIUS! 

 Flying kites on the beach.  Harder than it looks!