Water fun....

We arrived in Champaign, IL after our other stops, and visited with Chris's family for about a week. Jonathan and Catherine were overjoyed to spend quality time with Grandma Mary, Grandpa Dave, Aunt Amy and some cousins! They were able to do all of those things!

But, one of the things Mary, Chris's mom, lined up for us to do during our visit was "Water Fun." It consisted of two baby pools with slides, sprinkler and bubbles for a couple of hours outside the gym she goes to. The kids LOVED it!

Father Steven

On our way from Kentucky to Illinois we stopped for a couple of hours to see our dear friend, Father Steven. Chris and I worked with Father Steven (Steven at the time) as missionaries in Nebraska. He had just graduated college in Decemeber and was discerning whether to become a FOCUS missionary. So, he worked on campus with us as an intern for a semester. Towards the end of the semester he felt called to the seminary... so off he went! He was ordained 3 years ago for the Diocese of Belleville, IL. He is now at his second assignment in the very most southern tip of Illinois. He treated us to some lunch, showed us around his house and one of the 4 churches he runs. It was GREAT reminicing about old times and catching up on current ones. We are so greatful for his friendship, love and prayers!

We tried to get a good group shot, but it was tough with the kiddos:

Father Steven is also a true outdoors man, cowboy and fisherman. He had this great hat on his couch and Catherine thought it was fun:

Kentucky

A couple of weeks ago we traveled to the "south east?" What exactly do you call Kentucky and Illinois?? But, anyway that's where we went for about 10 days. Our first stint of the drive consisted of stopping in Saint Louis for two nights to hang out with my sister and brother-in-law- who at the time were expecting Baby #1 anytime. They have since had a beautiful baby boy, Jack. I can't wait to meet him!

After our time with them we headed to Kentucky for about 24 hours to see my grandmother, great aunt, aunt, uncle, cousin, etc., etc... We had a great time talking, eating yummy food and introducing Abby to everyone. Southern hospitality was most definitely extended! It was awesome!

We were able to spend sometime with Nana. She is now in an assisted living center that treats her grandly. She was also able to hold Abby for a short time!
My aunt who opened her home and fed us scumptious food, with Abby:

We were also able to see my great aunt, Nana's sister, A.B. She, likewise, enjoyed meeting Abby!

Though, I wasn't able to get great pics of the kiddos all playing but Blaine was the biggest hit on the trip! He is my cousin's son. ADORABLE! Catherine, Jonathan and he all played so well together. It was great!

We were also able to introduce Abby to Suzy, who is also another one of my great aunt's. She thought Abby was the best thing since sliced bread.

Thank you for your incredible hospitality, Ginny, Rick and Nancy! We had a wonderful time visiting with you and look forward to our next trip out there. We love you!

otter pops

Remember when you were a kid and you used to enjoy Otter Pops on hot summer days? I didn't, until my sister reminded me of them. She helped me remember our hot and humid summer days in Kentucky, while visiting family every summer while growing up. Nana (my grandmother) would stock her deep freeze with Otter Pops, ice cream and ready to eat parfaits before our arrival! Otter Pops were always a huge hit with us on a daily basis! S

o, my sister encouraged me to purchase some for the kids... and I'm glad I did. They have been a huge hit here in Colorado as well- not only with the kids but also with the adults in the house.

Abby and I hanging out with the kids while they enjoyed them for the first time

Ms. Coolio

The kids thought it would be funny to put Jonthan's sunglasses on Abby... admittedly, it was cute!Catherine giving Abby a hug and kiss for the picture

A couple of weeks ago, Chris was out of town for work for the entire week. My mom, having the incredible serving heart that she does, offered to come up at the end of the week for about 24 hours! It was awesome! I was able to go do errands by myself AND she even let me go out to dinner to Chipotle all by myself. YEAH! Her presence and assistance really made the time that Chris was absent so much better.

Another great thing that she and I did together was take the kids to the zoo. Since having Abby, I have found it a bit difficult doing "big" outings like this by myself... so, it was refreshing to take the kids to do something really fun and to have wonderful company while doing it! We got to the gorilla house- the animals that the kids wanted to see first- just as they were feeding them
The black and brown bears were out and active

The rhino was even out and awake- he's usually sleeping in a corner somewhere

Abby lived up to her easy-going nature this trip! She was awesome... just hung out in the stroller the entire time (with the exception of this picture, of course. he he)

And, we always enjoy seeing the elephants

A tremendous thank you goes out to my mom!! She was truly an assistance and joy to have around. I'm grateful for your love, Mom. Thank you!

ice cream!

The other day I purchased Drummettes (the mini ice cream cones) from the grocery store. They are the perfect size for the kids AND a great way to bribing them into eating dinner. Both Catherine and Jonathan went outside to eat them, and Jonathan came back in looking like this:

I think it was well enjoyed!