July 16 - 18, 2011

Taking time to rest and relax after the big drive here. Aunt Debbie read and read and read on saturday. What a treat! Nice to stay home and out of the 110 degree heat index...unless we're around water! Saturday and Sunday were the hottest, then it went down from there.

Debbie and Blake brought water balloons!

Debbie filled and filled and tied and tied...what a sweetheart! Though Blake is learning and very close!

Adam gave her a break for a little while after coming back from gardening. It unfortunately got neglected while he was in Texas. Sorry darlin'!! After one day I opted for a.c. instead. There were very large, dry cracks in the potato rows... Now he has a fairly automatic sprinkler in place. So kind.

Celebrating Blake's 10th birthday! A little early for the real date, August 19th. So glad we could be a little part of it!

Kaitlyn loves family coming for visits! No shyness to be found. Especially when she gets to be carried! Always a favorite. A few days later we went to the city pool and she swam with Debbie and Blake the entire time while I watched from the sidelines. The next day, I stayed home and off she went happily. The first time ever! She is growing up...and loves Aunt Debbie and Blake very much!

Right before she left she asked, "You coming? Yeah or no?" And I started in a long explanation and she cuts in, "Yeah or no?" So I said, "no." She quickly smiles and says, "Ok!" and happily bounces off.

Wow. Thanks Debbie!

Matthew is getting a little better about personal space. And dear Blake is very accommodating! Matthew was in heaven with his cousin, always referred to as "my friend Blake," here visiting night and day. (Actually last visit he was "Bake," but his L's are a little better, and now he's "Bwake.") After moving 3 times before his 4th birthday, Blake has been the one constant person who is the closest to his age. We appreciate and love you so much Blakie!

Ready for some sights around Omaha on monday, the 18th. First stop, the Pizza Machine! Here we are mini golfing. Debbie had the good pictures from this area - my camera just didn't take them well. Blake really liked the golfing and did such a good job!

Time for some bowling. It was so cute with little bowling balls, gutter proof lanes (well, almost!) and pins attached to strings for extra quick retrievals. Matthew and Kaitlyn could have stayed here the entire time.

On the kiddie rides and games for a while while Blake was in the older section.