This is why we came

This afternoon Andrew was having a major meltdown and I got to the point where I just didn't know what to do with him! These meltdowns are nothing I've delt with before, they appeared out of nowhere (might have something to do with living out of a suitcase and without his daddy for 2 1/2 weeks...and the fact that he is two!). I'll admit I was starting to question if I should have gone on the road with my three kids for five weeks.

After the meltdown had ended, Andrew decided he did in fact want to go with Nana on a special outing. They went to Papa's office, to Costco (where he acquired a chocolate gotee), picked up a pizza and ate it on the front lawn of Target, then went inside Target where Nana bought him Lightning McQueen rainboots!! When he returned he was truly in heaven. This is why I came!! I came for fun memories of eating pizza with Nana, fishing with Papa, playing in the mountains, reading books together, snuggling in the early morning, and hardly being able to sleep because his little feet are housed in his favorite character. To be two at Nana and Papa's-- you can't jump on Grammy Hasler's antique chairs, but you can sleep with your boots on!

Fun with Nana and Papa

I chatted with Mike tonight and he asked me to post pictures of all the fun we're having with Nana and Papa. The boys have taken a little time adjusting (I just realized that Tanner has cut two teeth- that explains a lot!), but overall, week one has been successful.

Andrew loved the Focus on the Family visitor's center that is very much like a children's museum. Reid was having a ball watching the puppet show and driving the stroller.
We always go to Garden of the Gods when we're home, but I guess I've never really been there during the height of tourist season. We're lucky there aren't twelve gazillion people in our picture. I couldn't believe how packed it was! It actually made me kind of sad. I wanted to take my kids there so they could love what I love- so they could love what I have so many fun memories of. We still had a nice time, but it was just... different.

We've talked for months about Andrew going fishing with Papa, and the long-awaited event is definitely the highlight of our trip thus far. Papa cast Andrew's line and within 20 seconds he had a bite! He was so excited and has talked about his "biiiiig fish" ever since. We're going fishing again next week and I'm sure more pictures will follow. Papa's trick...Powerbait!
Feelingt the tug...and out he comes!!
Isn't it great that it's the end of July and w're all wearing pants and jackets because we're in the mountains? I love Nebraska, but whenever I'm home, I'm reminded how much I truly love Colorado!!! The mountains rejuvenate me in a way that cornfields can't. I love bath time in a double sink!

Jackson Hole

We had a great week in Jackson Hole with Mike's parents, Adam, and Brian and family. There were too many pictures to choose from, so here's a slideshow.

Thanks to Grandma C., we were able to do much more than I expected with three kids under two. We also had a great time chatting, playing games, and eating, eating, eating! We had to make another grocery store run for more M&M's and ice cream. It was like we were never going to see sugar again in our lives. Brian ate big bowl of ice cream and a huge rootbeer float in the same sitting!

We also rafted the Snake River, but it was too wet to bring cameras-- definitely a highlight of the trip. Thanks everyone for the week in Jackson, we had a fantastic time!

ps- The little boys and I are at my parents house in Colorado while Mike is working away in Nebraska. He'll join us in a couple of weeks for my family reunion and then we'll all drive home together. They boys are adjusting to life on the road, but we're having a great time!

Grandmas and Grandpas, here we come!!

We're headed off tomorrow morning for five weeks of grandma and grandpa time! We'll spend a week with Mike's parents in Jackson Hole and then three weeks with my parents in Colorado, then one week at the Hasler family reunion. Now if we can only get packed up and out the door! ps- Yes, Mike still has a job. He'll be joining us for the first and last weeks of our five week vacation.

Independence Day!

We were so fortunate and delighted to have Alisa (Mike's sister) and her husband, Ryan, visit for the 4th of July weekend! They are such a great couple, the kind of people you'd love to spend every day with! It was fun to have them around, they loved being with our boys, and were great sports about doing the small town celebrations. We started our 4th with our annual neighborhood parade, which is always such a fun event!



Aren't they such a cute couple?



Following the parade, Mike and I put on the Tierra Nieghborhood 2008 Olympics!! We put together a series of outdoor games and both young and old participated and had a great time. I was very impressed with how competitve some of the dads got, it was hilarious to see some of them return to their glory days of competitive sports. Ryan was no exception. He offered to run the obstacle course twice for his team, as they were down one man. Here's Ryan working his way through our "spider web".


Alisa was kind enough to be Andrew's partner through all the games. They had a great time together.

We spent the afternoon napping kids (and a few adults), making and eating food, chatting, and hanging out. Then we headed back to our commons area for a great BBQ, waterballoons, fireworks, friends, games, etc.



I believe we have very similar pictures of Mike ast last year's BBQ. He's such a little boy at heart.
Alisa and Reid enjoying the evening.
All the boys after the waterbaloon fight!

Fireworks are leagal in NE, so most people set off their own rather than going to a professional show; however, because they're legal, any Joe can put on a crazy firework show. Mike was very excited about his $26 worth of fireworks, but it was nothing compared to our neighbor who spent $1200!! We didn't last too long with the neighbors, as Andrew was scared of all the loud blasts. So, we put kids to bed and then did our fireworks in the street and backyard. It was fun!

Here's cute Alisa lighting her first firework!

Ryan and Mike are running from Mike's $7.50 artillary purchase. On the outside of the package it said, "Caution, shoots flaming balls!" They are running for their lives so they don't get blown up by "flaming balls"-- too funny!

Saturday we went to the Children's Museum, for even more pics (yes, I realize there are are TON of pictures in this post, but I love the 4th and I couldn't cut any of these out!) take a look at Alisa's blog. Then we spent the evening at an outdoor concert at our mall. They gave everyone a red, white, and blue sucker, which Andrew was thrilled with and quickly devoured it!

It was a perfect weekend and we were sad to see Ryan and Alisa go. Thanks for coming and making our Independence Day so enjoyable!

Backyard Fun

Mike was a gem and snagged his company's Bouncehouse for our family's personal use last week. On Thursday, I hosted playgroup at our home and the kids had a blast with it! After playgroup I had so much to do to get ready for the 4th of July weekend, but Andrew just stood at the sliding glass door begging to go outside and play. So, I set all responsibility aside and we spent ALL day in the backyard. The weather was perfet and the kids had a great time, as did I.