Kiddieland

Come on ride that train!
Starting from the front: Nana, Papa, Mom and Luke, Dad and Uncle Scott.

It all started when my brother and I were little...take that back, when my dad and his brother were little. Location: Duncan, OK - Kiddieland. Kiddieland is a family tradition that occurs whenever we visit Pawpaw and Granny Hill. It's a small amusement park (4 rides) that is run by the Duncan Kiwanis. The park is only open during the summer months and from 7pm-10pm. I remember each summer when we were visiting Scott and I would bug the snot out of any adult that would take us down there and wait in the Oklahoma heat until 7pm for the train whistle to sound and the gates to open. I have lots of good memories, but my favorite is of the Tilt a Whirl. We still talk about that ride and how queasy it made you...no vomiting to date that I know of. Scott had nightmares for the longest time about the guy than steered the ride and the evil smile he always had watching the kids scream by. None the less, it was always fun and I was so excited to take Luke this year for his first of many trips. This year it was most easy getting volunteers to come along, I wonder why?! It was a great night with lots of pictures, laughs and minimal mosquito bites!

I convinced Ross and Dad to ride the Tilt a Whirl with me...Scott was a no go....

And this is why: The same old man operating the Tilt. He seemed a lot nicer to me 15 years later. He stopped the ride a couple of times for kids screaming their eyes out. Still a little wobbly when I got off and I had to break Ross' hand for trying to tickle me during the ride...not cool.

Luke riding the Merry Go Round with Mimi. He always found us when he was
halfway back around.
Luke and Nana...actually a rare shot because she's always taking pictures.
Granny Hill (Luke GREAT-GREAT grandma..yes two!!) and Mimi
Doesn't he look like a CIA agent?
Oh mom! I'm busy getting ready for my train ride!

Flashback: 1989

Scott flying some mean fighter jets.

Scott must have used his snaggle tooth charms on Mimi to get her on that Tilt A Whirl.

YIKES! I did notice they were red back then and some where along the road they've changed them to blue. Personally I like the red better...it looks faster!
Scott and I on the train. Where is everyone else? It was always fun to be the caboose.

I had to post this family portrait to show how "with the times" we were.
I love my cuffed shorts and mom's poodle do!

Adios! Waving goodbye with what looks like a broken wrist...what a dork!

28:37

Ross' time from last Saturday when he ran his first 5K race. I cannot tell you how PROUD I am of him! He has done awesome this year getting up early in the mornings before work to go run, which if any of you know us...we are NOT morning people, so all the more sacrifice. On top of merely getting up at the crack of dawn, he then runs 2 1/2 miles! What?! I tried running with him once and my lungs almost exploded (or imploded...I'm not sure which). So anyways, I'm very proud of my man and very excited for him to continue on in his running endeavors. It's most inspiring...BUT I think I will stick to my nice air conditioned elliptical. Way to go babe...I love you!

The starting line

Amanda and Kristen closing in!

Way to go Monty, way to go!

Job well done!!
(And what a cute little cheerleader you are Miss Rachel)!

4th of July Bang!

If you think this cake looks delicious...it so was!!! One of the best I've ever had. Thanks Mickey for such a beautiful and yummy 4th of July desert...Martha Stewart would so be jealous.

What a great 4th of July weekend we had. Friday we celebrated with our friends the Matthews with lots of great food and a drive over to McKinney to watch the fireworks. Luke really seemed to enjoy them, lost interest for a little while due to visiting and then snuggled in for the grand finale. It was really sweet, but I didn't take any pictures because I thought it was too dark. Such a "the way it's supposed to be" moment. Great memory pictures though!

This is what Luke did a lot of the weekend...poor little guy. He was such the trooper.
Note the half eaten ice cream cone...yes, he was that tired!

Saturday we headed to Lake Whitney to visit long time BFF's Heather and Holly and their families. Holly and Daniel (Austin) are parents to now 2 year old Will, and Heather and Scott (Houston) have a sweet almost 2 year old daughter Lauren. The boys pounded the waves on the tube while the girls played with the babies, scratch that, toddlers at the house. It was a lot of fun getting to catch up with old friends...it always makes me wish our kids could grow up on the same block like we did for 15 years. Thankfully we all still live in Texas so our paths strategically cross, just not as often as we would like.

Will, Lauren and Luke, just shooting the breeze on the swing.

What sweet angel babies...you have to know they would never stir up any trouble.

"Wait Will! Where are you going?"

Once Will took off Lauren snuck in a kiss. This melted my heart...and maybe Luke's.

Sunday we had a most restful day (thank you Pastor Gary for reminding us to "remember the Sabbath") and all took naps (Luke almost slept for 4 hours) and got ready for the week. I just feel so blessed. Blessed to live in a country where we can take a moment to rest and feel safe. Blessed to go to a church of my choosing and worship with my family and friends. Blessed to have amazing friends and family who have or are currently serving our country with their lives so that we have these freedoms. Thank you Lord for all these amazing blessings you showed me this weekend and all the ones I've yet to see.
God bless America!!