School is a Vacation!

 In July, Chris had to take a class in Kansas City for three days, so we all tagged along!   
We found out how difficult it is to find a hotel that will accept six people!  But, Hampton Inn and Suites was awesome, and we will definitely stay there next time.  They went above and beyond to make a couple of things right for us, and we ended up getting one of the two nights free!  Any of you who know me know this pretty much made my week! 

 We all loved the great kitchen area where we made most of our meals.  So convenient! 

Making ourselves at home.

 The first morning while Chris was in class, the kids and I were able to visit my college friends, the Deckers.  We had an impromptu adoption play group complete with water toys, watermelon and yummy sandwiches.  I was so thankful for Jenn's hospitality, and it was so fun to connect. 

 That night, we went to eat barbeque at Oklahoma Joes.  Boy, it was YUMMY food!  Then, we went swimming before heading to bed.  Slumber party! 

 The next day, the kids and I stayed at the hotel all day. After eating a yummy breakfast, we headed to the pool. We ended up spending three hours there; it was the best day! 
We went back and forth between the hot tub and the pool. The kids just had a great time! 

 Then, when Chris got back, we headed to the Royals game.  We found this to be the best family-friendly event!  We got to meet our friends there. We brought our supper/snacks and water, and our tickets were only $5 each.  The game was a great one with lots of hits and runs.  Then, Billy Butler hit a walk-off homerun in the 9th to win the game!  

The trip ended up being a really great little "mini vacation", and we were really thankful for the time away from home.  

Oh boy--have I really not posted since July?!

The Rest of July

 O.k.  I obviously have a lot to catch up, so I will just dive in.  Here is our Ethiopia group summer party.  We had a fabulous time eating. . .

 swimming. . .

and jumping off this super fun water trampoline!

 Jackson's baseball team had a rewards party at Pizza Hut.  It was fun to see the boys again. 

 Our garden continued to grow.  Unfortunately, our corn crop didn't produce 

--yes, we were soo sad!--but the watermelon and cantaloupe made up for it! 

 It was YUMMY!  

 Gram took us to see Singin' in the Rain  It was fun! 

 This summer has brought about several changes for Sydney. She was super sad to say goodbye to her youth group friends on the last night of youth group.  Here is part of the gang.  She also had to say a bigger goodbye to her sweet friend, Karen, because Karen's family was moving to Delaware.  Sydney will really miss all of her friends who have moved (or are staying at River). 

 Jackson's passion of the summer has been airsoft.  He has spent many hours outside shooting our neighbors (with their permission, of course!), Chris, and even the girls at times.  :)