Set Em Up Knock Em Down

After much thinking about what to do with two crazy kids on a rainy summer day we thought why not try bowling. We had never been and Briggs had been asking about it so it seemed like a great idea. The kids really loved it although Harper only lasted about 4 rounds.  Thank god for the helper ramps or would have been calling for lots of ball retrievals. I love seeing the kids try things for the first time. Not sure of professional bowling is our future but I am sure we will be back for more.  

Summer Getaway

We traveled down to Chanute for one last summer visit before reality/school start again. As always we had a terrific, relaxing time. My kids always look forward to our trips to Papa and Doe Doe's and never seem to grow tired of all their favorite activities, mopeds, swimming, park, eating cheese dip, and swinging.  I love that I can go and just enjoy the kids without all the responsibilities that come with being at your own house. It doesn't hurt that mom is a fabulous cook and takes very good care of my kids.  Another successful trip just sad it means that summer is slowly coming to an end for us.  

 

Harper received her first mani/pedi from our favorite stylist Bridget.  She is so into all things that involve primping so it was right up her alley.  She sat completely still and is so proud of the end result!

It's 5 o'clock somewhere

Best thing about having 2 teachers with summers off.... Beers at noon. Got to enjoy a great day date with my husband and no kids courtesy of babysitting from Gram & Grandad. What perfect afternoon and some much needed quiet time. At this rate we may never go back to school! 

Zoo Time

Normally by this time in summer we have taken about 3 zoo trips but this year we just recently had our first of the summer.  We got to share the zoo with our sweet cousin Allie who came to spend her yearly week long KC trip with us.  I love the zoo no matter how many times I have been and especially love showing it to someone who had never been.  Some of our favorite things included the sky safari (not sure how I kept crazy girl from falling out but I did), the lions, the train, and the carousel.  We did however happen to pick the hottest day of the summer so lots of sweat and many miles later we called it a day and took a few sleepy kids home for naps.  I loved having Allie with us and an extra pair of hands to wrangle the kids.  Hoping to make a few more zoo trips still this summer.

 

LakeTrip

We were able to sneak away on a adults only lake trip for a luxurious 3 nights to Beaver Lake in Arkansas.  While luxury may be a strong word considering we were camping in a pop-up camper the fact that no one was "needing" me or calling me mommy was pure luxury.  We went with our close friends the Freemans who we try to do a trip with every year.  The weather was perfect and even a little chilly at night, great for a campfire.  We look the boat out 2 days in a row from sun up to sun down lots of relax time to lay out, have some drinks, and catch up with our friends.  Beaver lake is gorgeous and not busy so it is easy to find a quiet little cove to anchor. We had a great time but I was definitely ready for my own bed and the creature comforts of home that we are so spoiled by.  Looking forward to our next outing!

   

 



Slacker

So I am officially a blog slacker.  Since summer break began I have had the best of intentions of getting on and catching up but somehow a nap, playing with the kids, going to the pool, or simply doing nothing has got in the way.  I can not believe how fast summer is flying by or how awesome this summer has been already.  Being a teacher I have always loved summer and have fully mastered the art of squeezing a years worth of fun over a 10 week period.  This summer has been especially great for the Tomlinson's as it is Greg's first official summer off as a teacher as well.  I think he can now totally appreciate why teachers need a summer break and how wonderful it is to have a moment to breath.  Greg taught the June session of summer school Monday - Thursday just till noon so we still had plenty of family time.  While he did not love going back to school everyday it was pretty painless and nice to have a little extra in the bank!  So many great things to post about already this summer so get your reading glasses out here they come.......

 

Deanna Rose

One place I could go again and again with the kids is Deanna Rose Farms.  We had a great morning just roaming around the farm and checking out all the animals.  Harper is such a riot, if we let her she would have went in the cages with the animals, she is afraid of nothing.  As she fed the goats she would push them out of the way and say "no not you this one".  God love her she can even boss goats around.  We saw the cutest little family of ducks that were not shy either.  They have got to be the cutest baby animals on earth. Briggs loved the fish and turtles but still is not fond of the peacock's cry.  Hope to make many more farm trips this summer. 

 

 

 

Girl's Night

The Herron girls got a very rare night out without spouses or kids.  I really can not remember the last time we were able to have a night with just us girls.  We headed down to Power and Light to see one of our favorite bands The Josh Abbot Band.  We were able to have a quiet and relaxing dinner and enjoy a great concert.  Kelli was a trooper and a great DD for the night. So much fun just wish we could do it more often.

 

Ernie Miller

We headed to Ernie Miller Park for a little exploring and nature story time.  Got a few cute shots of the kids with Miss Haddie.  I think she and Harper are having withdraws from not seeing each other everyday.  I am sure Harper will be missing her Kiki and Haddie next year when she heads off to big girl school.  Some pretty cute little kids.  Notice Briggs huge smile, he is not so much into pictures at this time in his life!

 

Pearly Whites

 We had our first official dentist visit this month, what big kids we have.   Knowing my kids I was kind of expecting some nerves and maybe a little resistance but boy was I wrong.  Could it be that our dentist office pulls out all the stops to make kids feel right at home video games, Disney movies, ice cream, and prizes.  I am pretty sure I never had that kind of service when I was growing up at the dentist.  Not only were Briggs and Harper not nervous but they were thrilled to be there and so stinking cute.  To say I was a proud momma would be an understatement, they were sweet, had good manners, and some nice chompers!

 

 

Memorial Day

The perfect way to kick off our summer break is always a long weekend trip to Chanute.  Usually it is warm and time for some pool fun.  This year with the weather being so cool the pool was not quite ready for swimmers or at least my little swimmers who do not do cold very well.  We had a great visit and we able to do all our favorite Doe Doe and Papa activities like the park, moped ride, and helping Doe Doe in the garden.  The kids and I stayed a few extra days after the weekend to hang out while Greg headed back for his first day of summer school.  Really feels like summer is here after a long relaxing trip to Chanute.  I am sure it will be the first of many this summer.

 

These two are best friends and just look at them I can see it ns high school "Haddie hop on I have the beer in the back".  These two will be trouble! 



Ice cream with Papa.  At Papa ad Doe Doe's it is always OK to have ice cream right before bed.

Helping Doe Doe with the tomatoes in the garden.  Such a little helper.

My friend Kinzie's new baby Zoey.  Harper thinks she is wonderful just not sure Zoey feels the same about Harper!

I still can't believe these things are still running but the kids love them.  I think Briggs took at least 10 rides a day with Papa.

My sweeties at the park.  Briggs never has his eyes open in pictures, this is as good as it gets.  Meanwhile it is all teeth for the little one, the girl loves her picture taken (it is a girl thing).

 

We love our Papa.