Thursday, July 29, 2010

Fireworks!!!

One of the evenings in Nebraska, we did some fireworks before bedtime. I was disappointed in the "Snap-Pops" that you throw on the ground. They were one of my favorites when I was growing up, and unfortunately, the ones we had purchased didn't work very well...they wouldn't even stomp out.

Doesn't she look cute in her hat from Grandma?

Grandma getting some time with Benjamin.

Smoke bombs...

Daddy tried lighting too many things at one time, and got a little freaked out when he didn't quite get out of the way in time.

Gabrielle got just a little scared at some of the louder ones, while Grandpa is obviously enjoying the show.

Gabrielle shared one of her sparklers with me while I was trying to get Benjamin to sleep.

Trying out the sparklers with Grandpa.

Now she's havin' fun!

Another night while we were in Nebraska we stayed up even later and did the "bigger" fireworks on the front driveway. Gabrielle enjoyed staying up past her bedtime, as well as watching them light up in the dark sky.

More sparklers...

Grandpa was doing a "sparkler dance"!

And, of course, Grandma ended up with Benjamin again!

And, typical daddy...reading the directions.

Hurry, before it starts...

Beautiful!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Fun in Nebraska

So, after our time in Kansas, we headed up to my parents' house in Nebraska for some time on the dairy farm. Unfortunately, I had a gallbladder attack the same day Nick had the flu (Saturday), so that wasn't very fun. I'm just glad that we had my mom there for "back-up" to help with the kiddos while we didn't feel well!

Gabrielle swinging with Grandma...

Gabrielle and I on the same swing...

Gabrielle swinging with Grandpa...

And, yes, Gabrielle swinging with Nick. She was out on the swing a LOT, and obviously everyone got their turn to push her. And, Nick even got the honor of wearing her pink hat for a while too!

Benjamin enjoying some time outside too.

Mr. Happy Blue Eyes!

Playtime with Grandpa Reinke.

On Saturday (when I wasn't feeling that great), it was the perfect weather for flying kites. Gabrielle really liked to hold it by herself.

Then she wanted to climb on my back while we were flying the Sesame Street kite. Grandma Reinke had the other kite flying high in the sky--Tigger and Pooh.

Gabrielle trying out the kite Grandma was flying.

Snuggle-time with Grandma Reinke.

Just hanging out in their pjs.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Fun in Wichita

Went to the park near the Andover Library one morning.

Three generations of Walker men.

Hangin' with Grandpa Chuck and Grandma Judy.

First time to the dentist!

While we were in Wichita, Gabrielle had her first trip to our family dentist, Dr. Woodruff. And, might I add, she did a fantastic job! She was a little hesitant at first, but we had been reading "Dora Goes to the Dentist" all week in preparation, so we reminded her that everything would be alright!

Sitting in the chair with her "napkin"...all ready.

My hygienist, Diane, did a wonderful job counting her teeth, and then also cleaning them. Gabrielle had a little plaque that Diane gently scraped off a couple of her front teeth.

And now, for Mr. Jon to check things out.

Everything was wonderful...no cavities for our family!

Benjamin's Baptism

On Sunday, July 4th we had Benjamin baptized at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Wichita. It was wonderful to be back "home" again, and see lots of friends and family too.

My two blessings.
I just had to get a picture of Benjamin with the matching hat that goes with his outfit...adorable!

Our family after church.

With the Bruton Family (Benjamin's Godparents).

Gabrielle with her cousins, Samantha and Matthew (my sister's two older kiddos).

Family at lunch...

More family at lunch from the other side of the table.

My sister cuddling Benjamin.

Uncle Dan chatting with Benjamin.

Grandpa Chuck (Nick's dad) and Grandma Judy.

My uncle Dean and aunt Deanna Hobelmann.

Grandma Debbie (Nick's mom).

Grandpa and Grandma Reinke.

Swimming fun

While we were in Wichita, my parents and sisters' families came down and we got to hang out at their hotel pool one evening. We had a great time, especially since it was raining for most of our time in Kansas, so we weren't able to go to any outdoor pools.

Nick and Benjamin...my two wonderful men.

Our family swimming...
Notice my dad in the very far back hanging out in the hot tub!

More family swim-time.

Benjamin and I in the pool.