Pool Time...

For the last year Ada has not wanted anything to do with going swimming whether it is an inside pool or an outside one or a big one or a small one. She just refuses to go swimming. Well, for whatever reason she decided to go on in on her own--and she absolutely loved it! Benjamin, on the other hand, is part fish as he has always loved going swimming!

Turner County Fair 2010

Since I work as an Extension Educator down in Turner County and we have the best County Fair in the State, each year Dave brings the kiddos down for some family fun. Ada really broke out of her shell this year and was all about the rides. Dave had planned on just having a daddy and Benjamin day for rides but it turned out that he had a Benjamin and Ada day for rides instead! Ada would do ride after ride and never seemed to tire of them. The only one that she was a little apprehensive about was the fun house where she would get scared about halfway through and then either Dave or I would have to go in and rescue her. Depending on who was running the slide determined whether or not she got to go as she was right on the bubble for height. We have never seen Ada with such a big smile on her face as she did while going on all the rides! Benjamin was pretty excited about having his little sister to go on rides with. Gunnar went to Dani's that day so he wouldn't have to deal with all the people and the temperature. He was missing his big brother and big sister as he was lost without them. But don't worry Gunnar came the other days of the fair. Of course they were the days that Dave left the camera at home. You will find my kids at one of two places at the Turner County Fair; they will either be at Old MacDonald's Farm or at carnival. Don't worry, Dave and/or I are always with them. It never seems to amaze me what Benjamin soaks up at the Fair and how much he enjoys coming! We had a great time and enjoyed eating at the many different food stands. Oh, how I love those pork loin sandwiches! If you have never been to the Turner County Fair I encourage you to do so! Enjoy....

Backseat Drivers...

Benjamin and Ada were quite the backseat drivers on our trip. Benjamin enjoys looking at a map and telling us where to go. Ada loves to repeat what the GPS tells us (thank you Grandma and Grandpa for letting us borrow it). You can't help but laugh at these two. I knew the day would come that they would be backseat drivers but I didn't realize it would start so early!

Tuckered Out...

Omaha Children's Museum...

Our trip to Omaha is not complete without a trip to the Children's Museum. Benjamin and Ada absolutely love it there! They are always busy little bees running from station to station but the one area that they both spend a lot of time in is the corn field picking corn. Gunnar even got in on the Children's Museum action. We had a great time and the kids were tuckered out!

Special Breakfast...

We promised Benjamin and Ada that we would go for breakfast at the restaurant on our vacation. They were both excited to get their "special" breakfast food. Benjamin had rainbow pancakes with sprinkles and bacon. Ada got teddy bear chocolate chip pancakes. They each enjoyed their special breakfast and were so proud.

Pool Time...

One of Benjamin's favorite parts of our trip is swimming in the pool. He could swim all day and night if we let him. He also loves going down the water slides at the hotel. Ada much preferred hanging out at the hot tub versus swimming in the pool. Ada will not go down the water slides on her own free will. Once is more than enough for her (currently). Gunnar even went swimming. He hated the bigger pool as it was too cold for him but he was all about dunking his toes in the hot tub. He would rather watch what was going on versus experiencing it. Benjamin can't wait to go swimming again!

Omaha Zoo...

The last few years we have spent the 4th of July in Omaha, NE. We spend a day at the zoo. The kids have so much fun walking and running to each of the different animal exhibits. It's a big day for us as we stay there as long as the kids want which is usually the whole day. We couldn't complain though as the weather was wonderful! Gunnar even got into looking at the animals. We brought the double stroller with us in case of the two older kiddos got tired and we brought the coveted baby sling. Gunnar absolutely loves that thing! We never hear a peep out of him once he goes in there. He even sleeps peacefully in there. Benjamin and Ada did really good at the zoo. It is so cute to watch them pair off and watch the animals and check things out at the zoo.

Parade Time...

We took in the Hartford Jamboree Days parade this year. The kids had a good time watching the different floats and collecting candy. The weather was decent and it was nice getting out of hte house. Gunnar liked listening to the marching band. The kids are already making plans for next year's parade.

Mount Rushmore...

Wouldn't you know that I would forget to post the pictures that we took at Mount Rushmore. We literally were there for only a few minutes. We drove there took the photos and got back in the van and headed for home. Ada was not having family time and did not want to be in our family photo so she is standing off to the side--at least she is in the photo, right? I have only seen Mount Rushmore a couple of times but each time I see it, it never fails to amaze me and leave me speechless.