Lightning McQueen and Cowboy Collide

Evelyn had been looking forward to this night for 2 weeks. And to be completely honest, so had I. We were going to see a kids play (Frog & Toad) at our local Theatricks. We talked about it, planned for it, and anticipated our "Mommy-Daughter Time" with the daily countdown! During that time, we also had ideas of what the guys could do in our absence (not that they needed ideas for our 2-hour absence). If, for example, during a mealtime, one of the guys burped or pounded the table with utensils or yelled too loudly, we would tell them that they could do that to their hearts' content while we were at the play. But while we were in their presence, they should NOT behave in such a way!

Here we are, just about to take off for the play:


And here is Evelyn with one of her dear babysitters, Amber. Amber played several roles in Frog & Toad (which was a big reason why Evelyn was so excited to go see it!):

The world of boys and dress-up is just beginning to dawn for our family. Evelyn has been into dress-up since she was only 1. But this is the first time that John selected and actually wore (for hours!) anything that could be considered "dress-up". I love it! Lightning McQueen and Cowboy collide!

Right after taking this picture, John began to kick the side of the swimming pool. Over and over and over. Perhaps he was noticing the ripple effect, but he was certainly entertained as he laughed and watched with a sharp eye!

And speaking of sharp objects, look who has learned to use a fork! (If you happen to notice that Truman is holding a Disney Princess fork, please choose to ignore that fact.)

At 14 months, I don't remember if he is "early" or "late" in acquiring this skill. (You'd think I'd have all those sorts of facts memorized by now. But I don't have room to store that kind of information in my brain, since it is apparently too full of other useful information like: how many bowel movements each child has had, where someone's favorite toy was last seen, discerning different sounding cries to determine whethere there is a legitimate problem or just a dispute, wondering if I can get the old banana and molded milk stains out of a kid's shirt with yet one more treatment with OxiClean, etc.)


Last week we drove to Kansas for a quick whirlwind trip (not resulting in a tornado, thankfully!) to Wichita State University for Brad to participate in a conference. Then we went to visit some of his nearby family members. His Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Howard hosted us all for lunch, and we're so thankful that they're always so hospitable! Here are a few pictures of our time with family:

Aunt Joyce, Uncle Edward, Brad and John:

Lucas pulls Evelyn, Emma, John and Duane (Brad's cousin) on the sled with wheels:

The best shot I could get of all the little kiddos! Macy, Cody, Truman, Lucas, John, Emma, Evelyn. The "big" kids got to hold the "little" kids, which in reality aren't that much smaller than them. The big ones are sure happy troopers!!

Macy droveJohn around on the trike! She's a friendly little gal, and eager to help!

And here, Brad enjoyed a visit with his Grandma Voran. Unfortunately in this picture, Evie and John are both looking at her instead of the camera, but it was the best picture of her that I had, so I wanted to put it on the blog. What a special visit, for Brad in particular!

Well, as I'm sure you're all wondering, my birthday is Wednesday! I'll be 31. Somehow doesn't quite seem right. How can I so vividly remember things from my younger days? Feelings and thoughts from Junior High shouldn't be this clear at this age! I remember when I was younger, thinking there was no way my parents could remember what it was like to be my age. But now I know that it was indeed possible and probable!

Brad is gone (hiking and camping) with our friend Jeff. Whenever he's gone, I make myself stay up really late until I know I'll just crash to sleep when I get in bed, instead of laying there with my mind racing. So I'm just about at that point (and it's not even midnight yet-- my friends Holly and Noelle would just laugh at my "really late night"!).

The next time I write, I'll have more journeys and adventures to tell about. But now I am all done, and ready to go to bed. So goodnight!