October, 2017 - A trip to Oz part 1

In October, we made a trip back to Kansas to visit family and make a special trip to the Walter's pumpkin patch with all of my cousins and families. I think this is our new annual tradition and one that is pretty special to me.

We visit Uncle Chris and Aunt Amanda and cousins Kennedy and Eleanor. Papa Earl flew out a few days ahead of us so he could join in the festivities as well. This year we also made a trip out to Grandpa Jackson's farm. We brought grandma Verla along and had an impromptu picnic while the kids ran and played and enjoyed the horse walker machine - just the same way Chris and I used to when we were kids. It felt very special to me and very nostalgic. So cool to have your kids enjoy the same things you remember best about your own childhood.

 First pond and shelter in the background. Grandma and Grandpa had big 4th of July picnics out here for many areas with kids swimming, shuffleboard and volleyball, horseshoes for the adults.

The bridge Grandpa built. He always wanted one of us grand daughters to be married on it. Maybe the next generation. 

William enjoying a ride on the horse-walker. Powered by uncle Chris and myself. Whew, we are both out of shape - much easier to just ride this thing!

Amanda took these beautiful pics and I LOVE them. And what I also love is how the first two absolutely, perfectly captures the personalities of both my kids! 

Grandma giving a goat some love. :)