Traveling: Part 2

Saturday morning, Kristin, the girls, and I piled into the car and headed south to Oklahoma to see my grandpa; it is about a 5 hour drive. On the way we stopped in Hesston to see my uncle David and his wife, Marilyn, as well as my (second) Grandma Linda. It was good to make connections with everyone again. Marilyn distracted Madison with some “secret” areas of the house which meant I got a break from her for about 30 minutes. (Both her and Ellie were extremely clingy for the whole trip, except the last day.) David got some artistic advice from Kristin while Linda and I caught up a little. I hope that I am as full of life and energy as she is when I am older – she had been a host for a couple months at the International Guest House in D.C., exercising every morning at the wellness center, and is taking a bus tour to Savannah. Plus, she is a diligent in building her relationship with Christ.

We headed on to finish the trip during the girls’ afternoon naps. We arrived to Grandpa’s about 5:15pm and enjoyed a light supper of cold cuts and chips. Madison had a great time exploring the new house – a sprawling ranch style with some baby dolls and cribs tucked away in the back bedroom. On Sunday (coincidentally, Grandparents'’ Day) we went to church with Grandpa. I spent most of the time in the nursery with the girls – the only children in the nursery that Sunday. It wasn’t that bad since all the toys were new to them.

 

    

Shortly after lunch, we welcomed my mom and brother and his two boys (Cale and Landen).  My dad decided not to come because of back issues, so Ben drove with mom; he had wanted to get out to visit Grandpa with his sons, too.  Madison was so EXCITED to see her cousins! 

That evening, we went to my uncle Gary’s for a bbq and to connect with Oklahoma extended family.  (Four of my cousins were there with their families.)  Gary farms over 150 acres of wheat and canola and usually has a couple hundred head of beef cattle.  Sunday, we just enjoyed being together, exploring the farm equipment and animals, and enjoying family.

         

    

On Monday, before heading back to KC, we went to my cousin Jodi’s house for a treat…. meeting their rescued temporary pet fawn, Leo.  It was a unique experience.  He gets fed a bottle a couple times a day, plays in the yard with her girls and cats, and comes when she calls “here kitty, kitty, kitty.” 

      

We love you, Great Grandpa!