Day Out with Thomas and Family

 Ella showing off her Rosie tatoo.

 All the kids and my mom on the train

Kylie doing her "Choo!  Choo!" 

 Standing in front of Thomas

 Dessert!

Every time Kylie would eat a bite of ice-cream she would pull up her shirt and point to her belly.  Not sure if she was telling us it was yummy or cold but it was hilarious! 

On Friday, we took Kylie along with us to ride Thomas the Train.  She likes playing with trains right now, and we wanted to spend time with her, so this seemed like the perfect day to bring her along.  It wasn't quite as exciting as I expected but the older kids enjoyed watching a magic show before the train ride and seeing some of the other festivities.  After the ride we decided to go out to lunch since it was so hot outside.  We went to Talk of the Town and enjoyed some lunch and then the kids shared a dump truck (yes, literally a Tonka type of dump truck) full of ice-cream and brownie which they loved!  I think Sam will be talking about that dessert for a while. 

Kansas City Zoo

 Everyone loved watching the polar bear

 Ella on the sky safari

 Sam and Emma in front of the lions.  It was a hot day and a lot of the animals were snoozing.

 I was so excited that I timed my picture to actually catch the sea lion touching the ball! 

Uncle Al, Ella and Sam on the train.

On Thursday, we headed to the Kansas City Zoo.  They have a sky safari that was new last year and my kids were eager to try it.  It is like a ski lift that flies over the African part of the zoo.  It was there favorite part of the whole day.  The carousel was also a big hit, especially with Ella since she rode it no less than five times.  My favorite was the sea lions.  I just love watching all of their tricks.  The polar bear was really neat too and kept the kids captive for quite a while.  A special thanks to AC and Al for showing us around and getting my kids in on their passes.  

KC Vacation Continued...Deanna Rose Farmstead

 Sam, Emma and my mom learning about life in a one room schoolhouse.

 Emma, AC, Aiden and Uncle Al mining for gems

 Ella with the gems she collected

Sam, after his horseback ride

One of my kids' favorite places to visit in Kansas City is Deanna Rose.  Another great thing about it, is it is still free on weekdays.  Of course by the time you pay for the pony ride, to fish, mine, etc.  it is no longer free but still a good cheap day of entertainment.  We met the Siegels there and this time Uncle Al was able to join in the day of fun.  The kids spent the whole day there and could have stayed longer.  We even enjoyed a picnic lunch on the tables just outside the park.  

LEGOLAND!

After getting everything moved to Columbia and a little unpacking we took a break and headed to Kansas City for the week.  It was time to start the summer off with some fun!  Our first destination was Crown Center and the highlight of the trip was the new Legoland Discovery Center.  
We went to Grandma's house to pick her up then met AC, Emma and Aiden at Fritz's for some lunch.  I don't think it would be possible to go to Crown Center without my kids asking to eat there.  They LOVE having their lunch delivered by train.  Then we had some time before our reservation at Legoland so we headed to the free dinosaur exhibit.  I think all the kids enjoyed there time but were ready to head to the main attraction.  

 Arrowhead Stadium made out of legos

 Sam with the Legoland wizard

 The four kids outside the 4D theater

Grandma and Ella on the wizard ride

Legoland was a big hit!  I think each kid had a favorite area.  Sam's favorite was the 4D movie which I must say was pretty neat and definitely surprising when we got wet! Ella's favorite was the playground which kept all of the kids busy for a long time.  I enjoyed the mini Kansas City they made out of legos.  I am not sure I enjoyed it as much as Aiden though.  I think he could have spent the whole day in that room.  It was a neat experience and I am sure it is a place we will be visiting in the future.  

Home Again!

So after a bit of a break, I am back on the blog.  The number one reason for my absence can be seen in the picture, our new home.  I have been so busy with moving and unpacking there just wasn't time to blog.  There is also the fact that our internet just got set up yesterday (FINALLY) so even if I had time blogging wasn't really an option.  
So, here is the new abode.  There is still a lot of work to be done out front.  We are changing out the front door because John and I really just don't like it and going with something that matches the house a little better (at least in our opinion).  Pictures will come after the install.  Plus we need lots of landscaping work and our pineapple fountain will be installed once we figure out a landscaping plan.  But this is what it looks like for now and we are slowly working to make it ours and get that feel of home again.  

Warning!  Many more blogs will be coming as we get the house set up and I take pictures of the various rooms when they are completed.  Plus, I have our whole week in KC and Sam's football camp so be ready to read.