Fairytales

Last Wednesday I made my first drive all the way to Kansas City with A&A. We pulled in the driveway 9.5 hours later. I don't know where all that time goes. The purpose/excuse for this Kansas trip was to see and finalize details on the house we're renting for 6 months in Columbia, MO beginning in August.



During the visit with PoPo (John) and Pop-O (Kathy??) I witnessed one of the most special moments of joy from Ava. On special days we go to church and they have a moon bounce house that Ava is too small to play in with the big kids. She ALWAYS wants to get in, but ends up getting tossed around and ends up having no fun. J&K found one online and had it waiting at their house. We all went out back to watch John set up this massive thing that claimed it would inflate in 2 minutes. As it was flat on the ground Ava had no idea what it was, but was told to stay back until "it was done". As the large inflatable grew and grew, her eyes got huge. In the last few seconds as the tip of the castle towers grazed the tree limbs...it clicked. Ava's mouth flew open in endless giggles, she threw her arms wide open, ran to John, and wrapped her arms around his legs in genuine thanks. IT WAS PRICELESS. Tears came to my eyes because it was a totally real emotion, unsought, innocent joy and thanks. PoPo is no longer chopped liver (not that he ever was!), but Ava's hero.

The Castle.


The Princesses.


The Hoake.
Ever heard John read Llama Llama? He's far beyond professional.


Having absolutely no fun.


At all.


The Castle comes to life...


Ava showing off her rocks from the rock garden.


Working with the wheelbarrow.


We journeyed to the Deanna Rose Farm, braving the heat. We walked through rather quickly, but we were able to see some animals up close and personal. We will be back when the temperature is not pushing 100 degrees!

Not sure about the cows. Definitely not touching one.


But loving this donkey ride!


We drove to Wichita for a few days for extra family fun. Ava loves Uncle "Hess" (Seth) and was constantly asking for him. Abbey got a kick out of crawling to and away from him. I also have to admit that my 10-month-old Abbey took her first few steps in Kansas. I didn't want to tell Jay, but it was difficult to hide. She came back walking! I had really wanted to go with Allie to check out wedding/reception sites, but my children were simultaneously melting. We had been gone for 7 days, I broke down too! We left the next morning with many hugs and kisses from Grammy and Grandpa.

Just to reiterate a well-known fact: we love our grandparents!!!

The new way I contain the kid: box her in, put food in her face, and force her to watch Barney.