Second Day of Burgin's Stay

The boys woke up giddy with excitement eager to get to Paradise Park. It doesn't open until 9 am and we had to fend them off a little before it was time. We went outside and let them run around the cul-de-sac to burn off a little steam.

As we came back in and were getting ready to leave, Mason let out a shriek. A stunned Kelly went to his rescue to find out that he had been bitten by Ben. Chaos quickly ensued. Mason was inconsolable, Mitchie was so upset that his big brudder was crying, and Ben was wailing because he immediately was sent to his room.

Once Mason got a band aid and was soothed by his mama, I decided that Ben would not be going to Paradise Park. Sadly this meant that Owen and I couldn't go either. I was really looking forward to sitting with Kelly and Maya while the boys played in the pizza parlor and grocery store. They went on without us with a plan to meet for lunch.

We caravaned to Fritz's at Crown Center where the only biting was into the deliciously greasy sandwiches. Kelly was sweet and totally downplayed the fun that was had earlier in the day without us. Ben and Owen were just at the "train restaurant" a few days ago, but would go every day for lunch if I'd make the drive. Mitchell and Mason were elated to be back.

Kelly and I surprised them by bringing along their swimming trunks so that they could run through the fountains after lunch. It turned out to be a wonderful afternoon sitting in the shade with Kelly and Maya while the boys played in the sand and ran through the fountains to rinse off.

It was sad to see them leave early Tuesday morning. I could totally get used to having them to bum around with again. Check out Kelly's blog to see her awesome pictures and videos from their visit.



Battle of the spatulas



Sunday Fun

Last summer the Burgin's moved to town but due to a job transfer were gone before labor day. In that short amount of time, the boys had visited every kid attraction in the KC metro area multiple times together. Kelly arrived on Sunday with her kids and we started right back up where we left off, revisiting some of our favorite places.We rounded up the kids and went to Summit Waves that afternoon. It has a great area for small kids to splash around in. The boys wasted no time jumping right in and heading to the slides. Last summer Owen was just brave enough to sit in the one foot section. What a change a year makes! Mason held his hand to go up the stairs to the slide the first time and he was hooked. Ben chased Mason and Mitchie around while Maya was content in her mama's arms.Owen wasn't the only one who has grown in a year. Mason and Mitchell are not only full fledged swimmers, they are also professional divers. Kelly herded her crew over to the "big" pool with a real diving board while Ben and Owen happily snacked on Goldfish and Cheetos.Even though the kids were exhausted that evening, they remained sweethearts. They knew that there was more fun to be had the next day.



If you've ever wondered...

what the boys are doing while I'm updating the blog,

here's your answer.Their version of bunkbeds.



Guthrie Family Fun Day

Since we don't have any plans for a vacation this year, we decided to act like tourists and scope out our favorite touristy spots right here in Kansas City. Our friend Garrett came along which made Ben's day.

We started by having lunch at Fritz's in the Crown Center Plaza, dubbed the "train restaurant" by Ben. Owen was adorable as he was pointing to all the trains circling overhead delivering food to the tables. I loved hearing the excited "Choo-Choo Mama Choo-Choo!" as he'd point out the next train. Ben remembered that there was a candy store nearby so we headed in that direction when the meal was finished. Once we were loaded up with a bag full of sour gummies in every possible shape we decided to check out the Lego Art display next door which was pretty amazing.

Our next stop was the KC Zoo. Garrett was our tour guide and made sure that Ben and Owen got to see all the really cool displays. Owen conked out on us somewhere between Australia and Africa and missed the hippos, giraffes and zebras while Ben chatted nonstop about wanting to see a puma. By the time we made the mile long loop, the cats were already inside for the day. We didn't realize that the zoo here closes at 4pm. On the way home I asked Ben if he was getting sleepy, Garrett replied, "well...he's not talking".

The staycation continues this afternoon as we are planning on checking out Union Station.



We're Back!

Jeremy was on call again last weekend so the boys and I decided to hit the road. Our journey began on Wednesday when we headed to Aunt Kelly's to stay for a few days. We were there for a short visit for Mitchell's birthday party which made me only more eager to go back for a longer stay. Her kids hold such a soft spot in my heart. I loved swimming with the boys and enjoyed snuggle time with Maya.

Thursday Kelly packed a picnic lunch and took us to a great park. Ben and Owen had a blast running after Mason and Mitchell while Maya was sweet as could be in her stroller. At some point the boys decided to check out the sand box, which was very wet and muddy. They got in before we had a chance to talk them out of it. Owen LOVED it. I don't think he's had a chance to feel sand between his toes yet let alone between his fingers, in his hair and on his eyelashes. He was a total mess in a matter of minutes and I was fighting the urge to get him out of there and run for the first sink I could find. Being the sweetheart that she is, Kelly cleaned him up when it was time to go. We got a fresh outfit on him and he was as good as new. Ben was in the sand for about 5 seconds, got out, rinsed himself off and played in the water until it was time to go. I'm pretty sure he was cleaner when he left than when we got there. Thanks for the pictures Kelly!The rest of the day was spent in the pool. As always time went by too quickly and it was time to pack up for our next stop on Friday. We headed down to my parents' for a surprise visit. Ben and Owen had so much fun on the farm. We took them to Prairie Days in Bible Grove for the afternoon where they played for hours. Instead of the sand they played in corn and chased each other through a straw maze.

My brother John entered our Grandpa's tractor into the tractor pull. We weren't able to stay and watch since it was so chilly. Seriously, who would have thought I would have needed to pack pants and jackets in July?
Papa bought Ben a fishing pole and took him to the pond with cousin Rob. While Ben was busy catching fish, Owen and I were able to catch up with Cassie, (Rob's mom) who just happened to be visiting from Ohio. I can't believe that I didn't take any pictures, but Rob is now 15 and incredibly cute. His mom is a doll and love the time we get to spend together.

We headed home on Monday and arrived at the time Jeremy was getting home from work. I don't know who was more excited to see him, the boys or me.



Wordless Wednesday; Fun in the Sun

They really had a ball- the looks on their faces sums it up.



Party in Pictures

The Birthday Boy blowing out the candles. Mitchie turned 4 today and we were able to make it to his party yesterday. When it came time to eat the cake someone handed him and edge piece. He looks at me with those sad big brown eyes and said, "But Aunt Benee- I want to eat my face". It was his birthday, so I cut a perfect square out of the center of the cake could have his "special" piece. He was so cute opening his presents. Ben picked out a bat mobile for Mitch and couldn't wait for him to open the gift he brought. Mason and Maya weren't to be left out. Ben added Maya's gift to the shopping cart without me even realizing it until we got home. I'm glad it was an appropriate gift and not the Thomas the Train that he tried to sneak into the cart the last time we went to Target.
Pinata time!!! Luckily for Matt the kids didn't use a bat. Mitch was a little nervous about the candy blowing into the pool but not a piece was to be left 7seconds after the kids pulled the strings on Spidey allowing the treasure to tumble out. Maya has grown so much since I've seen her! She's so alert and sweet. I could have just sat and talked to her all day. The boys had a blast in the pool swimming with their buddies, Matt and his cousin, Bo. Thanks to them, I didn't have to get into the pool with them. Owen was ready to go off the diving board at one point. That was definitely the best 4th Birthday party ever!!!



Lost and found

I am the self appointed queen of knowing where things are around the house. I hear, "Mom where's my shoe, puppy, cowboy pants (insert any other obscure item here)?" and chances are, I know where it is or can find it pretty darn quickly.

When my wedding ring turned out to be missing on Saturday, I wasn't too worried about it...at first. I tend to take it off and not wear it around the house because of my RA. I have a bad habit of not leaving it in the same place. Most of the time it gets left on the kitchen counter next to the computer. Other times I put it on the vanity in our bathroom, the dresser in the bedroom, my nightstand or if we were on a really long car trip- in the console of the passenger door of the car.

When it was not in any of the "usual" places I tore the house apart. Couches were overturned, tables were moved and I was a weeping mess. I couldn't believe how careless I had become with such an important possession. Instead being treasured like a valued symbol of eternal love, it was getting set aside like a bubble gum wrapper.

While I was scavenging through a toy bin I heard Jeremy ask Ben if he had seen mommy's ring. Ben responded that he saw it by the computer and Owen and he were playing with it in the pantry. When asked where it went after that he said he didn't know and the story changed and he said that he hadn't seen it. So I checked every inch of the pantry, opening boxes of cereal and goldfish to see if it got dropped inside to be discovered like a cracker jack prize. The search turned out to be a fruitless effort. It didn't turn up in there either.

Before long it was time to join our neighbors for Fourth of July fun in the cul-de-sac. I tried to relax and enjoy the evening but just kept praying that I'd find my ring. It was mentioned that it was replaceable and I'd get to pick out a new one but I didn't want a new ring- I wanted mine-the one that Jeremy proposed with and the band that was blessed during our wedding. I knew it was in our house somewhere!!! When the local fireworks display started I did loosen up a little. It was fun watching the kids ignoring the display in favor of setting off smoke bombs.

After topping off the night with pie at the Hooper's we headed back into the house and I continued the hunt where I'd left off earlier. I checked the pantry one last time, walked out and decided to open the drawer on the island next to the vegetable sink (the one and only drawer that had yet to be open) and there it was-laying on a cutting board waiting to be found. The last time I was that excited to see it was when Jeremy proposed. I'm pretty sure I jumped up and down then too.

I'm not quite off the hook with Jeremy yet. Even though I didn't misplace it I did leave it within reach of sticky little hands. He'll be happy to know that right now it's back in it's original box safely out of harms way.