Olathe in One Day

I love my nephews and nieces.  They are rays of sunshine in my life, and it has been such a true and honest pleasure to be closer to them for the last few years, to see them grow and learn.  And they are all amazing, for sure, each in his or her own special way.

January 26, 2013

I was eager to get to Olathe for some basketball games, and even though Mark couldn't join us this time, I gathered up my personal support system and traveled to Olathe for one busy day with all my nieces and nephews.

First stop:  Max and Matthew's basketball game.  They had already been busy winning at the pinewood derby that morning, but they still managed to play quite a good game of basketball.

Matthew and Max, two cool basketball dudes.

No doubt if I am presented with an opportunity to take a few pictures of my insanely adorable children, I'm totally gonna do it.  So before we even left the game, my kids got their cute on for the camera.

My traveling support system would not be complete without cutie patootie Miss Lilybug herself.

At Uncle Scott and Auntie B's house, Max showed Rose all his pinewood derby cars from past years.  She was impressed.

This trip to Olathe was also to give Max and Matthew their birthday gifts.  Dale drew his cousins each a picture of a Dr. Who sonic screwdriver.

After dinner we were off to Mary's basketball game.  Let me tell you something, sister's got game!

It was getting late that evening, so the kids were becoming harder and harder to wrangle, but we stuck it out and rooted for the talented and fierce Mary.

Some of Mary's fans.

It's always exhausting, but I never regret it.  Thank you to my wonderful nieces and nephews.  You guys are all awesome.

Christmas With the Rices

A few days after Christmas we headed for Olathe to celebrate the holiday with the Rice family.  Grandma left all the delightful decorations up for us, and we pretended like it was Christmas day all over again.

Rose had a great time exploring Grandma and Grandpa's tree.

Everyone looked so nice and cheery.

My attempt to photograph this Rice trio started like this...

Then this happened...

And finally, it was a full blown takeover.

We ate and drank and had a little gift exchange.

We tried to get Grandpa to take a drink from his new toilet cup, but he refused for some reason.

The Rice family at the end of the day...

Tired but happy.

And totally nuts.

From Olathe to Lawrence

The day after Thanksgiving we woke up to happy children.  Rose turned up the cuteness volume and performed "Little Mermaid" for anyone who would listen.

 

"Ebreytang"

I couldn't resist the soft light of the sunroom and made my kids sit as still as they could for a few pictures.

Dale is wearing his "fast socks."

 

They got over that quickly, so we were off to the nearby mall to see, (and hide), from Santa.  I was unable to get any photos of that experience due to the two frightened children grasping at my body, and the picture we bought from the mall people was not good.  Not good at all.  Nope.  But here's some cute pics of Dale, Rose, and their cousins playing on disgusting germ infested mall thingies.

 

Matthew, Mary with strange animal doobobber, Mary with alien boyfriend.

 

This hat made it to our house, in case anyone is missing it.

 

On our way back home that evening, we somehow ran into Santa again in Lawrence.  This time he was stuck on top of Weavers department store, and we just happened to be the last car to be trapped before a firetruck came to rescue Santa Claus.  As Santa came down the ladder, I saw him wave and shout "Merry Christmas!" just to Dale.  Oh the wide eyes and smiles!

 

 

Once we knew Santa would be okay, we headed to Rudy's for dinner, because where else would we go? 

 

Mark and I used to eat at Rudy's almost every week in college, so it holds a special place in our memories.  It's fun to be able to share it with our kids.  Besides, it is the best pizza in town.  Hands down.

 

Thanksgiving 2012

We love playing outside when we go to Grandma and Grandpa's house.  So when the weather was nice on Thanksgiving day, we were so happy that we got to run and play in the backyard.

 

Dale was unbelievably cute in his bow tie and vest.

Three handsome fellas.

I wore my new jewelry from Dale, so I insisted on getting a picture with him.  He was thrilled.

 

Once the sun started setting, we joined the Garner clan inside for lots of food and family fun.

 

Aunt Carol and Aunt Paula.  Knitting up a storm.

Day In Olathe Part Two aka Soccer All Around

Our day in Olathe had not one, but two soccer games!  Later in the afternoon, it was Mary's turn to wow us with her mad soccer skills.

 

 

Dale watched very closely as his dear cousin ran all over the field.

 

Other spectators, while not as cute as my Dale, also rooted Mary on.

 

 

Rose spent most of her time running up and down the hill in between two fields.  She thought she was hysterical and had a great time laughing and singing and twirling all around like a princess, and Dale joined his sister shortly thereafter.

 

 

Once all the soccer fun was over, Auntie B cooked up a fabulous dinner, and then we celebrated Grandpa's birthday.

 

Peek-a-boo!