Day Trip

We haven't done a whole lot of day trips this summer, but we did squeeze in one today.  We planned on going to Lawrence last summer, but Emma broke her leg the day before, so today was the day...a year later.  It was much better without crutches involved.  My friend, Heather, came along, so it was a party.

We started in LeCompton.  It was the first territorial capital of Kansas.  It was a great lesson in the history of Kansas.  Little Lady had just learned all about it in Social Studies this past year, so she was our knowledgeable tour guide.

From there we headed to Lawrence.  We started at the Watkins Museum.  It gives the history of Lawrence.  It's a beautiful building.

We ate lunch in a lovely park across the street and then drove to KU campus.  

The kiddos completed a scavenger hunt at the Museum of Art, walked through the Student Union building, and explored the Natural History Museum.  It was our first time on campus, and we all really liked it. I'm not sure I'd want to be a student there though, because it's got lots of hills and everything is pretty spread out.

We ended with the Dole Institute (it's also on KU campus).  It contains the life of Senator Dole and has events to promote political activity and civility.  

We had a wonderful time!

Growing Up

My oldest is growing up way to fast for my liking.  He got his restricted driver's license today.  He's very excited that he gets to drive to work by himself tomorrow.  He's taking a car maintenance class at our local community college.  He's learning how to check fluids, change the oil, change out rear car lights and changing a tire.  I figure if he's going to be driving he should know some car basics.  He also has his first girlfriend.  Sigh.  I know he must really like her, because he had me help him make cookies for her when her dog had to be put down.  Her birthday party was this week as well. 

Temple Time

Little Lady got to go with the Bishop and his wife and a few friends to the temple tonight and she had a great time!

Temple Time

 We went to 6 more LDS temples on this trip.  It's a bit closer to 5.5, because Williamette is still being built, but it's hard keeping up with all of the temples being announced.

We saw Reno, Sacramento, Feather River (in Yuba City, CA), Medford (Oregon), Williamette, and Portland.  I'd already been to Oakland temple multiple times, so that one didn't count, but it's still one of my favorites.  We're officially at 92 temples.  Only 243 more to go - bwahahahaha

Oakland just for fun, because I love it so much...

It's Cold!

The ocean was a balmy 45 degrees Fahrenheit.  It was beautiful, but we mostly enjoyed it from shore.  I dipped a toe, but the little boys got pretty wet.   

We learned about whale lice on our whale watching trip and then found some on the beach the very next day!

Little Man was not all that impressed, but everyone else loved it.

We also drove to The Devil's Punchbowl.  It's pretty impressive. 

We went to one really nice seafood restaurant while staying in Lincoln.  I don't trust seafood to be all that fresh when you live in a landlocked state, but when you're eating overlooking the ocean it feels a bit safer.  The food was absolutely delicious.  Kyllos lived up to the hype.

(The Littles went with pizza and we're fine with that.  Little Man had shrimp and chips and loved it)

We stayed a half block from the ocean, so we could see the ocean from our balcony.  I liked having the door open, so I could hear the crash of the waves all day.  It's such a soothing sound.  We walked along the beach one last time on the 4th of July and we even saw some fireworks from our balcony, and then we headed to the airport in the morning.