kansas {the farm}

Our last day in Kansas was probably Hunter's favorite.

I hadn't really made it a priority to go see "Uncle Joel's farm" with Hunter and before we headed back to Colorado I decided I better get my priorities straight and let Hunter watch Joel work, see the cows, and look at the tractors...

You know, so I could listen to Hunter talk non-stop about it for the next few months. :)

Thankfully, Joel and Fred were very gracious and let Hunter ride the 4 wheeler, feed the cows, and help with chores...even though it was Sunday morning and they were in a hurry.

Hunter was pretty timid at first but after riding in the feed truck with Fred for awhile he started to warm up.

He loved watching Uncle Joel work.


Fred was so sweet and helped Hunter feed the cows by hand...


and then they decided he needed to get a little closer...

(can you tell his "city-girl" momma dressed him for work on the farm? flip-flops? shorts? oops.)

Hunter was so cute trying to get the cows to come eat from his hand. He kept whispering in a sweet little voice...

After chores, Joel took Hunter to see all the tractors. Hunter LOVES tractors...almost as much as he loves Uncle Joel.

What a morning for our little city boy.

He loved every second.

**Thanks Joel and Fred for taking the time to love on Hunter.

Oh Kansas...


we do love you.

kansas {run for hope & other goodness}

I returned on Sunday night from a wonderful trip to Kansas.

Mostly wonderful.

The ride there? Not so wonderful.

Tanner screamed for 5 hours. I'm not exaggerating, people.

Did I mention I drove to Kansas alone...that is, without any other adults?

Me, a screaming baby, and a toddler.

Hunter and I tried to pass the time by listening to Veggie Tales Easter and watching Polar Express.

Like I said, the trip was loooooong.

But once we got there it was SO worth it and I was glad we made the trek.

I stayed with my bestest buddy, Jess, and I also got oodles of great time with my dear friend, Julie.

We had a grand time.

Stayed up WAY too late. Reminisced. Laughed. And managed lots of little ones.

There were lots of reasons for the trip.

I went to do the Run For Hope 5K...

I didn't exactly run...

But I did finish...pushing the double jogger with one hand and carrying Tanner in the other.

When we got home and Michael asked Hunter what he did on his trip his answer was, "We ran for Cora."

I'm totally lame and have NO pictures of the race...or anything else that happened that day!

I also went to spend some time with Jess & Julie and their darling kiddos.

The last time I saw Julie's little girl, Calla, she was still in NICU fighting very hard.

Now look at her!



I'm pretty sure Hunter has never had so much fun. He was outside A LOT. Who wouldn't be when you can do things like this?







He loved all the open space and freedom to run and play...and he especially loved this red truck...



carrying the can of Drano.

The one that says keep out of reach of children.

Don't worry. It was totally empty...and at least 25 years old...it was Joel's when he was a little boy.

It made me laugh.

When we were inside, Hunter occupied his time with many other activities...




I can't believe we don't have one single picture of Jess, Julie, and I.

Pretty pathetic.

We did manage to get lots of pictures of the kids.

So thankful for my precious friends and all these munchkins.

I sure missed Cora though. I always do.





The trip home was MUCH better. Both kids were pretty close to perfect.

Maybe I will go visit Kansas again... before the boys are teenagers :)

Thanks for letting us stay with you, Jess & Joel.

I LOVED my time with everyone...just wish it could have been a little longer!

That's all for now...

have I mentioned we are putting our house on the market?

I have A LOT to do.