Treasure Hunt!

Last week, we had a treasure hunt with the cousins at my parents' house. Since there is such a large age range (1 year old to 12 years old) I decided to break them up into groups. The first group was David (1), Emma, Ceri, & Brigid (all 3). Then Lily, Johnny, and Ares (all 8). The next group was Riley & Alyssa (both 10), and finally Zach & Taby (both 12). Each group got a clue to find their next clue, where they would find the next clue, and so on. I had the clues make the kids go inside and outside and some went into the basement. I think they all had a lot of fun & they all got a "treasure" at the end!

They all did a good job working together!

These cuties all got bubbles:

These two got gummy bears:

The oldest kids got chips:

And these 3 got Kool-Aid drinks:

It's always fun to hang out with cousins!!

Happy 8th Birthday Lily!

Eight years ago, Jeff & I were blessed with this tiny little bundle of pink. 8 years has gone by SO fast!! I want her to stay a little girl so bad, but I know she has to grow up....and wants to, no matter how many times I tell her to stay little. ;0)
So, here are the many sides of our sassy little girl.

Lily has always been loved and protected by her big brothers. (They can tease her, but you may not....)

Lily has always been a happy girl:

She has always been a fan of getting her pictures taken:

She has always been a girly-girl:
(But she can keep up with the boys if she wants to!)

She has always been a princess:

And has ALWAYS been her Daddy's girl:

She has always been silly:

She has always been a dancer:

And she has always been a loving, smart, beautiful little girl:

Happy 8th Birthday Lily!! We love you so much!!

And They Lived Happily Ever After.......

16 years ago, I married my best friend. I remember waking up that morning and being SO excited!! I couldn't believe I got to spend the rest of my life with this man who loved me so completely. In the past 16 years, we have had our share of ups and downs, good times and bad times, but throughout it all it has made us closer than ever. I truly could not imagine my life without Jeff by my side. He has given me so many blessings; his love, our home, the ability to be a stay at home mom, and many other wonderful things, but most importantly, our three beautiful and loving children. 

Thank you Jeff for 16 years of marriage, I know we will enjoy many more together. I love you!! 

Botanica, Waterwalk Fountains, & Keeper of the Plains! (Wichita Fun!)

Last Thursday, we did some fun stuff in downtown Wichita!! We started out at Botanica. In the summer they have $3.00 Thursdays and they have Family Game Night from 5:30-7:30!! What a deal!

We started out in the brand new Chinese Garden.

It was really pretty!!

Lily in the lilies!!

Next up was the butterfly house!!

After we left the butterfly house, we saw that they were setting up for Family Game night! they had giant sized games all over the place!

Then we finally (according to Lily) went to the Children's Garden.

We went to dinner after Botanica at Bill's Charcoal Grill on 29th & Arkansas. They have yummy burgers!!

Then we headed to the Waterwalk fountains for the fountain show! I am sad to say I had no idea there was a show there. Jeff did though!! During the summer the show is a noon, 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00. It is set to music and lights. We went at 8:00, so we couldn't really see the lights. :0( It was still fun to watch and it last about 15 minutes!! The kids loved it!!

We decided since we were so close and it was almost time for the fire ring at the Keeper of the Plains, that we would go see that too. In case you don't know, The Keeper of the Plains is located at the convergence of the Little Arkansas River and the Arkansas River and was sculpted by artist Black Bear Bosin.

While we waited for the fire, we looked for the famous Wichita Troll. He is hidden under a grate on the walking paths by the Keeper of the Plains.

Jeff told the kids that after it got darker, it would glow green. They had to go back and check:

Finally it was 9:00 and the fire came on! it lasts for 15 minutes.

It's very cool to see!
Riley was the most impressed!
We had a fun night exploring our city!!