Thursday night: We overnighted with Uncle Josh in DeWitt, IA (Aunt Kristi decided that New Zeland was more exciting than we were ... go figure?! :) Fortunately, Uncle Josh is a sound sleeper because our two little guys tag teamed and were up much of the night. Braden finally went to sleep on a blanket in the corner of our room.
Friday: We stopped in Omaha, NE for Chad to do an interview (nope, didn't get the job). We also got to have a suprise few minustes with Ma DeGuilio (as it turned out that she was driving through to Sioux City, SD for a wedding). The boys were very happy when we finally got to Uncle 'Rad and Aunt Megs house. Dylon, especially, was so glad to be down and on the go.
Saturday: We drove back to Omaha (just in case we hadn't been in the car enough yet), to go to the Lauritzen Botanical Gardens. This too, is an annual tradition, when we are together. .JPG)
Braden had so much fun watching the fish (they came right up to you!), 
playing on the kid structures,
building flowers, 
and climbing the stairs with Daddy and Uncle 'Rad (You could almost hear the Rocky music).
playing on the kid structures, building flowers, and climbing the stairs with Daddy and Uncle 'Rad (You could almost hear the Rocky music).Both boys were mesmerized by the trains and "tree" village. All the houses, bridges, and buildings were made out of branch and twig pieces.
Braden also enjoyed seeing the "choo-choos" up close and personal. "BIG" "Go way up HIGH". Seeing life through the eyes of a little boy gives you a much different perspective. .JPG)
After the gardens, we enjoyed a yummy lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Braden was excited to feel Baby Gilbie kicking around. He also thought that Uncle 'Rad's needed some help with his desert. These two are going to be such great parents!!! 
Sunday: It was fun to go to church together. After some of the changes and struggles at our church right now, it was a refreshing service. Braden was excited to make new friends; but couldn't wait to find 'Rad afterwards -- as I'm sure the whole church heard him yelling as we walked up the stairs. We were able to meet Ma and her friend for lunch as they drove back through NE on their way home. And Chad got to introduce them to Lazlo's and the BEST french dip anywhere! Yummy!After some splashing in the fountain and climbing in the trains,the time came much too quickly for Ma to continue home. What fun to have had this special and unexpected time together!!! .JPG)
Monday: We helped Megs with a suprise bday party for Conrad. After we managed to stall them in the morning, Chad and Braden went with Conrad out to see the nursery where he works. Braden had so much fun watering the flowers and driving the dozer. I'm pretty sure he thinks this was the best place ever. Chad said that when he first started to drive, he was almost in a trance. When they got back to the house, he was so excited! For about 10 minutes, all I heard was "Momma, scoop, drive wheel, scoop, go, drive" and so on! He was one happy little boy! 
And the suprise party was definately a SURPRISE! Conrad had no idea ... even after we stalled him on the drive home with a request for a Sonic Cherry Limeade and a stop at the store for Fruit Snacks, Green Beans, and Tampons. Tuesday: We headed home, much too soon! Time with dear friends is never long enough.
The drive home was fairly uneventful and even with 2 little boys, we only stopped once for lunch and gas. We've learned that there are 3 things that make long trips possible ... reclining carseats, portable DVD players, and the 8th seat so Mommy can climb back and sit next to the boys!
We can't wait for next year and the fun that we will have with all 3 of the kids together (not ours ... remember, Conrad and Megs are expecting!)
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