Nebraska Road Trip

We drove to Lincoln, NE this weekend for our goddaughter's dedication.

Overall, it was a good drive and the boys tolerated it well. Mom and Dad even did alright!

Here's a few highlights ...

Thursday, 4/16: We drove up to Denver and picked Daddy up from work. Rain, sleet, and wind were our companions until we stopped overnight in Ogallala. I enjoyed looking in my mirror and seeing all 3 of my boys together. When we arrived at 9:00pm, all 3 were still awake watching Praise Baby on the DVD player. I was a little nervous since we were 2 hours past bedtime. But, we set the pack-n-play and sleeping bag up, tucked them in, and right to sleep they went! What good little guys!

Friday, 4/17: We got up, ate breakfast (mmm...donuts!), and went swimming. We had the pool to ourselves and enjoyed splashing each other.

Dylon loved carrying the remote around the hotel room:We warmed up in the hot tub before heading back to the rooms to clean up and pack into the van for the rest of the trip. Look closely -- the blue in the corner is Braden's toothbrush stuck on the mirror.

Dylon fell asleep in the car in the morning - he loved his first trip facing forward in the carseat. But he didn't want to sleep after lunch. So while his big brother was sleeping, he enteretained us by playing with his toes. He took off his shoes and socks and ate his toes. He'd take a nibble, lick and smack his lips, and then say "MMMmmm". I don't know how Braden slept through the 3 of us laughing so hard!

We were all glad to get to Lincoln and unload at Uncle 'Rad and Aunt Megs house. Baby Izzy wasn't sure what to think of all the commotion. Both of our boys thought she was pretty cute and enjoyed giving her hugs and kisses. It took Dylon a few minutes of observation though before he was ready to love. During the drive, Braden continually told us that he was going to "check out baby izzy" with his doctor kit. But, although he played doctor while we were there -- I'm not sure I ever saw him examine her. Probably better that he didn't, his bedside manner isn't always the best!

Saturday, April 18th: Our little huskers were up and ready to go. They enjoyed a yummy breakfast of dry cheerios -- a favorite! We were happy to get to see the Poore family (Daddy's high-school friend) this visit and meet their daughter Josalyn for the first time! Dylon got to play in the dirt and take a nap at their house. Thanks Jesse and Heather! Braden went on a date with Daddy and Mommy to his first Husker football game. It was the Spring game so Nebraska played ... Nebraska! I'm not sure who was more excited - Daddy or Braden?! It was a fun atmosphere and more family focused than the season games. Braden was excited to see all the people wearing "Go Big Red" clothes. He got a little nervous when we walked into the stadium and the crowds of people, but as we came up into the stands and he saw the open stadium and fields - his eyes got huge and a smile covered his little face. We took him down under the stadium and he was able to walk on the red path the players use to come out of the locker rooms. We waited for the players to come in from warm up and he held out his hand and asked for "fives!" He enjoyed the funnel cake, balloon release at the first score, and watching the Scarletts (dance/chearleaders) -- he even enjoyed watching the football game a little bit! By half time though, he was asking to go home and take a nap! I guess the game starting at 1:00 (naptime) and the hot weather (70+ degrees) wore him out. However, we the time we got back to the Gilbertson's, he had found his second wind! Good thing he got a little nap in before we left for the game.

Sunday, 4/19: We were thrilled to be able to share this special day with the Gilbertson family. God has blessed them with a precious Isabella. They are awesome parents and she is such a sweet little girl. We are excited to see her continue to grow and trust that she will follow God in all that she does. It is such a privelege to have special friend and to be given the honor of being her godparents. We love you Izzy! I was walking out of the church behind my guys and couldn't help but snap this picture. I am so incredibly blessed! I love these three!!! Monday 4/20: We drove to Kearney on Sunday night and spent the night with the Verzal family (Joe was Chad's best man in our wedding). We hadn't seen them for about 2 1/2 years and loved catching up with them. The kids had fun playing together and are excited for the next time we get together!

Dylon, Callie, Braden, Madeline, Carson

We stopped in Sterling, CO on the way home so that Daddy could do a quick bank visit. The boys enjoyed the McDonald's playarea and burned off some of their energy. Then we ate a quick lunch at the Pizza Hut buffet before heading on to Colo. Springs. Dylon was the big eater of the day putting away 2 pieces of pizza, 1 breadstick, peaches, and a bowl of ice cream. He looks like he enjoyed every bite, doesn't he?

Braden made it through his one piece of pizza and was happy to finish filling up with his ice cream too.

It was a very fun weekend and we thoroughly enjoyed seeing all of our dear friends! We also were thrilled to have so many days together as a family. It makes us anxious for next month when we can move into our new home and be with each other day after day!