Blackhawk Down

Linkan and Palmer got a special opportunity to see a real live Blackhawk Helicopter up close and personal this week. Captain J. Urban with the US Army National Guard has two boys in Linkan's preschool and so he flew his Blackhawk from his base and landed right on the preschool grounds.

We watched him circle around and land. The girls got to sit in the helicopter and Linkan sat in the cockpit. Very cool! Due to budget cuts, the National Guard will no longer do "school fly-ins" after this month so we feel pretty blessed that we got to participate in this unique experience. We are very grateful for the men and women in our armed forces! Thank you Captain Urban!

Leading Role

We went to Emporia tonight to attend a play that Molly performed the lead role. She did amazing! Didn't miss a line, enunciated and projected well. Very proud of my little sis! She's never lacked confidence and didn't look the least bit nervous. Good job girlie!

Linkan went to the play with us. We were so proud of how good she was. The girls enjoyed playing on the playground after the play. It was a beautiful evening and a good day with the fam.

Yummy "Layers of Crap"

Made this yesterday for a little Pinterest Party at my house with fellow MOPS (moms of preschoolers). I found it on Pinterest but didn't see a name for it so I'm dubbing it "layers of crap". And by crap, I mean seriously yum but not-so-good-for-you.

Grease muffin tin
Layer chocolate chip cookie dough, Reece's peanut butter cup, and top with brownie batter. About 3/4 full. Cook at 350 for 18-20 minutes. Holy calories. Enjoy!

Can a toddler bed support 250 pounds of man and baby?

Apparently. :-P

Grammie's 61st Birthday

We spent the night in Emporia to celebrate mom's 61st birthday. I thought Molly was pretty clever with the cake topping. 6 candles and a "1". :) Good times!

Fake Spring!

Enjoying the spring weather today! 70 degrees. The whole neighborhood was out!

KU Halftime Performance

Last Sunday I performed a dance routine with my Jazzercise group at the Kansas University Women's basketball game. There was over 120 dancers (and a few dudes! yea!) from Topeka, Olathe, Independence and Lawrence. I'm just now wondering where the Overbrook Jazzercise group was? Maybe next year girls?

I'm telling you...I'm an old lady and I'm a total dork so this event was right up my alley! I had the best time! The actual performance was a blast but practicing with everybody from my "jazzercise home base" was too much fun!  Here is the video of our performance.  I made a cameo in the very first and fifth (I think?) frame of the video.  I'm on the right hand side of the shot in both frames.  I was totally cracking up during practice because one of my instructors told me (in all seriousness) that she "appreciated my shimis".  I told Ben that it would be just fine if he wanted to tell me that every day! :-P

My cheering squad included half my neighborhood! I love them! They are so sweet and made my day by coming out with their families to support little ole me. Smooches!

The Lawrence Group

 KU was honoring military service members (our heroes!) at this game so the kids dressed up like super heroes. Linkan was Bat Girl and Palmer was Super Woman!

Batgirl

Superwoman!

Ben put a tape measure on her batgirl belt. She thought she was pretty cool stuff!

Brenda, the owner of the Lawrence studio, put the whole Jazzercise performance together. I can't imagine how many hours she spent on it and I'm sure she is happy that its over and normal life can resume. Thank you Brenda!

Mortell's Visit

We were so excited when our dear friends (Dave, Beth & Landon) called on Saturday to ask if we could go to dinner with them (on Sunday) while they drove cross country from Virginia back home to Colorado.  They didn't realize that they would be passing right by our house!  Dinner turned into them staying for the night at our house and extra time this morning while we waited for new tires to be installed on their car (thank the Lord for His protection over them - because the tire could have blown at any time!).

The girls all hit it off and played their little hearts out.  It's been about 18 months since we were all together. Landon's grandma gave Linkan a stuffed bear that belonged to RaRa (Landon's Auntie that just passed away from Breast Cancer - hence the cross country drive).  It plays music and recites bible verses - so sweet and soothing.  Linkan instantly fell in love with him.  We will cherish this precious gift!

This afternoon, Linkan said, "Landa left Bear here." Me - "I know, she wanted you to have him." Linkan - "I think he is going to miss Landa!" Me - "You'll just have to give him extra love and hugs!"  Later.... Me - "What was your favorite part about having Landon here?" Link - "Playing doggie! She was the doggie and I chased her around!" haha

This is what happens when the adults are having too much fun in the other room...and leave the kids unattended in the bathtub for 5 minutes...

It was Dave's birthday on Saturday so we celebrated with a totally unhealthy dinner and ice cream cake!  Don't you think the cake is totally "Dave"?? 

We sure loved having part of our "Colorado family" spend a little time with us in Kansas. We all lamented at how we took each other for granted when we lived so close! But - its ok. We are ALL where God wants us geographically, right now. It just means that we have to be a little more intentional about the relationships that we cherish. Thanks for making a pit stop in Kansas, Mortells! You made our month! Love you guys!

Here are some more out-takes. :)

Hiding Spot

At the tender young age of 18 months, she has already figured out that this is the perfect spot to hide valuables...