KC Reunion

Moving back to Wichita has offered a perk: only 2 hours and 40 minutes away from our adored friends in the Kansas City metro. 
So, first chance we got, we took a trip up there and spent a few days cramming in all we could.  It went by quickly, but we left with full and happy hearts!  I did not take many pictures, but life goes on.
Before we went, I asked the kids to make lists of things they'd like to do when we got there.  Every-single-one-of-them listed our favorite Mexican restaurant, Mi Ranchito.   SO-as soon as we hit OP city limits, we made a bee-line for the highly-anticipated, authentic, south-of-the-border lunch with our Aunt Jennie!  It did not disappoint. 
After lunch, we met up with several friends at another sorely missed location: one of OP's fantastic city pools.  I hope I don't forget someone, but I remember the Bailey's, Stagg boys, Bozick's, Wheeler's, Bishop's, Whites, and Bagley's being there.  It was especially fun for Jacob to hang out with his entire old Sunday school class, Dylan, Eli, Carson, Peter, Joya and Sarah! 

After the pool, we migrated to the Wheeler's house for some grilled burgers and dogs.  Then we took Jacob over to the Stagg's, who deserve a MEDAL OF HONOR for hosting a sleepover for the "5 Guys"!  And the other kids got to have a long-overdue sleepover at the Bailey's!  Man-SO much to miss about living in OP...
I spent the rest of the evening hanging out with a group of some of the most fantastic women in the world.  Truly.  Seriously.  I was overcome at one point by the love and spirit which we all share.  Every single one of them have such amazing qualities, and keep me in awe at how they navigate through the various challenges they've been given.  What an immense blessing to have these women by my side in this life!  We were together to especially celebrate our friendship with RaDawn, who was preparing to uproot her family that week and move on to new adventures in Idaho.  Sadly, by the time we got around to taking this pic, several of the girls had left, but I'm glad I have it anyway!

Friday was going to be our big day to go to Worlds of Fun amusement park, but the 80% chance of thunderstorms in the threatening forecast, changed the plan. So, we rolled with the punches and found other things to do instead.  Like traipse over to Ashlee's house for haircuts!  While there, old friends and neighbors popped in and out, making it double the fun.  We saw the Jone's, the Lindsey's and her boys and the new Walker baby! 
When finished with the haircuts, we stopped by and visited a few more families including our dear, DEAR "babushka's"-Roza, Ida and Rosa!!!  How we love them so, and WOW!  Did we ever give them a great surprise!!!  We enjoyed tea and cookies with them and memories, laughs and hugs.

Although I was sad to not be able to get around to everyone, it was good to catch up on some of the little and big changes.

We then enjoyed a relaxing evening with Aunt Jennie and her roommate, Janean, whom we all liked immediately!  She's so out-going, vivacious, warm and friendly!  We are very happy that Jennie has her in her life.
Saturday was WORLDS OF FUN/OCEANS OF FUN DAY!  In spite of the long lines and waiting around on each other, the weather was great and it was FUN indeed.

We wrapped up the day at a farewell open house for the Bagley family hosted by the Bishop family.  The Bagley's are one of those family's that love and serve unconditionally.  They keep it REAL with no pretentious airs.  They are stellar examples of living a very human existence with diligent, unwavering faith and by righteous principles.  We have enjoyed growing relationships among our individual family members for 9 years, and UUUGGGHHH!!!  We are going to miss having them close by.  And I'll just say it---I am going to miss one of MY very best friends!

(We did NOT plan the outfits...we are just awesome like that! haha)





So, Sunday rolled around and we attended church with all our buddies, then headed over to Topeka for a birthday party.  Our friends, Matt and Carrie Craft recently moved there from Augusta, and their daughter was celebrating a milestone b-day.  It was so nice to be invited AND be able to attend!

So, now it's off to the next adventure: BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON.  My eldest in HIGH SCHOOL, my girls in MIDDLE SCHOOL and my baby off to KINDERGARTEN.  I wish I could keep it all away.  But, since that's impossible...

bring on the action!