Afton Apple

Ken was out of state for the Police softball tournament in Vegas, so the Freske Family, Yellow Granny, and our crew decided to go to Afton Apple.  We had a good time...couldn't get some of the other parents on board with "waiting your turn" on the cow train, but we did have a splendid time.

A Walk to the Park

 Auntie Heidi, Hunter, and Auntie Amy all joined us for a walk to the park to play.  We had a great time.  Grady was only mad in the pic below because I wouldn't let him eat wood chips.  Jorey loved them too...what's the deal with them.  Who so fab?  I'll never know.  Jorey can't remember and Grady won't either.

We had a good time and I'm so happy we have a cousin to play with...I'm not opposed to more.  ahem...

Jorey FINALLY was willing to go down the pole without a death grip on me.  Macy's still not ready...Maybe next year.
Once Jorey did it, she was a maniac and was swinging out to it and sliding down "super fast".

Macy found 2 caterpillars and chose to bring one home.  Since we rode hotwheels, this was a bit of a challenge.  About 1/2 of the way home, the caterpillar fell and was murdered by the back wheel of the hot wheel.  We had to contend with some tears and it was quite tragic, but we usually find a caterpillar on the bridge this time of year.  As if by some act of God, we found one...seriously, I told Macy there might be one on the bridge and when we got up there, we found one climbing up the side...She was happy, I was a bit mystified, and the caterpillar got a ride, with her hand on him at all times to ensure his safety, and then was released into our yard to enjoy his freedom once again.

Happy Man, Hunter!

So Brave!

One of our Caterpillar friends.

Dare Devil - Can't just sit and swing

Severs Corn Maze

We decided to take a little trip to Severs Corn Maze this year, for the first time.  Macy and Jorey brought a friend.  Again, Brianna came with Jorey and Macy brought Maddie (finally, a girl friend!)
Everyone had a blast.  We did the corn maze, slide, corn pit (Macy had corn in her crack and we had some scandalous removal situations!)
We went down the big slide, did a hay ride, got faces painted, watched the piggy races, and went through the corn maze...goodness, it was a busy day, but it was a good time.  Before we left, we purchased a big bag of kettle corn and everyone shared it on the way home.  I think that was the worst idea ever known, as there was popcorn covering every seat and all of the floor...wow...what a mess.  But, everyone was so good.  So many people asked us if they were all ours with their mouths open in awe...ha.
I'd love to have 5 kids, but it just isn't going to happen.  Sometimes, when you consider time, money, and reality, you have to just say "when".

Macy's a First Grader

Granny Kay is 80

Norah, Macy, Olivia, Jorey, and Brennan

 How did my sweet Granny Kay turn 80 already?!  We celebrated with a nice little shindig out at the church in Meriden.  My Granny has always been so super awesome.  She's sweet and funny, but sassy and doesn't take any crap.  She is 80 and still takes great care of herself.  When I'm 80, if I have the life and spunk in me that she does, I'll be so happy.  Macy is named after Granny Kay and I believe she's starting to represent exactly like I hoped she would.

 It's getting to be so fun to get all the kiddos (my cousins' kids) together to play.  They're all just as big of nerds as we were when we were growing up and playing together.  I love this picture of some of them as they played school together in the back of the church.  Please note Jorey's boots.  You can't see them very well, but they say Woody and Buzz on the toe and have Buzz Lightyear and Woody on the side - they light up...as much as I tried to talk her out of these God awful shoes, she thought she needed them and wouldn't accept any substitutes.  We bought them and they actually looked kinda cute with this dress (when you can't see the buzz/woody light up emblem)

Granny Kay

Granny and her BFF, Evelyn.  I love that they are still buds.

A Weekend at Orange Papa & Grammas

Jorey put this outfit together herself.

Orange Papa has been thinking the girls needed a Go-Kart for quite some time.  It was never really something I thought they could handle until this year...and I don't know that I would have talked him out of it if I tried.  He had "the one" chosen and I was given a choice on the color.  I just said it had to be a bright color to be easily seen.  Visions of crazy driving and bad things in my head...
It arrived...prior to the helmets and proper safety gear...and they thought it was sweet.  It's built for little people, but if you squeeze, big ole folks like me can fit in there.  I have to admit, it's pretty awesome to go peeling around in that thing.  The girls just giggle like crazy.  Papa kinda likes to join in the fun, too.  Luckily, he still fits in there, too.

Gramma and Grady watched all the action from the sidelines

Sunday morning, we were all getting ready and Papa got down on the floor and was singing Merle Haggard to Grady.  Grady was totally mesmerized and sat still, just staring at him with his mouth open.  It was hilarious.  When he'd stop singing, Grady would go back to playing, but when Papa sang Merle, he had to tune in.

Mario & Luigi

Macy had SAC in Eagan for 2 weeks and they went to the Civic Arena for part of it.  Every day, she asked for a mustache out of the vending machine...I refused.  Fortunately, Dad is weak and purchased these because we've had a lot of laughed with our ladies and their facial hair.

At some point, I'll add the video of them dancing and singing with these...it's way better than the still image.