Kansas Cosmosphere

When I was in Junior High, I went on a class trip to Hutchinson, to the Kansas Cosmosphere. I thought it was a great trip and really educational and interesting. So I had this idea to take the girls to the Cosmosphere this summer. It was quite the trip I imagined, but we went, saw the sights, and made some memories. Maybe upon a return trip and when the girls are older, they will get more out of it.


Looking at the astronaut suits.


Space rovers.


The stained glass window.


One smell step, one giant step for mankind.


KS Cosmosphere


The rocket outside the building.

Finding My Way Back

It seems I've been gone for a long time.
It seems many people have been gone for a long time.
Maybe blogs are becoming a thing of the past.
Regardless, I'm trying to find MY way back.
Trying to find the information and pictures for all the posts I want to write.
I'm in process, of many things, but check back often and look for some updates.
I'm still here.

Feathers

Because it's the "cool" thing to do. The girls wanted feathers in their hair. So a visit to the salon was necessary. I think they look great!


Campbell always goes for the bold statement.


Cooper takes the less obvious route.

Cooper enjoying tennis

Cooper enjoys playing tennis. Partly because she enjoys competition, partly because Chad plays tennis, and partly because she does well in non-team sports. She works hard and enjoys new challenges. Lessons have included overhand serves and scrimmaging against other players. We are proud of her success.


Cooper practicing overhand serves.


Cooper practicing swings.


Cooper after lessons. Those red cheeks show how hard she plays.

Tent

Campbell loves to play puppy. She also loves to play in her tent. What better combination then to play puppy in the tent. Today was one of those days. Isn't she cute?

Tennis

Cooper has been playing tennis since she was 4, so we thought Campbell needed to give tennis a try as well. Unfortunately, the tennis coach that Cooper had retired before Campbell was able to learn some skills from him. So we hoped the new coach and classes would be just as good. Campbell was excited to play. Her stubbornness did get in the way a bit, as she wasn't as calm and focused as Cooper is. Campbell recklessly throws her racket down each time she's asked to clean up. Her attitude is displayed in her stance, with hand on hip, her swing isn't perfect yet. Oh well, I guess both girls can't be tennis stars.


Campbell running after the ball.


Campbell practicing her swing.


Look at those red cheeks. She worked up a sweat.

Summertime Sleepover

Campbell has been asking nonstop for a sleepover with her friends. Finally, we were able to find a day that worked for everyone. Campbell was excited to have A, M, and C over for a summertime sleepover. The girls arrived ready to run through the sprinkler and enjoy some splash time in the water. After we ordered pizza, the girls ate picnic style on the back porch. Cooper really wanted to "help" plan the sleepover, so in doing that she planned a fun scavenger hunt for the girls. The girls ran around the yard looking for packages with their name on it. After finding all the surprises, they opened their gifts. Then it was inside for cupcake decorating time. Yum-o! When it was time for bed, they go into their pjs and found a comfy spot downstairs. Cooper volunteered to read bedtime stories and chaperon their night of movie watching and sleep. The night was uneventful and the girls woke ready for breakfast. Everyone got dressed and headed home. I'd say it was a much enjoyed and successful first sleepover for Campbell.


The girls on the hammock.


Campbell being a silly conehead.


Dinner time.


Ready for bed.


Breakfast time.


Smiles all around for a fun sleepover.

Riley County Fair

The Riley County Fair is always a must to end the summer. It's hot, expensive, and filled with the same rides as the year before. But still it's a must! The girls worked up some courage this year and tried out some new rides. (Thanks to age, maturity, and growth spurts.) They had a good time wrapping up the summer.


Cooper taking Campbell down the slide for the first time.


Campbell enjoyed it so much, she wanted to do it again and again.


Campbell likes the carousel.


Together they braved the teddy bear tea party spinners. They also did the spider, ferris wheel, and swings.

Cambell's Swim Lessons

With the beginning of summer being so busy we saved all activities until the end of summer. Campbell enjoyed another session of swimming lessons. She is getting more and more brave and better about actually going under water and getting wet. She enjoys being with the other kids and does pretty well with her life jacket on. The weather was beautiful and she listened well to her coach.


Swimming through the hoop.


Waiting turns.


Getting ready to jump in.


Jumping into the pool.

No Training Wheels

I will apologize for the blurry pictures. I only had my cell phone on me.

Campbell has been learning to ride her bike without training wheels. She has done really well. I think the hardest part is on mom and dad chasing her around to not let her fall down.


Go Campbell Go


Steer straight


There you go!

Hanging with friends

What would summer be without some time hanging out with friends. Cooper, Campbell, and J are having fun today!