"Last week was vacation, Luke. This week is 'real life'!"

I think we spoiled the kids a bit by planning so many fun things for an entire week while we were visiting my family in Oklahoma.   The next morning after we got back to our home from our week away, Luke asked, "What are we going to do today, mommy?    Are we going to ride some rides, or go down the tape slide?"  The week was pretty Luke-focused.  We did all of his favorite things.   Here are some pictures that tell the story.

Of course, one of his favorite things to do was play at Grandma and Grandpa's house with his cousins:

Luke and Lilly before walking to the pond.

Kaylee in the swing.

Luke loved soaking his cousins in the pool.

Traber got soaked...but not from Luke...his dad surprised him with a cup full of water.

Kaylee's hair is so pretty!

Abbey wasn't as happy to be in the pool as the others were.

Drama, drama! pouty face.

Not happy about being put into the pool.  

We also visited a fun children's museum with tunnels constructed from clear packing tape. Luke stayed on this thing almost the entire time we were at the museum.

Drew and Abbey walking through the tape tunnel system.

There go Traber and Luke through another section of the tunnel.

and through the tunnel slide.  This was their favorite part!

There were other things to do at the museum also though:

Making music.

Abbey found some balls.  She was very happy about that!

playing with their shadows and cool lights.

But, the fun didn't stop there.  We also visited the "Kiddie Park" in Bartlesville, OK.  This place is awesome and has become an annual family tradition.  It is awesome because all of the rides are geared towards the age of our children.  Also, they are super-cheap.   They actually increased their prices to $.50 per ride this year.  We spent $8 and Abbey and Luke got to ride plenty of rides.

Luke was still scared of this roller coaster.  He was afraid last year also (click here for the post from last year with video from inside the roller coaster car).

My sister, Holly, braved it up and rode this ride with several of the kids.   

Brody and Traber on the airplanes.

Luke and Linnea

And, the week wouldn't feel complete without a trip to the zoo!

Checking out some bears.

The monkeys are funny!

So much fun!

Linnea likes the sea lions.

So now, after reading this and the previous two posts, you probably understand why Luke asked what the "plan" was for the day after we returned from our trip.  We had so many fun activities planned that week.   You want to know what my response to Luke was?   I replied to him, "You see, Luke, last week was vacation.  This week is real life."   Ha!   We actually do try to plan a mini-adventure almost daily.  But, they are not nearly as extravagant as our daily adventures that week.  I was concerned we had spoiled the kids, but after my response, Luke was very content.  He is such an awesome kid.  He is content with pretty much anything.  He doesn't need a lot of "stuff" like toys.   He doesn't expect us to buy him "things" or to take him to special places all of the time.  All he really wants is to spend special time with us.  He doesn't really care what it is we are doing.   Therefore, that is what spoiled him the most.   We had a full week of non-stop family time.   Daddy didn't work and we just played....played.....played.....together as a family.  I am so thankful for the many wonderful memories God is allowing me to experience. Each day He gives me (and all of us, really) is a gift.   Now that we are back from vacation, I am excited to experience this next chapter in my life.  I have been praying to God, telling Him that I am ready to give everything up for Him.  I want Him to use me however He desires.  I am excited to see what that will be.  But......that is for another post.   Goodnight for now!