Cruisin'

If you ever wondered where Sean got his love of cars/Street Rods, this should clear things up.  The boys got to take a ride (just around the block) in Grandpa Dan's cool car!  He restored the whole thing himself--including sewing the upholstery!  What a fun ride!

Fun In the 'Lou

We had 2 1/2 days in St. Louis and made the most of it!  Sunday was the big anniversary party.  On Monday, we visited the Science Center.  What a fun place!  And, just like the St. Louis Zoo, admission is free.  Gotta love that!  

There is a cool walkway over the highway that connects the two sides of the museum.  They have radar that you can point at the passing cars to see how fast they're going.  They also have little windows in the floor to watch the cars go under your feet.  Pretty cool!

Building the Arch out of soft blocks.  This was one of my favorite parts-Sean and the boys drew a big crowd of people by the end and we all shouted when it came crashing down.  

Playing at the water table with Daddy.

Carter has decided he wants to be an astronaut when he grows up, so this was good practice for him! 

Two boys in a giant hamster wheel...what's not to love?!

Sean's favorite: the Energy exhibit.  The boys learned about the power grid and wind energy.  

As great as the museum was, my favorite part of the day was lunch.  We got to see my best friend from college, Mary Anne, her husband and two kids!  What a special treat...we don't get together very often and I miss her SO much.  Our kids got along great...makes me wish we lived closer so we could do play dates.

Davis and Katherine bonded over her stuffed bunny. 

Kat, Davis, Carter and Patrick.  So cute to see them all play together!

College roommates reunited!  Love you, girl!

50th Anniversary Party

The timing of our trip was to celebrate Sean's parents' 50th Anniversary with a party in St. Louis.  (Their anniversary was actually in January, but it worked better to celebrate when all the grandchildren were out of school for the Summer.)  Everyone worked very hard planning this party and it turned out great!  We had a fun day at Marc and Cindy's house.  The 17 grandkids got to play and the adults were able to catch up.  Wish we could all get together more often!  Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad Beilman!  We love you guys!

 Sean's parents with Mike, Marc, Kris, Sean and Todd.

 Grandma Pat and Grandpa Dan with the grandchildren.

 Our two stinkers!

 Carter & Davis in the pool.  It was too cold that day for any of the adults to be interested in swimming, but that didn't stop the kids!  Carter has no fear of the water this year & loved jumping off the diving board!

 Everyone chatting and catching up.

 Time for cake!  Uncle Mike gave a really nice toast to commemorate the occasion.  Thanks everyone for all you did to make this happen.  What a great day!

Lawrence Visit

Our Midwest Adventure started with a visit to Lawrence to see Grandad and Grandma Nancy.  We had a great time exploring the Kansas Children's Discovery Center in Topeka: 

Eating at Red Robin: 

Sitting in a real fire truck!: 

Taking a ride on Thomas with Uncle Bill and cousin Marcus!: 

Playing miniature golf: 

 Playing outside with Grandad:

  

Enjoying a beer on the deck while watching the boys play.  (I did not enjoy the K-State koozie, however.)

This was after the longest (but very yummy) meal ever at IHOP! ;-) We had so much fun with you both!  Thanks for showing us  a great time.  Can't wait to see you in July!

Fire Truck Party

 The boys went to a neighbor's birthday party the other day and had a blast.  The theme was a water party but the BIG surprise was that the firefighters showed up in their truck and hosed all the kids down!  So fun!!  Our neighbor works for a nonprofit and works closely with the Fire Dept.  Lucky us!

 Even big boys like Fire Trucks.  ;-)

Thanks for the fun party!!

Preschool Graduation!!!

Carter graduated from Preschool right after Memorial Day and before our big trip home to the Midwest.  It was such a sweet day...the kids going on to Kindergarten all got a hat and diploma, plus some other fun treats from their teachers.  I was proud of myself for only getting teary once.  (I was afraid I would be sobbing uncontrollably.)  Lucky for me, Davis did something naughty that required my attention so I had no time for tears!  

  Sitting with Ms Glo & his classmates before the program started.

 Ms Glo & Ms LaDonna recognizing Carter for completing Preschool...he got a round of applause and was so proud. :-)

 Next it was time for Field Day!  

 The whole class.

 Davis was not my friend during Field Day. He looks so sweet, doesn't he?! I was hobbling all over with my stupid boot on, chasing him around the events and trying to keep him out of trouble.  I ran out of snacks about half way through the morning, so that pretty much sucked. (Sean had to work so we could leave for vacation the next day.)

 This is my favorite pic of the day.  Carter held Ms LaDonna's hand during several events and I wanted to capture the special bond they have.  She and Glo have been such amazing teachers--we will miss them!!  I am really hoping Davis has them next year.  Fingers crossed!

 The day ended with popsicles and lots of hugs.  I am sad to think that Carter starts "big kid" school next year, but I am excited that Davis finally gets his chance to go to Preschool.  What this means is that 1) I am gong to have 2 1/2 hours a day to myself with NO children!  and 2) My boys are growing up.  I am going to try to focus mostly on #1.  Hope everyone has a great Summer!