I was able to get some time off from work this summer to travel back to the Midwest to see family.  We divided our trip this year into three parts; Nana’s House, Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Bob’s House, and Gramma and Pa’s House.  We were able to spend about three days in each location (Lawrence, KS; Pleasanton, NE; Beatrice, NE) and see a lot of family from each side of the family.

Nana’s House:

We were lucky enough to get to spend an afternoon out at the Lake cabin that Carol’s sister and brother-in-law own outside of Lawrence.  We also got to spend some time at a playground at Clinton Lake and hang out with Nana at her house.  Jenna and Grant enjoyed spending time with their Aunts and Uncles and Jenna was excited to learn and say everyone’s name.  Here are some pictures:

At the lake cabin – 

      

At Clinton Lake Playground – 

  

At Nana’s House – 

  

Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Bob’s House:

We decided to drive from Lawrence, KS to Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Bob’s house near Pleasanton, NE since it had been quite a few years since we’d been to the farmhouse.  Everyone seemed to enjoy exploring the land around the house.  We also got to go to a Children’s museum in Kearney.  Grandma Bonnie also planned a family potluck dinner for the last night that we were there, so the kids got to meet all of my Aunts and Uncles and some of their second cousins. Here are some pictures:

At Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Bob’s – 

    

Riding the Tractor with Uncle Rod –

Children’s Museum – 

 

Family Potluck Dinner – 

   

Gramma and Pa’s House:

Finally, we drove to Gramma and Pa’s house for the last few days of our trip.  Grant enjoyed making updates to The Special Place.  It is a corner of the yard that he and Gramma have set up to play in.  It has a swinging door and brick patio in it. We also enjoyed going to a park to play on the equipment, an army tank, and check out a cave.  We got to see some geese and ducks making themselves at home at the park.  Jenna really connected with Gramma and Pa this time and I think they all enjoyed playing silly games.  And we learned how to do geocaching with Aunt Alicyn. It was also nice to see our family friend, Betty Bell.  Here are some pictures:

At Gramma and Pa’s – 

      

Happy birthday to Pa! 

 

The Special Place – 

  

Geocaching – 

At the Park with the Cave – 

         

Playing with Gramma and Pa and Uncle Andrew and Aunt Alicyn – 

       

Grant Street!

Charlotte Airport –