Museum Memories (Kern Series, Part Three)

While Erin, Samantha, and Ryan were here this summer, we went to the Children's Museum in Grand Rapids.Their friends Chloe, Ethan, and Charity came along also.

 Of course the trains were a big hit with Ryan.

Ethan constructed a building before the earthquake hit.

Chloe and Charity went for a cruise in a taxi.

And more trains...

Every girl's favorite... dress-up!

Fireman Ryan

The Marketplace

Floating boats through the locks

Super-sized sandbox!

 

Oh the terror of encountering a stuffed lioness...

 Visiting the Judy Garland Museum

 Ethan with his dinosaur buddy

An adorable "Dorothy"

Beautiful Boating Days (Kern Series, Part Two)

On a beautiful July day, Ryan finally joined the ranks of Papa's boys who got a ride in the boat. Micah had his ride here. It was only right that Ryan had his turn also. Ryan and Micah... the only boys in a family otherwise outnumbered by females. For several months, these two best buddies had been talking with anticipation about riding in Papa's boat in the summertime.

No more waiting. The time was finally here. Ryan and Samantha were so excited! Well, except for the brief meltdown Ryan had when he was unhappy about having to wear the lifejacket. Mini tantrum averted... let's get this show on the road! Ryan's ready!

  

 

 The smile tells it all!

 

Anchors aweigh!

  

 

And a good time was had by all....

Birthday Bash (Kern Series, Part One)

Yes, I'm playing catch-up on blogging. Yes, it's been four months since we celebrated Ryan and Samantha's birthdays, but better late than never, right?

I hope so.

A new puzzle...

...and Lincoln Logs from Auntie Rah.

Ryan's favorite... new trains!

Ryan loved his homemade card from Samantha...

...and was completely thrilled with the Tidmouth Sheds from Mommy and Daddy!

Blow out those candles, Ryry!

Cutest three-year-old around!

Barbie pool...

...and a new Barbie from Auntie Rah!

Make a wish, Samantha!

A very sweet seven-year-old.

Down on the Farm...

Deciding to take advantage of "cooler" temps yesterday (high of 86), rather than wait for today (high of 99), Erin, Samantha, Ryan, and I travelled south to Overland Park, KS, to visit Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead. What a fun place for kids... er... I mean adults to play.

The kids enjoyed feeding the goats. Even Ryan, who seemed hesitant at first, ended up very excited to chase the goats while yelling "Goat!" at them.

These goats saw Samantha coming and backed her against the fence before she could get food ready for them.



Isn't he adorable? So is the goat!

Samantha was having a blast.

Pumping water from the pump like Great Grandma and Great Pa used to have.

Ryan just chillin'.

Pony ride!

Just like a real farmer.

Bottle-feeding the baby goats was so much fun!


Indian House



Anyone know these two?




The pretend milking cow. Too bad it didn't work.

Cowgirl Samantha

Mom finally let me out of the stroller!


Samantha was "mining" for gems. And was beyond thrilled when she found some beauties buried in the sand!

Pleasant Ridge schoolhouse... the year 1869

Samantha had fun being in a "real school," as she called it.

Just a couple more years, Ryan.

Don't they look so innocent?

It was a very fun day, and we definitely were tired when we left. Of course, hitting Sonic on the way home wasn't a bad deal!