Weekend Getaway.

We took a little weekend get-away to the lake. 
Reserved a cabin and some kayaks and r-e-l-a-x-e-d. 
It was such a treat that we went ahead
and booked a cabin for next summer.

Cousins

Love these moments.
Cousins bonding.
(Hannah, Maxton, and Haisley)
 

Lake Wabaunsee

We headed to Lake Wabaunsee with my parents yesterday.
We wanted to try their kayak out.
We had a great time.

I can't remember ever taking Hannah to a lake.
Sad, I know.  She had so much fun.

I think that Hannah and Matt loved playing in the sand the most.

Frese Farm Fourth of July

The Frese's have done it again.  Over 60 in attendance at our annual Fourth of July gathering. 

It was HOT and DRY.

A little bummed that only ground fireworks could be shot off.

But what a fire risk to shoot aerials?!? 

 Who would want to risk that?!?

We Frese's are a creative bunch though.

It was an enjoyable day spent with family and friends.

Cole cooling off.

Brandy & Pepe's new ride.
We will omit the story of me breaking their new toy.  Yikes!

Hannah brought her friend, Sydney.
They had a great time hanging out at the farm.

Mallory eagerly awaiting a 4-wheeler ride.

Boys + Fireworks.  Need I say more?

Matt waiting his turn to shoot more fireworks.

Cole and his tongue trick.

Brogan making his "Grumpy Grandpa Face"

Hannah and Sydney.
Such goofy girls.

Kaitlynn

Play Ball!

We headed to Salina on Saturday morning to watch my nephew, Dedric, play in a ball tournament.

We had some time to hang with my sister, Amber, and her youngest son, Cole.

Love this boy!

He wanted to "Pheeesh in da waaaater". (Using your best Alta Vista slang).

Hannah enjoys going to the games.  Hopefully she's learning while she's watching. Her first game is tomorrow.

Matt had fun at the game but the bonus was going home with Dedric for a sleepover. 

Lifting Spirits.

My Grandma Shirley was in a terrible wreck and has been in the hospital recovering.  For my typically busy-on-the-go Grandma this was a tough adjustment.  Not much keeps her down.

However, it weighed heavy on her all the end-of-school events that she would miss. 

My sisters and I surprised her with a visit from all 7 great-grandchildren on Mother's Day of all days.

It was a wonderful surprise and

probably one of the best Mother's Day gifts.

Being the crafty person that she is.....My sister, Brandy, had the kids make some wonderful handprint art.

In the hospital room of all places! :)

From left to right:  Mallory, Matthew, Brogan, Great-Grandma Shirley, Hannah, Maxton, Dedric, and Cole

Three Generations.
Great-Grandma, Granddaughter, and Great-Grandkids.

Veteran's Memorial

We have been waiting months for new bricks to be added to the Veteran's Memorial in Washington.
Todd's brother, Kevin, was to have a brick honoring his service placed in the wall.
Every trip to Washington this summer included a stop at the Memorial to see if his brick was there.

Today it was!

Neither Matt nor Hannah were alive at the time of Kevin's service but they are still very proud.

While looking at the wall, we also noticed another member from Todd's family- Matthew Donohue.  He was a brother to Todd's Grandma Walter.

The Veteran's Directory also has Kevin's name listed.
Todd and Kevin's uncle, Robert, is also listed for his service.