Fun in the Sun!

I can't believe July is already here! I took some much needed time off from work between June 29 - July 8 for a canoe trip, World's of Fun, Independence Day and time with the nieces and nephew.

My first adventure was a weekend canoe trip down the Elk River in Noel, Missouri. This has been an annual family canoe trip for almost 6 years. It seems every year we have more and more people which just adds to the fun. The highlight of my trip this year was my brothers, Jake and Kyle, stealing my oar and taking off down the river. Then when they had tried to hide in the bushes to ambush others I took the opportunity to steal their canoe and push it downstream. I was dunked in the water for my actions but it was well worth it.

On Saturday night we had received word from home that Eastern Kansas had received up to 20 inches of rain in parts and many of the roads were closed due to flooding. Thankfully none of my family lives on a flood plain but all the roads headed home were closed.

On Sunday morning some of us decided to take a short day trip to Eureka Springs, Arkansas before heading home. This was about an hour drive southeast of Noel. Eureka Springs is a beautiful town in the Ozark Mountains. I haven't visited there in many years. When I was a child my aunt and uncle took me to The Great Passion Play and I absolutely loved it. I can't believe I haven't been back. I hope to plan a trip soon!

Monday was just a day of unpacking, cleaning, laundry and preparing for the rest of the week. Tuesday my brothers, my cousin Jake and I went to World's of Fun. It is an amusement park in Kansas City. The day was very hot and there was a time I wasn't feeling very well due to the heat but all in all we had a great time!

Wednesday was Independence Day and we went to my sister Becky's to hang out, have dinner and watch the fireworks. My mom bought a slip-n-slide for the kiddies to stay cool and play. They were a lot of fun to watch. (Levi, Madison, Lacey and Megan)


















Here is Levi showing off his soccer/football skills. Just depends on where you are in world. =) And Megan is showing off her frog. She loves insects, reptiles and animals.










Levi, Madison and Megan came home with me Wednesday night. I had two fun filled days planned for us and I was looking forward to time with them. Thursday morning my Aunt Robin and Cousin Lacey came over and we head out to the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead. It is a wonderful park that teaches children about animals, live in the past and many other things. Levi is a country boy at heart. He loves farm animals. He has two cows and a horse.

While there we...





Hugged the goats (they tried to eat my shorts)...







Played in the sinks (they were just Megan's height!)...






Watched the rabbits...









Sat in the miniture log cabin...








Had a tractor race...








Milked a fake cow...





Went to school...









Last but not least, hugged a buffalo!

The fun did not stop there. We enjoyed an ice cream cone at home after dinner and then some arts and craft time.










Friday we spent the day at the pool and everyone was exhausted. I know I had a great time and I love spending time with them. They say and do some of the cutest things. Well I hope you enjoyed the pictures and a quick run through of my vacation. Now I am back to work trying to rest up. =)

Miss you all,

Stac