We made it into the airport of Omaha Nebraska, and were greeted by Shari, Paul and Ryder! It was so cute because the two cousins greeted each other and were happy to see each other! Instantly the little ones grabbed each others hand and walked out together. We went to grab a bite to eat and change the kids. Then we headed to the Omaha Zoo. As soon as we parked, I realized I was missing my purse! I had left it at the Popeye's that we had just eaten at. We called the place and they had found my purse and put it in their safe, thank goodness. We went back and retrieved it. Bad way to start the vacation for sure! We made it to the zoo, and it was HUGE! twice the size of Hoogle Zoo for sure! My nephew Ryder loves trains so the first thing we did was go on the train that takes you all around the park. He kept saying "Choo Choo" which was so darn cute! Brilee wasn't sure because she hates the train sounds, but finally relaxed, once we got going! It was a blast and my personal favorite was the Lions. We saw tons of monkeys, gorillas, snakes, alligators, lions, birds, you name it the Zoo had it. It was a cool zoo, and it sure kicked my butt walking so much up hill... However it was worth it for the kids!!
Before we headed home they took me to see the grounds of the WINTER QUARTERS temple (Omaha). It was gorgoeus and so peaceful. Next to it is the Winter Quarters Cemetery, and it has a monument of the saints, dedicated to all the saints that came across and later died. It was to late to see the visitors center, but still glad that we could visit the grounds.
Later, we left and stopped for dinner, we were like 2 hours away from their home in Ames Iowa, but made good time and got to their beautiful home! I had only seen pictures, but to actually visited it was fun. We got everything in and settled. The early morning was starting to catch up with me, but not Brilee! Her and Ryder were already settling in together and having fun! Ryder showed Brilee his toys and they played so well together! Shari told me about a really cool park that had a lake and a complete walkway. We went there and walked around. It was cool!
Day 2
We hung out at home and the kids wanted to go swimming, and they just couldn't wait. Shari had a cute little kids pool that was filled up and put the kids in! They could have been in it for hours! Both of them were little fishes, and it was a nice day to sit and watch them. It was nice to just hang-out :) Later Shari had been preparing a yummy crock pot meal! It was so delish, and she did a great job. Oh they have an ADORABLE little girl dog name Jewel! She is such a good dog and so mellow! It was nice to meet her finally! Ended the evening just talking and hanging out!
Day 3
We planned to go to the IOWA STATE FAIR! We didn't go to early, because of the kids and their naps. We went about noon. and when we got there. We accidently shut the door, and Shari's keys and purse were sitting in the back seat of the car! Yep accidently locked them in! Poor Shari! It was so stressful! We luckily had the trunk still open from unloading strollers. So we thought if we could just unlock the seat and fold it down she could get her purse. So we did everything! From poking our hands up through, to a hanger. We had parked in the backyard of some folks who was offering parking for quick cash. The owners of the place finally came over once they realized what had happened and tried to help! It was quite the site to see, all of us climbing in and out of the trunk of the car. After a awhile of stress and unhappy kids that were ready to go, on the last try, Shari got the hanger to hook up around the circular knob to pop the seat down, and with much force able to pop it! Yay, we got her purse and keys! We were so happy ;)
Finally we got into the State Fair, and came upon a cute exibit, for the kids! They got to play at the farm! It was cute, and after that they got to visit all of the farm, learning hands-on about the hard work farmers go through to produce their products! Way cute to watch Ryder and Brilee go through it! Ryder loved the kids tractors they had for them to ride, he was mad when we tried to get him off of there!
Brilee saw all the rides and kept asking if she could go on them. It was alot of work to convince her that she could go on some rides after we had seen other things. We walked around and checked out art exibits, different booths, produce, and the animals! Paul met with us after he got off work, and it was nice for him to be there with us. It was nice to try some yummy things like Deep Fried Oreos, and a Deep Fried Snickers Candy Bar, which I had never heard of or had! Plus it seems like everything was deep fried! All the food and treats were delicious though. There was even a play area with water fountains and sprays, that we let the kids cool off in! They loved it, and it was a good break. The very last thing we went to was the rides area, after much begging on Bri's behalf, we let the kids go on some rides. The first ride Brilee and I went on was the mini roller coaster. I really thought she would start crying once we were on it, but actually she was so excited to be on it and was screaming "Wahoo" the whole time! I was super proud of her, and that she handled it so well. They rode a train too and Ryder who loves trains was in heaven. SO cute! We didn't get to see all of the park, because it was a big area to cover, but we were super content, and went home happy! Once we got home we gave the stinky kids a much needed bath! They loved it and made each other laugh! Fun day :)
DAY 4
We took the 3 hour drive or so to Bloomington Minnesota, which is just outside of Minneapolis, to go to MALL OF AMERICA, for the day. We spent most of the time checking out the huge amusement park that was attached to this gigantic mall! It was amazing, and they had a deal going for really cheap so the kids could ride some of the rides. The theme park was NICKELODEON Universe. Brilee was in heaven! She saw all the rides and couldn't wait to ride them! We put the little ones on the rides and they LOVED it of course! It was fun to see how happy they were! Brilee is a big time SPONGE BOB fan, and since his cartoon is part of Nickelodeon they had his character everywhere. We went in the gift shop and she wanted one of everything! I did purchase her a few things and she was content!
After the rides we tried to cover as much of the mall that we could. I found a few things and just enjoyed how BIG it was and that it had every store and clothing lines you could think of! Wow, plus all the stores were a couple stories... It was fun and now I can say I have been there. We made the trip home safely gave the kids a bath and they were ready for bed.
Day 5
It was raining so we decided to hang around locally and go to the library then to the local shops. Ames area was so nice and just a cozy little town. The library was fun because it had a nice set up for the kids to play and hands on things. Both kids loved playing with the toys and just each others company. We checked out some movies to watch later that night once the kids went down. We walked up and down main street which had some cute shops. We window shopped with the kids in tow. We even stopped at this adorable candy shop that had chocolates of every kind and Gelato. I have heard of it but never had it so it was yummy to try.
Brilee got spoiled at the Consignment Store. It was very nice and the items were in great condition, abit higher up then a DI. We started looking through clothes and there were so many cute ones in Brilee's size. I had decided for the good prices that it all was I would buy her some outfits for the upcoming school year for fall/winter. Well, as I was going through things and putting some back, her Aunt Shari, bought everything else I didn't! It was so very nice of her to do that! So now Brilee is set for the season and looks great! We appreciate Shari for doing that for us, it was so thoughtful and what makes it special, is that the clothes came from her and IOWA...
We went to Walmart, and while there I went ahead and got Brilee's hair cut into an adorable bob! It makes her look so much older, and it was a big step and so much hair taken off, but its all good and she still looks great :)
Later that evening when Paul got off work and the kids had their much needed nap, they took me to a fun place for dinner called "Hickory Park" it was like a steakhouse type resturant with really delicious barbeque sauce! It was a nice night out and fun to go and eat at.
DAY 6
My last day with them, we went and got breakfast and then decided to go hit some yardsales. We went to quite a few and found a few PRIZES! It was fun to walk around and look.
Later we went and got Pizza, and took the kids to a nearby park. It was a fun way to end the last night. Later I had to pack up get everything accounted for and ready for the early flight the next morning! Our flight was at 7:00AM, but we had to leave early because Omaha airport was 2 hrs away and then the security check etc...
LAST DAY
So sad that we had to leave we had such a fun time together and a much needed week full of fun and memories. We got up around 4:00AM yucky and made our destination. There wasn't any problems getting there, said our goodbyes and hugs. Brilee and I got checked in waited to board. She was not at all helpful and wouldn't help carry her own backpack... surprise, surprise, but we mad it. Had the layover to Denver, and while waiting I went to the gate my ticket said but felt something was wrong, so I asked and they told me that our gate had been changed and it was at the other end of the airport! Yikes... so with Bri in tow we took off to the right gate, and I am freaking out, because our plane should have already boarded and ready to go! Luckily when I got down there they had just barely started to board.... Thank heavens we made it, but cutting it close! Last thing we needed was to miss our flight.
Soon we fell asleep all the way to til we landed, and Brian met us and we went home!
looks like so much fun, I'm so jealous!
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