Yep, I'd say that those three things pretty much sum up the rest of our time back in Kansas.
Sunday was Gower family picture day. We had given my parents a photography gift certificate for Christmas and this was the first time we could get everyone together in the same place. I'll share more when we get them back, but this little cousin tea party just could not wait. Cuteness overload? I think so...
Notice that Arden is playing with necklaces…they were just a way to distract our little Godzilla from the fragile stuff! The tea set was actually my mom's as a child, so I'm thankful that Arden didn't destroy a family heirloom :)
And because it's a favorite pastime of the Gower grandkids, it only seemed fitting to get a few shots of them on the Ranger with Papa.
Later that day Uncle Taylor stopped by to see his favorite niece. I think he likes her…
Arden also got some quality time in with Aunt Melissa...
…and her big cousin Luke. He's still not so sure about her, but she looooves to watch him. I wish we could've brought him back to Texas for free entertainment!
The weather was beautiful all week (and we got out of there just before it snowed…in May…for real), so we spent a lot of time on Gigi & Papa's back porch.
Ornery much?
She's always keeping an eye on Papa…
Gigi bought this girl some new shades…and much to my surprise, she actually liked to wear them. When I would unfold them she'd start leaning her head in for me to put them on her. I'm telling you, she's an accessory girl!
On Monday night I got to meet my friends Brittany and Emily out for dinner after we put the babies to bed. It was so sad not to see Charlie and Jack during my visit, but there is something just magical about a dinner out with girlfriends. A dinner where you can actually talk, and more importantly listen to what your friends have to say…with no puffs or sippy cups involved :)
Tuesday night Arden and I headed into Olathe for miss Evie Pearl's 1st birthday! I was practically jumping up and down when I realized that we were going to be in town for the little sweetie's Pow Wow themed party. Um, adorable! Jenni thought of every detail--from teepees to arrow cookies...it was perfect and so was the birthday girl!
Two of my high school besties. Love, love, love them :)
During our last day in Kansas we got to spend some quality time with Maren, Norah and Will. These three kids and their cousin Luke are growing up before my eyes! I used to worry that when I became a mom they would look at me differently and I would no longer be their cool, "young" aunt. However, I'm happy to say that I think they still consider me cool…or at least they pretend that way to make me feel better.
A night with these kiddos wouldn't be complete without a ride on Papa's Ranger. And since it wasn't too cold yet it seemed like a perfect night for Arden's first ride--an initiation of sorts :) We (3 adults and 4 children) piled onto the Ranger and took off around my parents' property. It's times like this that make me want to move home and live in their basement. Kidding! (Kind of!)
So as you can see, it was a wonderful trip home. I can't thank my parents enough for always being so accomodating and basically letting us take over their house (and cars) while we visit. I also owe them big time for taking care of Arden so we could partake in the wedding fun. I think she actually had more fun with them than she would've with us! But how can you not have fun when you and your Gigi are wearing coordinated leopard print?!
Until next time, Kansas!
