Last week my dad took Charlie and I back to the Hills with him for a week vacation. It was an awesome week filled with lots of fun, shopping, relaxation, and playtime for the kiddos. On Tuesday my mom surprised me with a maternity massage and a pedicure. While I was unconscious, Grandma took Charlie to a ceramic painting studio (imagine that) and they had a blast painting together. Everyday Charlie had to visit Papa at work and play with all of his trucks and help Papa count his money. We were very fortunate to have lots of one on one time with each of his cousins and uncles and aunts too. Charlie refused to say good bye to Papa, which he does alot - way too hard for the lil guy and Mom. Thanks for a wonderful week Family!! We miss you all already and can't wait to see you all again.
Feeling very much at home in the beautiful Black Hills
Charlie and Mak testing out the new construction trucks (CT's new passion)
Mak hugging a rock - goofball!
CT, Izzy, and Grandma enjoying a drink at Storybook Island
"We have places to go, people to see!"
Grandma, Cat in the Hat, Izzy, CT, and Uncle Tim @ the park
Uncle Tim was great at making the swings go high and pushing the merry-go-round
Riding the snail with Grandma
Izzy said there was a turtle in the pond so they all had to look for it
My stud muffin heading to Aunt Mary's pool
Charlie never stopped laughing when he was with Mak, even when Mak was trying to "tickle" Charlie's eyeballs!
Charlie got a ride around Mak's apartment after dinner
"What are you doing Charlie?!" We had a great time at Uncle Tim's and Aunt Faye's house in the pool and water balloon fights
Sophie was hiding behind her mom for cover from the water
Uncle Tim always knows where the tickle spots are
A happy bunch of kiddos
"Can you read through my fingers Grandma?" My parents took over night time routines for me and Charlie loved it
THE ROO RANCH
These were the joes we saw and got to hold at the Kangaroo farm. Who knew you could see kangaroos in the Black Hills!?
Mother and son on the lookout for the next roo. Mary's is doing great but missing her hubby like crazy. She is a wonderful Mother and Malaki is lucky to have her!
Mak and the Roo getting to know each other. Papa waiting for the roo to kick - very nerveracking!
Charlie giving the Roo a kiss and Papa still nervous!
We learned so much about kangaroos that day. This momma actually had a jelly bean size baby in her pouch. She was very calm and allowed the boys to pet her as much as they wanted
Grandma found a cow for the boys to feed but his tongue was too gross and HUGE
This poor statue took a beating from the toddlers
What an amazing experience for our children to have. Charlie can't wait to take his brothers to all of the sights in the hills and share his adventures with them
Grandma, the animal lover, of course fell in love and landed a job rocking the joes to sleep
Sprinkler time with Aunt Mary at the house
Storytime with Uncle Gabe and Kyra
Papa and Charlie building with Lincoln logs. These two were calling each other Presidents' names all week. It was hiliarous - "I love you Jefferson. Goodnight Truman"
The boys climbing at Aunt Mary's. Their heads only hit once - thank goodness
Mak was loving on his Aunt Mel but hated the baby bump getting in his way
Loves to be tickled and tackled
Izzy enjoying our picnic at the park
My Favorite Picture of the Week - Cousins' love
Papa and Charlie trying to catch Dizzy Izzy
Sophie's classic look, keeping the sun off Dad's head
The kiddos helping Papa scoop the sand
Uncle Gabe getting a beating from the boys
Uncle Gabe catching Mak in mid- flight
I have to share the funniest thing that happened over the week...On Saturday while I was packing the car, Charlie and Mak wanted to play in the car so Aunt Mary supervised. At one point the boys told her to close the car door so she did. We should have had the video camera on them. While I was loading the trunk I heard Charlie say 'Maki are you poopin'?'. I couldn't stop laughing and sure enough when Mary opened the door it was like a small animal had died in the car! hahaha Never a dull moment with this family.
