NEXT STOP, KANSAS

Now I know that some of you reading this blog know perfectly well why we would choose to go to Kansas in the middle of the summer heat. I also know that some of you may be puzzled by this. We went to see family (in particular, Mark's dad's wedding, Mark's extended family, and a peek at my brother's and sister's families). We also went to see friends we hadn't visited for a long time. In 10 days, we got to do all this. Despite the smothering heat, we enjoyed our visit very much and vowed not to let another 3 years pass before going again.

We watched (mostly) and participated (some) in the generous support shown to my sister's family in packing up the house. The friendships were inspiring, to say the least! While the adults tackled piles of tasks, the kids played happily together. I got to tag along with my sister and her friends, Quinn was adored thoroughly by all, the girls basked in the pile of cousins and may-as-well-be-cousins.






We took one quick jaunt over to Mark's hometown and stopped at the donut shop he remembers with such fondness. The big, blue Kansas sky was everywhere, but I especially caught sight of it when I looked up at the water tower.




There were several days of just being with family, which really was refreshing.






We enjoyed a few days reconnecting with old friends, seeing their places, getting used to their house and backyard: all things I've been longing for.






I wish we had more pictures of the wedding, but I guess my hands were too busy. I did manage to get these shots of the flower girls!





On one of our last days, we went to a wildlife refuge with Grandpa Ned and Grammie Cammie and 2 of the new cousins. The kids got to feed the animals by hand, which Mali loved (Greta, who says she's not afraid of anything, was NOT interested).






It was a full, hot, relaxing, and eventful visit.