Since Vacation

So, here's a quick update on what we've been up to since we've been back from vacation this last month.

First of all, we had promised Josh we'd get a fish tank when we got back. So that was the first order of business. It was really cute. Josh knew that if we'd gotten the fish before we left, they would die while we were gone. So, for the few weeks before we left, when we'd go to Wal-Mart, he'd say "homa, fish, die" to let me know that we couldn't get the fish until after we went to Oklahoma.


Next, it was my last birthday ever.... I will forever be 29 now. :) Yes, I decorated the cake. I'm teaching myself. Someday, I'll get really good at it.


Josh's friend, Kai, had his first birthday party and one of their friends is a photographer who brought his super nice camera. This picture is priceless.


The other day, I walked out of the room and left the TV on. When I came back, they were just laying there, side by side, watching whatever cartoon was on.

Josh's new favorite thing to build. A tractor car wash. (This picture's for you grandpa! Now he wants to take a picture of EVERY tractor car wash for you.)

Guthrie

Our last stop on our trip was to see Granny and Granddad in Guthrie, OK. We had a grand old time there. Josh still talks about Granddad's new "geen tactor" and how he got to drive.

Josh and Emily in the wagon. Josh was making sure to keep Emily safe during the ride. He's such a good big brother.

Josh and Granddad in the "geen tactor"

4 Generations of Datins - Granddad, Great Granddad, Josh, Daddy, Great Grandma, and Emily


One day, we all loaded up and headed to the local bowling alley. Josh had never been bowling before, so this was quite the experience for him.

It didn't take long for Josh to get the hang of it. He was even able to carry the ball all by himself. Once he thinks he can do something on his own, there's no more helping him. Quite the little independent guy.

It sure takes a lot of concentration to get it just right. Look how serious he is about his game!

Bowling is sure hard work! Time for a break with Michael in Granddad's comfy chair.

Stillwater

Next we made a quick stop in Stillwater to see Elizabeth (Peter's sister) and her family.

Josh and Michael

Doughnuts are oh so good! Yumm!!!

Savanna and Emily

Sun N Fun

Josh's cousin Kaity had a birthday party at Sun N Fun while we were in Ponca City. The kids got to ride the kiddie rides while we were there. They each got 4 tickets. Josh LOVED the airplanes. He rode them 3 out of the 4 times.

Flying High

Ringing the train bell. "Watch out! Here we come!"

Camp McFadden

My Dad helps out with a nice little camp right outside Ponca. It's called Camp McFadden. If you ever happen by Ponca, I highly recommend checking the place out for a night or two. Anyhow, while we were there, we took a trip out to the camp to go canoing one afternoon. It was a ton of fun. Josh really had a blast this time. (Last time he was in a canoe, all he wanted was to get back to land.)

Hi!

Josh taking a turn at the paddle.

Here, Josh is trying to get the paddle back. Oops!

This is just a picture of the nice little pond we were on. We are in one canoe, and Heather and her family were in the other.

Putt Putt Golf

After our brief stop in Texas, we headed to the great town of Ponca City, OK to visit my parents. We were so happy to be able to see my cousin David and his family when they stopped by on their way to New Mexico. I wish we'd gotten pictures.

One day, we were able to go to the mini-golf course with the kids. Josh loved it for a good 5 minutes. I'd comment on his short attention span, but mine isn't much longer. :)

He's got the idea. Put the ball in the hole with the stick! Yeah!

Time for a much needed break! It's great that these golf course obstacles double as a bench.

This is how Emily got to enjoy the whole golfing experience. Looks like fun to me.

After about 4 holes, this is what Josh let us know what he really thought about mini-golf.

Texas

After we left Heather's place in Louisiana, we headed to Texas to visit Peter's brother, Doug, and his family. While we were there, Josh and the girls got to spend some time playing in the backyard.

Josh filling up the car. As you can see, he's been looking forward to putting gas in a car for a long time.

This is Kimmy. She just a few months younger than Josh. She obviously has something important brewing in that pretty little head of hers.

Later, we pulled out the pool. Kids and water are such a great mix.

Isn't it nice when cousins help each other out? Especially when it involves sprinklers.

I guess Kimmy wasn't quite wet enough! (Or maybe the adults egged him on...)