Summer Begins!

And it's finally here again! Summer! The time where I get caught up on all the things that did not get done over the past 10 months because I had to hide in my teaching bubble! The time where I also get to enjoy my little men and hopefully practice the much needed skill of patience. The time where I get to sleep in and read books for fun and not think about grading a paper until September rolls around again.

With that being said, our first adventure was a solo trip to Omaha. The boys and I piled into the car the day after the last day of school, I said a quick prayer, and we headed down I-35 toward Omaha. I have never traveled with both boys on my own before, so I was a bit nervous. Not only that, but having to take care of them on my own without Carl's help was also causing me some dread. (Who could I pawn my kids off on when I needed a break?!?)

Needless to say, as usual, I was worried for nothing. My boys are great car travelers. I only stopped for food and gas, and they slept or played or listened to music or colored or read books in the car for 6 hours. Yes, I know that I am one lucky lady and have been blessed with amazing children!

Once in town, it was the Fritz and Henry show. We hadn't been down to Omaha since Thanksgiving - although my family did make a trip or two up this way over the winter and spring. This are the realizations that I came to over the few days we were in town...

1. When in doubt, Fritz will entertain.
2. Henry has become an incredibly HUGE mama's boy (not that I'm complaining...yet).
3. Grandma is ready and willing to babysit whenever you want when you live out of town.
4. No matter how much time has passed, good friends can pick up right where they left off.
5. Fancy dinners are a must every once and a while.
6. Bubbles can entertain for hours.
7. My kids love dogs (thanks to my brother Nick for bringing his over one night so they could play)!
8. It is possible to travel over long distances without DVDs (not that we even own a portable DVD player).
9. Curious George is great afternoon down-time for two-year-olds.
10. I have the greatest kids, husband, and family.

While in town, we were able to partake in many exciting adventures, too. We played and had a picnic at Elmwood Park with the Flynn ladies and had a very successful picnic. We also got a chance to go and see the crazy Mutual of Omaha Swimmer and take a stroll across the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge. 

However, the highlight of the weekend was my sister Kristen's baby shower. It was so great getting a chance to see how excited (and nervous) she and her husband Casey are about the little man that is about to enter their lives. The afternoon of the shower was also a pleasure because I got a chance to catch up with some cousins that I haven't seen or talked to in months and some girls that went to high school with my sister, but I knew by proxy or because their sisters were in my class.

The trip would not have been complete without a birthday dinner for my best friend and a late night conversation that lasted much too long but felt like no time had passed at all with my other best friend.

Whew! And we made it back home to tell about the tale!

More adventures to come...this is going to be a great summer!