Oklahoma

The kids and I snuck off early to Oklahoma while Jeff worked.  I guess we didn't really "sneak" because Jeff flew us on the first leg of our trip.  This was Rachel's first time to fly on her dad's airplane.  Tyler had a special experience too.  Prior to the flight, Jeff took Tyler to watch him do some of the preflight checks.  He was able to see his dad in action pushing all those buttons and flipping switches.  Jeff tried to embarrass the kids (or me) by announcing over the intercom an apology to those sitting around us because "those loud kids in the back are indeed his."  Actually the kids did wonderful on the flight.  This was the first time Rachel was old enough to enjoy looking out the window.  They both had their faces glued to the window when possible.

 

Later Jeff joined us in Oklahoma.  We went to the county fair and saw the animals.

They pet the horse, and they even road one too.  :)

 

We went mainly for the kids to see the animals, but Tyler was more interested in processing corn.   He called it his "work".  First there was a contraption to get the corn off the husk and then a grinder to grind it into cornmeal (which is what he is doing in the picture).

Later we had a birthday celebration for Rachel.  It was fun to celebrate a birthday with family because we don't get that luxury very often. Rachel had fun opening presents and had a little help from Tyler and cousin Austin.

We made special eggless cupcakes for Rachel's birthday and they turned out pretty good.  This was the first time for her to have cake (since I've been too lazy to make special cake from scratch just for her.  And what baby needs sweets anyway?)  So this was a special occasion.  We decorated the cupcakes to look like little sheep (if you can't tell what they are).

  Rachel looked a little possessive of her lamb cupcake, but soon she began digging in.  What a mess! 

 I think Rachel thoroughly enjoyed eating her first cupcake! 



We took the kids to the splash pad a couple times.  This was our first time going (It is only a couple years old.)  The kids loved playing in the water and even Rachel tried it for a while until she got too cold.

My sister informed me that she was doing a 5K while I was in Oklahoma, so I decided to join her.  (A month before I ran a 5k with my friend, Anne.   I really enjoyed the 5K I ran with Anne.  It was nice to have a friend to talk to and motivate you to keep running and path we were on was really nice.  We both crossed the finish line at about 35 minutes. Yeah!)  I needed some motivation to get off my lazy bum and excercise.   I really, REALLY pushed myself this time.  I still couldn't keep up with my sister though.  We ran about the first 1/2 mile together before I lagged behind. I just tried to keep her in my eye sight as much as possible to try and keep me motivated and keep up the pace.  Unfortunately my MP3 player ran out of juice a little less than a mile into the race.  YIKES!  It was tough running without music.  I was really proud of myself, I passed the finish line at about 30 minutes and 15 seconds!  A 5 minute improvement! I was so sore that day and my legs were major cramping.

I went to Oklahoma not only to see my family, but to see these girls too....

My two best friends though elementary school, through middle school, through high school, and through college. (Man they got me through a lot of school!)  Unfortunately after college we went our separate ways. Since I live in Colorado, Kim in Oregon, and Kylene in Utah we don't see each other often enough.  It was about time to get together again.  Its always good to see old friends, especially friends as good as these two.

It was our 10 year high shchool reunion.  (Am I really that old?) At the reunion we saw some other friends we hadn't kept in touch with and were able to catch up with them too. And in case your keeping track, 4 vacations this year, and at least one more to go....