The best father/son outing EVER

KC and I went to another game the next day (July 4th), and it was perfect. We had great seats at half price, it was a nice day, the Royals amazingly won, one of them (a Cuban who had just become an American citizen) hit a home run (how cool is that on the 4th? - They interviewed him on the loudspeaker at the end of the game, and he was so proud to be an American citizen - it was really cool) and the Mexicutioner came in at the end to close the game. The whole time KC was asking questions and we were just talking and having a fun, relaxing, yet exhilerating time. The scoreboard is currently the largest HD screen in the world, but that's only until the Dumb Dallas Cowboys finish their fancy new stadium.

Did I mention they actually won?!

KC got a cool new lunchbox with his kids meal, and the fountains are always a cool sight.

And now KC is a Royals' fan for life - a curse, some might say, but I've never seen him so happy :)

The Royals' Game!!

Everyone who knows me knows that I love the Kansas City Royals. Some have suggested that my son KC is named after the city of my favorite baseball team. True or not, we may never know, but we did manage to go to a game with all of the family, along with Mike and Jennifer and their girls. It was July 3rd, and the big fireworks show after the game was great. The very moment the show ended it began to rain. Luckily we were ready with our ponchos.

The highlight for Ryan was the dollar peanuts and the cotton candy (it was "buck night").

The Royals lost, of course, but it was still an experience we won't forget.

Continuing the Kansas City Vacation...

Megan and cousin Taryn are both very avid readers, and here they are, reading on the Gilberts' front porch.

And quite happy about it, clearly.

Deanna Rose Farmstead

Another fun place in Kansas City is the Rose Farmstead. Think of Moon Farm multiplied by 20. It's free to get in, and there are all kinds of cool things to do, including restored barns, teepees, schoolhouses, playgrounds, and of course, animals to look at, feed, and pet. There were also cute little flowers, like this one that resembles my youngest daughter.

And these ones look like my other kids...scary.
Rachel was able to carry this calf around. She wanted to keep it, but we didn't have room in the van.

KC and Ryan enjoyed their time there, and I really think they left as new people.

And Rachel caught a fish!! It was very happy to be set free, and it swam away fast.

Church History Day

This is at a little play area in the Independence, MO visitor's center. I love little Megan peeking through the window and KC being a hot chocolate-drinking pioneer. Ryan's mad because he wanted to be IN the house for the picture.

KC and Rachel are doing serious pioneer faces and Ryan is... well I'm not really sure, but it's funny
And this is at the Liberty Jail visitor's center where we were sitting in front of the jail scene, which pretty much can't be seen in the picture. Bummer. Both of these places were really cool to visit, and the kids even liked it! Good early testimony building experiences.

Kit Carson County Carousel

Our next stop was in Burlington, CO, at the 100 year old carousel with working organ and everything. I would recommend anyone driving I-70 to stop and check this out. All of the animals were handcrafted and there are cool paintings and lots of interesting details. I was sort of fascinated it by it, anyway...

Ryan liked it, too

Trip to Kansas City

First stop was the No Name rest stop outside of Glenwood Springs. Beautiful views and happy kids on the van.

...and enjoying the lunch Katie had packed for us.

Megan's Birthday (June 11th)

So, Megan turned three and Katie borrowed Dana Lee's crazy cupcakes idea and made a crazy multi-colored cake. It was delicious of course.

And the outside of the cake was equally festive for the "rainbow and polka-dot" themed party.

She invited three friends, and the table was set and ready. Ryan really wanted to be in the picture.
And this is our little clown. She is a major ham, actually. Gets it from her mother.

I love this picture. Captures her personality and her sweeteness.