New (AWESOME) Splash Pad

We tortured our children this morning and made them go with us to the Tulsa Home & Garden Show. In return, we spent the 112 degree afternoon with a picnic at Bentley Park in Bixby, OK.

Another splash pad mom recommended this park, and it well exceeded our expectations. It was HUGE and much less crowded than the splash pads in Broken Arrow.

Jack had a 'tude and would only allow pictures on the giant slide. He's kind of a diva.

I scream! You scream!

We all scream for ICE CREAM!

I've been away at training in OKC this week to learn all about supervising sex offenders and gps offenders. We got out of class early today so I dashed home for some fun time with my boys (I needed the mental break from the very heavy topics at training).

We rode scooters to the park and then came home for ice cream cones.

Daddy enjoyed Mommy coming home too so he could rest since he's still recovering from his appendectomy. We're happy to report he's back at work and off his meds!

We can now begin the countdown until our vacation: 13 days!!

Appendicitis

On Monday afternoon Andy started complaining about a stomach ache. By late Monday night/early Tuesday morning, he was in the ER and scheduled for an appendectomy. I'm happy to report the appendix is out, Andy is healing well, and we can't wait for him to come home tomorrow. Here are some pictures of the boys' visit to see Dad and to play with all the cool hospital gadgets!

Smarty pants

Jackson's preschool teachers came over today to meet us and finish some paperwork. They are wonderful, and we are so excited for the school year to begin. Jack is most excited about playing with his friend Ethan (not to be confused with his brother) and eating snacks! It's hard to believe he's starting the 4 year old program next month and kindergarten next year! Jackson was excited to show his teachers his mad writing skills. The teachers were impressed that he can write his name all by himself!

Plan B (for bowling)

It hasn't rained here for months, but on the day we decided to go to Big Splash, it rained! Rather than mope, we made the best of it and went bowling. We'll attempt Big Splash again next weekend.

Fishies

We are making the most of this holiday week. Andy had to work Thursday so the kids and I had a "mommy/boy date" at the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks. Then I worked Friday so the boys had "boy day" at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum. Today the whole fam is heading to Big Splash Waterpark. I can't think of a better way to beat the heat!

Here are some photos of the boys petting starfish. Ethan also taught us ALL about the alligator gar, which is a vicious fish found in Oklahoma rivers. The boys had to see how they measured up next to this fish. This is what you get when your kids watch science documentaries instead of cartoons!

Swimming, Fireworks, and a Forest Fire?

We spent Independence Day Eve watching the fireworks show in Owasso. We were very impressed by the show and the town-very clean, friendly, and just the right size.

On the 4th, we went to Uncle Bobby's ranch where the kids swam all day (not an exaggeration). We then watched Daddy and Uncle Bobby shoot fireworks. The first of the "big" ones proceeded to start a fire in the forest. They attempted to put it out with their shirts (which was hilarious to watch despite the severity). Just as I was about to push send on my 911 call, the ranch hand, Richard, came to the rescue with a fire extinguisher. Needless to say, the fireworks show was cut short.

Hopefully we can make up for this with trips to the aquarium and the water park this weekend.