Your Lookin' at some cute fish

These fish love the water. Swimming- it's what we do best in the summer! Last weekend at our family reunion we took the kids swimming. They thought it was especially fun because not only did Gigi get in and play but they splashed around with their cousins as well. I had a good book and read on deck. Of course, it's very seldom I can bring a book to the pool so, this was a treat for me. Thanks Gigi for a fun day at the pool.

Let the games begin

Perfect for the family reunion, Papa cooked up some serious fun and games for the children. "Wow" the kids were well entertained.

First off, The Indian Chief "Wounded Knee" (an old nick name for Doug stemming from the days following a knee surgery) took the kids on an hunt to look for the very ancient burial treasure that would be left behind in our trees in the backyard. The kids looked high and low to find their very own arrowhead neckless. I guess Papa's never heard of "plastic" beads because the neckless' all have real turquoise in them!!! Lucky kids. Now, this was my favorite....watching the kids bob for apples. The kids giggled while dunking their faces in the water in hopes of "catching" an apple. Ellie was the first to score the prize!

What is it about water that makes every child squeal with delight? Next up, Papa brought out waterguns, and water balloons. We started off with a nice water balloon toss, gently tossing the balloon to your partner. You know what came next...Water fight! Balloons were flying everywhere and the wetter the children got the harder they laughed. Summer delights.

The kiddos never really did settle down, but off they went to play on their own. Run through the house. Eat dinner. Have dessert. Spill their drinks. Visit with the grown-ups. The evening came and time for some fireworks and glow-in-the dark fun! The night was electric!

Again, thanks to Gigi and Papa for making this weekend so special. We love you.

The 1st annual Williams' family reunion...

And in the words of Robby it "was a roaring success" The last time we were all together was over 3 years ago. So, we were definetly due. We came from all around to country to reunite. Mark and Chrissy flew in from Ohio. Of course, we came from Omaha. And, Aunt Jo and Jim drove down from the mountains. Together again.

The Williams clan

Mom and Dad worked overtime with the details and preparations, playing with the kids, socializing with the steady stream of visitors, being "on" at all times, and cleaning up after so many. We are thankful for their efforts and attention, and appreciate their willingness to host the weekend. Thanks again, mom and dad.

The cousins all played well together, and made new best friends. Ellie and Lily had a blast with one another and their connection was instant. I loved watching them, their big smiles and giggles were contagious. They are excited to stay connected through email. Avery and Jack, two soft spoken little "cuties" became inseparatable and totally in sync with one another. They played, and played and played, two peas in a pod. All in all everyone had a wonderful time. We reconnected as a family and friends. Laughed, played, visited, and enjoyed our time together!

Avery, Jack, and Mark Lily and Ellie Chrissy and baby Charlie

Jeff, Jim, and Jo

Stay tuned for details of our weekend with a few more posts of the games, activites and silly moments we shared. Coming Soon!

"Who's your daddy?"

Happy Fathers Day!

Jeff, our children, and myself have been blessed with wonderful fathers in our lives. Our daddies... Papa, grandpa and Jeff have been true examples of all things fathers should be. They have given us countless hours of service and endless amount of unconditional love through the years. Many times in my life, it is my dad that would give me the comfort and "the soft place to land" that I yearned for. And, I know Jeff is the man he is today because of all he learned from his father. We feel very blessed to have the support of both dads, Doug and Newell in our lives. We treasure the "gifts" of knowledge, comfort, support and love that you both so freely give to us and our families. Thank you.

Zachary, Ellie and Avery wanted to share a few words for daddy, papa, and grandpa.

Avery said: I love my papa because he plays games with me like...I'm not 'eady! He is funny and laughs with me. She said she loves her grandpa because he is nice and soft.
Zachary said: My papa wears a leather jacket and has hearing aides. I love to build things with him. My grandpa tells funny jokes and collects wind up toys. He brings me surprises.
Ellie said: Papa gives us tight hugs and squeezes. And, grandpa jokes with us a lot.



They all 3 had a lot to say about their daddy as well...here ya go.

Avery said: My daddy is very special to me. He plays things with me like "store, airplane and restaurant" He turns my nightlight on at night, and flips my pillow, and brings me my blanket. (Can you tell it was night time when we had this chat)
Zachary said: My daddy is handsome and bald. He is nicer than any other dad. He is funny, exciting and does tricks. He loves me all the time. He likes to mow the lawn, he gets sweaty and then cools off. He snuggles me.
Ellie said: My dad is funny, I mean really funny. He likes to snuggle in the morning in the big bed. He never loses his things like my mom (thanks, Ellie) He takes good care of our family and makes our family run smoothly.

Better Safe than Sorry

Last night at 7:15 the tornado siren sounded and the kids and I went straight to the basement. We have had some very severe weather as of late, and I wasn't about to take any chances. So, all 4 of us settled in under the stairs in the "clubhouse" for a long 2 hour scare. I grabbed the flashlights, a portable radio, pillows, blankets and we were nestled in safety. There were plenty of tornado's touching down all around us, but, thankfully our little town (Elkhorn) was spared. Jeff was out of town and that frightened the wee ones...let's face it, it added to my stress as well. However, we said a prayer and talked to Dad during most of the extreme moments. Jeff told each of the kids that he built the basement with "Tornado proff" nails and wood and that seemed to do the trick. Hook line and sinker, all 3 felt safe and secure knowing their dad had taken care of every detail. I'm sad and my heart aches for the families of the boys at the scout camp (only 45 min for Omaha.) I have heard what heroic scouts they were...their mama's must be proud.

Is it weird that I grabbed my camera? The truth is it was sitting on the counter just begging me to take it and document our cushy, cozy, and comfortable clubhouse. This is what memories are made of.

Rocky Mountain Highs

Last week the kids and I accompanied Jeff on his business trip to Denver. The children got out of school on Thursday and we left town on Saturday. The timing for this trip happened to be perfect, swimming and summer school didn't start until June 2nd so we were FREE until then. A big thanks to my sweet husband who endured the nagging 8 hour car ride instead of an 85 min relaxing flight. He was offered a chance to do a special project in the Denver Regional office, and so he worked hard putting in long hours the entire week. But, the rest of us played and we played hard!

Daddy gave us a tour of the regional office.

We enjoyed our time in the mountains, parks, pools, picnics, BBQ's, shopping and restaurants. Denver is notorious for having fabulous parks and recreation centers. So, we made an afternoon of park hopping.

Zachary loved the zip line, this was his favorite part of the park.Ellie conquered the challenge of climbing this big rock at the park.The sun shines bright and hot in Denver (man, do I miss that) so, we spent much of our time at several area pools. And, of course it goes without saying I made an immediate run for the huge outlet mall (Omaha has NO outlet mall, I know, sad) But, my most favorite day has to be the picnic in the mountains by a small beautiful lake. Breathtaking views, perfect weather, yummy lunch, cute kids, and being surrounded by family made this day most memorable to me.

Absolutely beautiful!I love this girl, dirty face and all Hike up the mountains...I like "Zachy style"How often do you get to do this...dippin' toes in the lake. We certainly made our rounds to a few of our "fav" restaurants. Here we are at Gigi and Papa's neighborhood hot spot "Los Dos"

Jeff and I met up with some friends, the Mercers at a new Thai restaurant. The Mercers are fun and always entertaining! Thanks guys for a great night.

I can't end without saying a big thank you to my mom and dad! Gigi and Papa took care of the kids each night and long mornings. I stayed with Jeff in the hotel, while the kids had slumber parties at Gigi's and papa's. Gigi and the kids love their mornings in the garden, and playing in the atrium. Papa pulled out all the stops and made a birdhouse at the workbench with all 3. He also made the kids each a sterling silver ring. They loved every minute of it. We appreciate your time, generosity and love.

And, so it begins...

This crazy time in our life that we call "summer vacation" is upon us. Are we ready? Well, that is yet to be determined however, if this banner that Ellie made is any indication... it seems that at least she and her brother are ready and excited! In Denver last week, I had a chance to get myself geared up and mentally prepared and yes I too, seem to be ready. Let the craziness begin...


Before we look forward to the new adventures that await us we had the chance to enjoy a few end of the year celebrations. Field day is a favorite of all 3rd graders. It is a day to play, compete, picnic, and socialize with friends in a less structured setting. We had a fun time, although, sadly I missed the majority of events. I did get to picnic with the kiddos and watch the tug-o-war.


Ellie and her good friend, Mckenna
Here is Zachary trying to eat his lunch, but being bothered by my camera. Avery and Mason sneaking in some fun with their siblings at the "big" school
Avery's school "Imagination Station" also had a picnic. We played at a park with all the other preschoolers and Avery loved every minute of it. Can you feel the love? Look at that big smile.





The final day of school was last Thursday. The kids came home, had a snack, looked at the yearbook, showed off their report cards and then moments later this is what I found...
Let the craziness begin... and turn off the T.V.!!!