Mom’s 39th Birthday

The birthday whale visited mom for her birthday (obviously)

Blowing out the candles is a group effort πŸ™‚

July 17th, 2018

Morning smoothies and smiles (note Des’ power-clashing outfit…)

July 15th, 2018

It’s that time of the year again- (sweltering) Railroad Days at Lauritzen Gardens

Desmond waving nearly the whole time he was on the train ride-Tra

“Where are the trains, Des?” “This way!”

And there they are.

It was shortly after this point that Eleanor indicated she was done with hot train day, ready for lunch and nap time

July 14th, 2018

The mini-adventure to Lincoln for mom’s upcoming birthday started with a show at the Morrill Hall planetarium

Ella got a little restless and hung out in the lobby for a bit until the show was over

On to the main attraction- dinosaurs! Des points out the woolly mammoth to Eleanor

Des’ first encounter with a T-Rex (yup, lots of pointing)

In awe of the allosaurus

 Big mammoth, tiny Des and Ella

Having a slice at the institution of Yia Yia’s

Skipping nap (gasp!) in favor of a visit to the Lincoln Children’s Museum

Right after or before Des sent a small lego plate up and jammed the conveyor lift

Really cool interactive, hands-on topographical projection (e.g., Des gets to play in sand and it looks really cool)

Desmond’s closest “sportsball” exposure to date

Ok, that’s a bit bigger the dad’s motorcycles in the garage

Lots to explore

Brother and sister sharing the pet washing station at the vet’s office

Capt. Desmond Shreffler reporting for launch and space exploration (barefoot, naturally)

If you look closely, this Cessna is piloted by two small llamas

Napping at 75mph

July 13th, 2018

Des’ “babies” are reading this month’s copy of Highlights for their bedtime story

July 8th, 2018

Just a couple early-morning chair models

A spontaneous coloring party broke out

Weekly farmers market visits now include ample playground time

Calling ma πŸ™‚

Dad was fairly proud of himself after finding the new corn cob holders

Desmond eagerly shows off his dinner flair

Mom playing with her food, while singing a verse or two of “Baby Shark

“Night night!”

July 7th, 2018

This was going to be such a cute photo, but Eleanor was not having it

Practicing “nice touches” with her new goat friend

And yes, Eleanor spoke “Gorilla” back to the gorillas

Caption contest winners included: “Half moon” (yoga pose) and “Y M C….zzzzzz”

July 6th, 2018

With just mom and the kids for part of the weekend, Friday starts the party off with a special visit to the neighborhood ice cream shop

Ella showing off her spoon skills and her sheer passion for ice cream

The Dundee treats continue with a mini-picnic (bread slices) in the community garden

Surely pontificating about something grand (note: once again the kids wear the favorite music-oriented shirt for “Favorite Sports Team” day at daycare)

Apparently saving the ice cream on her nose for later