Every 3 Year Old's Dream...

The first stop on our trip was Mammaw and Pappaw Grady's farm in Spencer. We were able to spend a few wonderful days visiting with my Mom and Dad. It was so fun to see the boys bonding with them. My Boys were instantly infatuated with Cotton and Ellie (my parent's dogs). They were always heading up to their kennel to talk to them, pet them and give them a treat (with Pappaw). As soon as we got to their house on Saturday, my Dad had the tractor ready to go. You can only imagine how excited Blake was to get to ride on a real tractor and do some digging in a giant dirt pile. He was so serious about doing "work" and was living every 3 year old boy's dream. Even Luke got in on the action too. He liked riding the little "tractor"...mainly because he could climb on and off on his own.
(Yes, my Dad is wearing a Purdue hat. What can I say, we were card carrying Bobby Knight fans...there are some things you just don't mess with in Indiana and IU Basketball was one of them! For the record, he sported Texas Tech when he could.)

Look at that concentration!

Luke and Mammaw riding the little tractor.

On Sunday, we got the chance to hang out with my 2 Sisters and their families, my Grandparents and my 2 Aunts. It was so much fun to chat and see all of my nieces and nephews. They have grown SO much! My oh my how time flies! I can remember when each of them were my children's ages and it seems like yesterday. My Mom really did it up with some of my favorites...beans & cornbread, strawberry/rhubarb pie and carrot cake!! I won't need to eat for a few months after this trip!
My Grandparents with all the grandkids...Annie (10), Blake (3), Jacob (9), Drew (9), Alex (14), Luke (1 1/2) & Maddie (12).

Another highlight of Sunday, was the "field of dreams" diamond my Dad created in their yard. My Dad is a huge baseball lover and was quite the pitcher in his college years. ;) Knowing how much Blake and 2 of my nephews like to play ball, he mowed a diamond in the yard and made bases for them to play. It was a hit! The boys/men played ball nearly all day! My Dad even pitched to Blake for a bit and he made contact quite a few times. Luke wasn't quite ready for "homerun derby" yet, so he was entertained all day by Maddie and Annie. They are the best babysitters!

(Yes, that's a Minnesota hat...much better)

Jacob taking a rest in the outfield.

Look at that form!

Swing, batter, swing!

Must have been a bad pitch! ;)

On Monday, we picked up my Mom and took a trip over to campus (Indiana University) to walk around and discuss how kids must be starting college when they are 12 these days based on how young they look. There is NO way we looked that young at 18 to 22...right? We hit up the new version of Steve and Barry's to stock up on IU tees and then to Village Pizza for lunch. I love that pizza! Campus was just beautiful with all the red and white tulips in bloom. We also let the boys burn a little energy at a playground at McCormick's Creek State Park where we stay while in Spencer. It's a beautiful park and we had some nice weather to enjoy it for a bit.

Blake wanted to sit on Herman B Welles' lap. He thought it was Barack Obama. Infer whatever you want...just remember he's 3 1/2!

There's Trouble!

As always, our time with my family goes way too fast. I always find myself wishing for another day, or two, or three!! But we certainly treasure the memories made and I know we all part looking forward to the next opportunity to see each other. Thank you for making our visit so fun! We love you Grady/Risley families!!