Snoopy Land at Worlds of Fun

Henry refers to the local amusement park with all it's roller coasters as "The Crazy Train." The boys like the new children's rides in Snoopy Land, but Henry and Jefferson's favorite ride is the restored steam engine. After we ride it, the boys are always so excited to walk up to the engine to say hi to the conductors (who are very nice to always show them the whistle and bell). Since the park is only three miles from our house, we got passes in the spring and have been going every Friday when Bobby gets off work.

The nice thing about the park is that there are several rides adults can do with the kids and there are even more without height requirements. The only prerequisite is the ability to walk, so Jefferson can ride too! (Which is golden :)
Henry trying to sneak a bite of Snoopy's cookie...

He's already getting a little embarrassed when mom and dad break out the camera. In the words of Charlie Brown: "Good Grief!"

The first day we went was a little chilly...

Kauffman is still the prettiest stadium around... (Post by Bobby)

We've been able to attend several games this season, unfortunately we haven't seen many wins. It was fun to see the renovation and Henry REALLY loved his first full length game. There's even a playground for the kids now.

Henry pointed out the moon as it came out over the party deck. Every time he sees it he asks if he can hold it. I never quite know what to tell the guy.
With all the changes, they kept the most memorable part: the fountains. They're going to look great at the All Star Game next year! If anyone wants to go, you can stay here during your visit!

I don't know if I'd rather go to the game or the HomeRun Derby. I'm leaning towards the game...

I get good seats through work, but it'd be hard to find a bad one in Kansas City.
Henry really wanted a bite of ice cream...of course he didn't eat the one I paid for :P
The museum had the famous Pine Tar Bat on display for most of the summer. The Royals have sure never been the same after George Brett-the only man to win batting titles in three different decades.

The other side of the outfield jumbo-tron was the largest HD screen until the new Cowboys Stadium was finished.

Fireworks are always a welcomed conclusion...

One sidenote...for anyone with Netflix streaming, I must recommend adding Ken Burns' Baseball documentary to your queue. Good stuff.

Please pass the Catchup! (By Bobby)

It's not easy keeping up with the boys, church, work, military obligation, and the rest of life's daily chores, but we need to do a little better updating the blog :)

On a flight to Orlando, I noticed our neighborhood just before the wing passed over it and the temple site just above that. You can make out the river and downtown KC just below the horizon. Too bad I didn't have a real camera with me.

Jefferson and Henry have sure loved spending time with their rockstar uncle. Michael is leaving next week for the recording studio. Be sure to vote for his band on PureVolume.com. He's the bass player for The Strive.Henry must have some of the same genes...He loves drumming at our neighbor's house. My good friend Bill was nice enough to let Henry try out his set and he knew just what to do.

In other news, our boys are growing up waaay too quickly. We're grateful that Henry's now potty trained and can say his alphabet but it's still weird to us that he'll be turning three just after Thanksgiving.

Everytime Henry went potty, he got to add a car to his dinosaur train the first day. He was pretty proud of it and no, we are not above bribery. :)

They may not look exactly alike, but they both love food.

If Jefferson ever hands you a book and you take it, be prepared for him to plop in your lap! He loves being read to.

Henry's first word was tractor and he still can't get enough of anything remotely related. A trip to Lowe's is better than the toy store for him (and Daddy).
Jefferson insists on Thomas PJ's each night. It's funny that a guy so little can be so enthusiastic about some things.
Jefferson learned how to push the chairs around to get to things he wants on the counter. Helena came downstairs to this little crime scene and snapped a picture. It's funny here, but he sure gives his mom a scare. He has no fear despite busted lips and a chipped tooth.
While most of our black berries dried up in the heatwave, we managed to grab a few one afternoon. They were almost as good as the ones I remember eating from Grandma Woody's thicket when I was little.

Philadelphia...

I've been travelling quite a bit for work this summer. Luckily, my latest trip was close to some US History sites we neglected to visit when we were living close by in Washington DC-The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall:

This is what Independence Hall looks like beneath a painted tarp.

Why must the rennovations always coincide with my travel plans? Oh well...we'll have to make it a family trip next time. Helena and I are especially excited for Henry and Jefferson to be old enough to appreciate these sites in the coming years.

City Hall, another cool landmark was having rennovations as well. The inner courtyard walls and reliefs were covered in scaffolding.

Thanks Jim and Meredith! It was fun seeing yall after so long. We'll have to get the cousins together one of these days.While I did have a cheesesteak and cheesecake, I think this was my favorite food item...Clam and bacon pizza from LaScala's.