Celebrating Father's Day with Pop before we left for Texas.
We were southbound to the Hill Country for a late birthday celebration with our godtwins Carlisle and Jackson Camper. We spent the day at SeaWorld, my twins' first time to go to a big amusement park type venue. With the exception of the characters for Abigail (tears and screams of terror), they loved every minute of it. We didn't see any shows, but they petted the dolphins, watched the penguins swim, played at the Sesame Street themed preschool playland (they loved the Shamu rollercoaster and carousel!!) and spent the rest of the time at the water park.
Loved SeaWorld and can't wait to go back next year!
The next day Matt and Kendal went fishing while the godcousins all played in the pool at the Lands' vacay home. Baby Evie Claire (who isn't such a baby any more!) didn't get in any pics as she was napping, but we loved catching up with the whole Land Clan again this year.
George, the chariot driver, and his riders plus a dolphin.
Sweet 4 year olds!
Awesome baby pool which overlooks the big pool at the Lands' vacay home. View from back balcony overlooks Devil's Backbone. GORGEOUS!
Matt and I snuck away after devouring our traditional anniversary cherry pie, leaving George & Abigail at "Camp G&G" (Camp Grammy & Grandpa as named by cousins Jacob and Nate) for the week. We spent one night in Fredericksburg, TX as a 10th anniversary celebration at the Fredericksburg Bed & Brew (yes, they served us beer instead of breakfast). We started the getaway at the wineries, loved Becker and Grape Creek! It was nice to be "away" and stroll the downtown Main Street of Fredericksburg. We even caught a bluegrass concert under the Texas stars. Cannot thank you enough G&G!
The next morning, we were able to take a morning run (which we don't get to do very often) and found Matt's Granny's house where she grew up. Granny's family helped to settle the German town and we were lucky to find their burial plots in the historic cemetery. Hanging out in a cemetery might seem creepy to others, but it was really neat to feel Matt's German roots, and remain connected to our beloved Oma.
Tasting Room at Grape Creek.
Wine cellar at Becker.
Granny's house where she grew up (minus a bedroom that has been removed from the left side of the house.)
Hitzfeld plot where Opa and Oma are buried in the main Fredericksburg Cemetery.
We returned home and enjoyed spending time together celebrating our anniversary. And in typical Jankowski fashion, we had to paint something since the kids were gone, so I repainted our bedroom as a gift to Matt!
Fabulous dinner at the Whispering Pines to "officially" celebrate. Added to our marriage book, which was given to us 10 years ago. Each year, we write down the highlights of the year and how we celebrated. Neat to look back at the events of the past 10 years.
Family life has been hecticly wonderful this summer.
~We have been house-hunting with Bill & Debbie, who are also moving here soon, hopefully by the end of this summer!
~The twins started swim lessons and they are little water-lovers! To date, Abigail is swimming by herself draped over a water-noodle. George jumps in the pool, goes all the way under, and loves to kick and make big splashes.
~We also said goodbye to some of our best friends, the Stelzers and the McClendons, who are both moving to Texas. My heart literally hurts, but we wish them the absolute best as they build their new lives!! Love you both deeply!
Also a new thing this summer....Pumpkin Shell Preschool!! George & Abigail started attending Pumpkin Shell 3 days a week and love their new school. They come home singing the songs, talking about their new friends, and head-to-toe filthy (which is a sign of a fun day!). This was a perfect transition time for them, and they love the independence and creative learning that is promoted at PS. They have most enjoyed the visiting artists on Fridays, who have taught about such things as making pretzels and camping.
We spent July 4th at our fave firework show at Reave's Park with Nana, Pop, Misty & the kids before they left, and were joined by Amy, Justin, Rachel and Gideon Lambert (whom G&A miss immensely since Amy does not keep them at her house anymore). This was G&A's first big firework show and they LOVED IT!! Sat there with eyes glued to the sky!
Currently, we are in the midst of VBS at church and Evie and her friend Morgan are here visiting for the week....pics and stories of our Oklahoma adventures to follow!
Is that Harry Potter?
Posing at Little Niagara...George, Kirby, Darwyn, & Abigail
AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saying goodbye to Kirby & Darwyn at the train station. Sniff, sniff.
Standing in front of their new preschool, Pumpkin Shell.
Such big kids. Still using their backpacks, Aunt Monique!
