SWAPA Chili Cook Off

Each year, Neal's office participates in a Chili cook-off that Southwest puts on - it is a ton of fun for families because they rent out Sandy Lake Park, which has tons of amusement rides for the kids.  We have missed the past couple of years, but were very excited to go again this year.  The last time we went, we took Landon with us, so we invited him to come again this year, too!

 Train rides

 The pony ride was Meredith's favorite.  She said it made "her dreams come true"

Posing with Daddy at his chili table

 Don't forget Landon!!

 Gigi of course joined us, too - and she only rides the super exciting rides, like the carousel.

The first ride that we rode was the dragon roller coaster, on Jillian's request.  Problem was, only she would ride.  Landon saw pictures from our trip several years ago (he and I rode it together back then) and he was insistent on the entire trip that he WOULD NOT ride it again.  Meredith was out, too.  Jillian and I had a blast on it (well, Jillian had fun and I tried to keep circulation in my legs!) Then, of course, Landon had changed his mind.  But he would not hold up his hands. After he rode with me, Meredith decided to give it a try, too.  After that ride, all Landon wanted to do was ride the dragon!  We rode lots of other rides, too, of course, but this was the favorite.  We finally found, our friend, Sarah, and she joined us to ride (which meant I got a break since everyone had a partner!)

 Riding with big kid Sarah gave Meredith some bravery!

 Jillian was still having fun - Landon stayed extra safe.

The saddest part of the day was when Sarah, Meredith, and Landon went to ride a big swing ride. Jillian was desperate to go, but was too little. She was so sad.  She can't wait for next year when she can be big enough!  I was trying to encourage her that she would be bigger soon, but then she would tear up and say "but you want me to stay little!" And since that day, she will ask if she is bigger enough yet.  

Last, but not least, we stole Daddy from serving Chili to ride the fastest roller coaster with the kids.  

Highlander Games

Meredith's school does a fun event each year, called Highlander Games - it is kind of like Field Day for the younger kiddos. Jillian and I were very excited to go up and watch Meredith's team compete!

Such concentration for cup stacking!

 Some pretty serious obstacle course-ing!

Javelin

Lots of fun on the scooter

Again, taking this egg on a spoon thing super serious!

 Bouncing away!

After the games, the kiddos got popsicles.  Jillian really wanted one and her sweet sister was so nice to share with her!

 Jillian hopped in for the first picture because she loves these girls as much as big sis, but then I got one of just Meredith with her best friends from her class (the blue team!), Abbey, Addie, and Allie!

 

And a sweet, silly one with Hannah - showing off their popsicle tongues.

 After popsicles, the kindergartners played on the playground and Meredith was super excited to take Jillian around to play, too!

Easter with the Geurin Family

 Our final Easter Celebration was at my parent's house and was extra-special this year because of our newest addition - Carter!

 The Cousin 4-some!

Gigi and Papa with their kids

 Meredith helped us to make one of our traditions for dinner - "bunny salad" - which is just a pear half made to look like a bunny.  She had fun making it even if she refused to eat it!

 After dinner, the kids and I made resurrection rolls.  Always fun and symbolic and equally tasty!

Gigi's house always has a fun basket hunt - with baskets full of goodies, but of course there is always time to hunt more eggs!  

 The kids were not really excited about waiting for the dads to get downstairs to join us!

 The tricky Easter Bunny made some of the eggs a challenge!

 Luckily, we found them all!

With such a beautiful day, we couldn't hold the kids back from playing on the swingset!

 

A break in playtime to snuggle my girls

 The kids were anxious to test out how cold the water is - they are ready for swimming season!

After we headed back in, the kids decorated the Bunny's tie on Grandma's traditional bunny cake.

 And to finish off such a fun day, we got to have a confetti egg fight with Neil, Katie and Landon! So fun!

Celebrating at Bubbie's

After Easter Service, we headed to Bubbie's for lunch and, you guessed it, another egg hunt!

The girls showing off their dresses to Bubbie

Silly Jillian getting ready for all the posing she knows is coming her way!

Love my family! 

 The girls and their Bubbie

We had a yummy lunch and the girls got some great goodies in baskets - then we headed out to hunt!  After the hunt, they took the eggs in and hid them to hunt again!