Last weekend, the Valdez's came up to visit and we tried to show them everything North Oklahoma offered. It was a busy weekend but it was so much fun. Seriously, Dan, Joanna, Emily and Ethan are some of our favorite people and it was just awesome to get to hang out with them.
Friday morning, we headed up to Independence to do the waterpark. It is so cheap, only a short drive away and we knew it would be a hit with all of the kids. Having Emily and Ethan around really boosted Evan's confidence and he spent a lot of time in the kids' pool (as opposed to the baby pool...his usual hang out). We spent most of the afternoon there...it was just a great time.
Later that night, we grilled out at our house and got to catch up and visit. We hadn't really had to chance to just chat for almost a year!
The next morning we headed up to Osage Hills State Park. We had no idea this little jewel was practically in our backyard. Our neighbor had recommended it to us so we thought we'd make a day of it. It was so, so fun. As soon as we drove in, I was so impressed. I am used to Lake Eufaula which is just gross to me. Everything there is exactly the same from 30 years ago and that is not a good thing. But Osage Hills was in excellent condition. A beautiful olympic sized swimming pool with two lifeguards. Brand new playground equipment. Cleared paths leading down to a stream with plenty of boulders for picnicking and some very kid-friendly fishing spots.
Well, except for where my kid is involved. Behold this lovely view...
We hadn't been there 10 minutes when Evan fell in. I had to snap this shot of him in all of his glory. I had forgotten to grab a change of clothes for him so he spent the rest of the day in pull-ups. It didn't seem to bother him much.
Joanna and Libby were our official baiters. The boys forgot actual bait so we used corn instead.
Here's Dan showing off some professional fishing skills...
The kids gave up on fishing about 20 minutes into it.
Matt caught the first fish of the day!
And the kiddos had to thoroughly inspect it.
Ethan and Emily started skipping rocks (and were really good at it!)
Libby trying to get in on the action.
Evan decided to give the fishing thing one more try...
and promptly gave up.
After all the kids were completely finished with the fishing, we went on a nature hike and ended up at the playground.
All of the kiddos...minus Libby-P
Evan still letting it all hang out.
I promise I do feed this kid! I have got to figure out a way to get some meat on those bones.
She may not be walking...
but that doesn't stop her from exploring.
We finished out the weekend with a trip to the kiddie park, a girls' only shopping spree and a golf outing for the guys. We can't to do it again!!
