Relaxation

Day 7

Location: Wilcox, Nebraska

After going, going, going since Brett and I got to the 'Midwest' we spent the whole day doing NOTHING...

Well, I did make blueberry muffins, but that was about it...

We took naps, worked on some school things, watched TV, played Yatzee and Phase 10. 

Just a relaxing day.

Day 8

Location: Seward, Lincoln, and Grand Island, Nebraska

We decided to head further west for the day. 

Stop #1-- The Bakery

This is one of the best things in Seward, Nebraska...

The perfect place to have a Saturday doughnut with your friends.

It was a MUST we stop.  

Although, I did not want a doughnut, Brett indulged...

Stop #2-- Concordia University

Brett and I had not returned to Concordia in over year. 

We HAD to see the new athletic building.

And we got a GRAND Tour.

THANKS AARON!

Once a Bulldog....

Brett and I also stopped by Sandy's house (a teacher I use to teach with at Messiah).  It was SO good to see her and catch up.  

COME VISIT!

Off to Lincoln we went...

Stopped for Starbucks.

Went to the pool for a quick stop to say 'hi' to Susie and kiddos.

SO good to see them too.

YOU GUYS COME VISIT, TOO!

After a QUICK stop at Russ' Market (a grocery store Brett and I would go to ALL the time) for a snack... it was off to Grand Island for dinner with Christine and Brad.

SO good to see her....

THANKS FOR MEETING US!

Day 9

Location: Wilcox, Car, Colorado Springs

We spent most of the day in the car... obviously!

But before we headed out we said our 'goodbyes'

and took a picture (thank you self timer).

THANK YOU FOR A GREAT VISIT!!

Brett and I decided to take the 'southern' route just so we could...

STOP HERE.

I don't know how it started, but we stopped here one time

And they have the BEST...

MALTS..

I don't know how they do it, but SO good.

So we stop from time to time...

(This is actually only my 2nd malt from there, because they're closed on Mondays)

On our gas stop I thought I would take a picture of what my mom's car had been through driving to Nebraska... One of the top reasons I remember being ok with moving from NE... 

...THE BUGS...

the windshield isn't as bad...

this time...

we had cleaned it MANY times before...

That was my view...

at night when the bugs hit the windshield it sounds like rain...

...EWW...

XOXO

::Boating::

Day 6

Location: North Platte, Nebraska

We spent much of the afternoon/early evening boating on this...

a beautiful private lake....

But before boating...

Fishing...

Brett caught a fish within 5 minutes...

We had a blast jumping off the dock...

Hanging out with Sugar...

(Made me miss Miss. Bentley)

and 

OF COURSE..

Knee boarding...

Skiing...

AND

Brett on one Ski...

We had an AWESOME time...

Thank you Knapp Family for letting us play.

XOXO

The 2 F's-- Days 4 & 5

The 2 F's.... 

Friends and Family....

Day 4

(sorry no picture with me hold up the number of days... horrible picture)

Location: Wilcox and Kearney

(Wedding Day!)

Ready for the Bride...

Ready for a good time...

Great time...

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Casey Makey

We had a great time at the wedding...

Day 5

Location: Chambers, Nebraska

We spent the day with family in Chambers, Nebraska. 

It was so fun to see everyone..

(well, not everyone, Brett has a HUGE family)

But the family that was there made it special and are special.

We missed those who weren't with us.

Brett and I are are anxious to see this little one due the end of July.

We didn't get our "family" picture with Hannah and Brock...

They were sleeping when we left...

We got to hangout with this little dude...

Jackson... He's grown so much since our wedding!

Too Cute!

We spent some time at the farm...

Did some 4-wheeling...

I even drove... SCARY

Brett and Uncle Doug did some gutter cleaning...

And of course the famous cowboy on the farm.

Such fun day!

XOXO

Days 2 & 3

**Warning LONG post, but with it**

Day 2

Location: Car, Merino, Sterling

We had to leave this....

But not for long...

Doesn't get much prettier...

We set out for a day of visiting family and friends...

Stop #1-- Merino

Don't see signs like this much in California...

It's always fun to make a trip through Merino...

We drove through town...

Yes... This is the WHOLE town of Merino...

Bar... Post Office... Salon... 

We made a stop by the school...

Elementary, Middle, and High School are all together...

Brett 're-lived' his football days.... as a ram

Stop #2 The Mertens' Farm...

WIDE OPEN SPACE...

ANIMALS!

AND...

THE TRACTOR!

Stop #3-- Brett's Family Farm...

The House and Land Brett grew up on...

Stop # 4 Brett's Grandma

SO good to see her!

The rest of the night is history...

We stayed with our good friends Luke and Jamie...

ate at DELGATO'S the BEST Mexican... and MARGARITAS..

It's in an old church... too cute!

Day 3

Location:  Car, Nebraska-- Wilcox & Kearney

We hit the road again bright and early...

The drive is SOOOO boring...

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

(Brett is still learning how to finish his food in small bites...)

We finally made it to Wilcox (where Brett's parents live)

Brett was in need of a hair cut before the rehearsal dinner..

Before:

After:

Off to Kearney for the rehearsal dinner...

ONLY IN NEBRASKA do you drive through a CORN FIELD for a detour...

The rehearsal dinner was at a beautiful park..

With a lake.... Paddle Boats...

And a Tower... that OF COURSE we climbed it...

Kinda of beautiful..... in it's own way...

Until next time..

XOXO