Sunday in the Park, a Lovely Suprise

We had the pleasure of meeting Caleb and Anne in Lawrence for lunch on Sunday. We ate Greek food, laughed, and enjoyed the warmth and sunny day. Okay, it was hot, really too hot for the park, but we couldn't say no to Evie. So to the park we went. If you were to view these pictures in a sauna, you would have a more realistic idea of the actual temperature and humidity. I hope you all have air-conditioning instead.Everett loves the slide, unfortunately, he ended up scuffing his way down because it was a little warm for fast, slippery sliding.
Didn't seem to bother him much.
The men, wisely left the chasing and playing to us, and found a bench in the shade.
Lovely, beautiful friendship. Thankfully we don't look as damp as we were. Time to work on our posture though!
Please, please, don't fall.
Of course, Everett had to practice his driving--if he is going to help with Derby in 2018.

Caleb couldn't resist the bouncy, green alligator. And I couldn't resist taking a picture.
Weeeeeeeeeeee!

Yep, he can climb about anything now.
Still enjoying the shade.
Almost, but not quite asleep.

Giving the Evie a push, he loves the swings.

Almost melted.

In the tallest tower, of the tallest castle lived a prince with his mother. Actually, Everett refused to even try any of the slightly shorter slides. Oh well, good for the gams. And the heart rate.

Boogity, Boogity, Boogity Let's Go Smashing!

In Caleb's words, "Eh, it'll ride"


Name of the car: "Almost Done"
Which it was, almost.

My dirty, sexy husband.
Through the kitchen window.
Loading up to go.
Wrap it up, Russ.

All together now.
A SOLID hit.
Getting ready to go.

Yay my name!
Matt van der Hoeven
Put those sledge hammers to use.

Rubbing bumpers.

Going in for the hit.
Come on boys, get 'er done!







Once again Russ made it to the feature! However, as a whole the car was a little dissapointing. The consolation heat was great but the derby ended much quicker than in past years. The entrance numbers were down according to the promoters--probably due to increased gas prices and sluggish economy. But we had fun. Caleb came down from KC and Matthew came up from McPherson to be on Russ's pit crew. Talina came out to watch Everett and over all I think it was a good time for everyone. Definitly bears repeating--even if it is only to work our the issues in the Lincoln's running. ***And I was wrong, it is a '77 Lincoln not a '79.

Zucchini Delightfulness

YUM!

Before Nicole left yesterday we got to have lunch together. We made an amazing grilled zucchini and red pepper salad. I ate at least half the bowl. It was really good. And very pretty.



Here is the recipe.



Nicole and Miriah's Grilled Zucchini salad



2-3 zucchini

1-2 red peppers

smattering of mushrooms

2-3 roma tomatoes

minced garlic

lemon pepper seasoning

olive oil

feta cheese



Slice the zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms. Grill or broil with a very light brushing of olive oil. choppe slices into bite size pieces. Toss tomatoes with grilled veggies. Add generous shake or three of lemon pepper. Top with feta and enjoy!



One additional tip, try to not over grill the veggies. We used the George Foreman and it worked great.

Goodbyes

I think this picture is so cool! I still can't believe I got it.

Nobody likes saying good bye.

Everett's bath time is going to be so boring now.



Because it is still too close, I am going to keep this short. I have been so very blessed with friends and while they currently are living much farther away than I like, I am so glad that they are a part of my life. Victoria and Everett loved to take baths together and there were weeks where we alternated back and forth between the houses. One night on Elm Street, one night on Iowa. Soapy, healthy, happy babies. These pictures are from the last bath that Evie and Tori took together, right before she left. There aren't words for how much I miss Nicole and Victoria already!!! I can't wait for October.