Malousek Madness in Nebraska

It had been over a year since we had been back to Nebraska, where Todd's family lives. Grandma Georgie, Grandpa Reyrey in Wahoo, brothers Mark and Tammi, Steve and Kelli in Omaha, and brother Curt and ginger in Lincoln. I always look forward to this, but this year it is much more fun since the kids are older and can stay entertained easier in a car for 1000 miles up and 1000 miles back.Why not fly you ask? Well, why would we fly when it is much more fun to be couped in a car, packed to max, live on drive thrus, and stare out the window at fields after fields after fields? Well, because, we stop in Tulsa to see Todd's uncle and cousins. We try to make it a one stop shopping trip. Besides it's not so bad when I pack oodles of snacks, and the kids each get to fill one box full of car trip friendly games and toys, coloring stuff and lots of movies to watch and sing along DVDs.

Along the way up, it was pretty boring until we got to Kansas. Miles and miles of burning wheat fields - they do this to clean the soil before thee farmers plant in the Spring. Then just over the Missouri border, Carter squeals with excitement about all the giant wind turbine farms. It's all he talked about until we hit Omaha.

We stayed in Omaha at Todd's brother Mark and Tammi's house. Not 30 minutes after we arrived, Carter pointed out 3 burned out light bulbs to Uncle Mark. He can be relentless with this. After he replaced them, all was well.
We spent most of our time just hanging out with family. If we weren't at someones house, they all cam over to Uncle Marks house. The kids were able to spend time with Grandma and Granpa every day, which was the most important part of this trip, and to get to play with all their cousins. Kelsey and Carter both got lots and lots of attention from everyone - after all , they is the the cuzins frum Texass.

One of the days before we headed out to Wahoo we stopped in to visit one of Todd's close college friend andhis family. I have known them since thier oldest was 2. The kids always love to see each other when we get a chance and as always, its tons of fun. We love the Worden's like one of our own. Great to see you all!

.After we said our goodbyes to the Worden's we headed out to Wahoo, the long way since the kids fell asleep from the morning visit. On the back roads to Wahoo, we stopped to wake up the kids to go play in the snow. They had seen flurries in Texas, but this was the most they had seen yet. Kelsey loved it...and did not want to leave. Carter - not so much. It was too cold. On to grandmothers house we went....with a cup full of snow!



The day before Easter, Aunt Tammi had everyone over for a super yummy giant Taco dinner. It pleased even the most finicky eaters...ahhem, I told Kelsey I would not say names so I won't. After dinner, the kids dyed Easter eggs and had super fun. Carter decided he could not use the dipper so he chose to use his hands. Super! It was crazy with everyone in one house, but tons of fun!!

Easter morning, the kids woke up to find loaded Easter baskets and a grass trail he left all the way out the front door. Aunt Tammi had bought them each a special basket, and to Kelsey's surprise, the Easter Bunny found them even thought they were far from home.


We had so much fun catching up and playing. It's always sad to leave. Kelsey had really bonded with Grandma and Carter with Grandpa. They both played in the garden with them - actually all dirt since planting has not happened up there yet - and Grandpa Reyrey spoiled Carter with letting him play in the sink and watch the water go down the drain as much as he wanted. After all, Grandparents can spoil them and let them get all dirty if they want.

The only bad thing about this trip is saying goodbye. Kelsey cried a while and Carter followed suit. But by the time we got to Tulsa, they were happy to see their Momo and Poppy. (Todd's Aunt and uncle) and both generations of cousins.



We did get to see the worlds largest McDonald's in Oklahoma on the way back. However, the kids were asleep and we could not wake them. Oh darn!!! On the eighth day we made it back home ...jiggity jig...until next time. Kelsey and Carter are counting the days and Carter finally got the last of the egg dye of his hands about a week later.