A Snapshot of our Summer

The summer of 2018 was filled with trips, grandparents, family reunion, weddings, camp, work, soccer, softball, fishing and friends. Our lifestyle does not support the big family vacation instead we have the whole summer to enjoy each other. The days are flying by, truly, it all happens so fast!

Just days after school was out Nana and Papa whisked Olivia down to Branson with Cousin Levi and his grandparents, Uncle Lynn and Aunt Helen. The six of them had a great time. Olivia's report went something like this...

We ate, we saw some shows, we ate, we swam and then the grandparents took naps, we ate, we did some site seeing and we ate some more. I think she had a blast!

Gotta stop at the cheese store

Great Grandma from Mesa was in Omaha for about 10 days

You may be noticing there's no 4th of July pictures. Note worthy: the first year ever that Chris did not buy explosives. I was relieved at the thought of it but turns out we all were kind of sad. Sounds like next year the party is back on. 

The girls love spending time with Papa on the water

Cabin counselor Melanie

 Olivia's 7th Summer camp

The Raabe Reunion is always a family favorite!

In 20 consecutive years we have been to Kansas City, MO . Yankton, SD .  Lewisville, NE .  Some farmhouse in Iowa . Honeycreek, IA .  Ponca, NE .  Creston, IA (next year). This all began one June weekend in 1999. Emma was 4 months old and back in those days, the family wasn't too concerned about nap times, feeding times or baby comfort...boy how things have changed. Call me a pioneer mom if you want, I didn't have one of those fancy "strap-the-baby-to-your-chest-and-go" deals. I had to carry my baby and all the unnecessary crap in the diaper bag.
(Does it feel like I went down a bunny trail?) 
Baseball and Raabes have a tight connection. Back in the day, as the story goes, one of Grandpas brothers was getting married on a game day which meant two brothers couldn't make it to the wedding...gotta play in the game. Not sure that would fly now. ha!! So it makes sense that we all met in Kansas City for a day with the Royals. Emma was the only great grandchild of Warren and Sylvia Raabe (Ray-be) and I was the only "outlaw" grandchild.  Today we have 12 great grandchildren. Warren and Sylvia would be thrilled to see their big family.

Here are a few snapshot of the weekend.

Oldest and Second youngest

This family LOVES to fish

The 3 amigos

My husband's immediate family

Oma made a brief appearance. If she isn't traveling, she is cooking, cleaning and entertaining Larry. Be watching for a fall return. I can't keep up with her travel plans but I think another cruise is in the works before she heads south for the winter.

Last week we said good-bye to some sweet friends.

We met Brian and Krista before they were married and have done some real life with them. It's been good, it's been hard, it's been faith building and I am so thankful God put them in our bible study group 9 years ago. We love you guys!

We closed down our summer with a family celebration in the Old Market eating Sushi at Emma's favorite spot, Blue Sushi Sake Grill.

Nana wouldn't try it. 

Olivia still hates it but tried it again.

Reagan found one roll that she liked but ordered chicken.

Papa dove right in, trying two very exotic rolls and loved it.

Chris, Emma and I were in our happy spot.

And if you know Papa, we had to get Ted & Wally's ice cream afterwards.

Good-Bye Summer of 2018

I know! I know! Blogs with so many pictures lately but I really needed to catch up. Hopefully I will make time to blog in the mornings after quiet time or in the evenings after everyone is in bed. Don't hold your breath. 
Have a great weekend!