Two lucky boys!

Its no secret. The boys love, and I mean LOVE Jordy Christian. Ever since Nolan was 4 and met him at the state hockey tournament he has been the boys' favorite. He is in every way exactly how you want your own kids to grow up and be like one day. It'd be easy to say its because of his amazing hockey talent, or his upbeat nature, or the perseverence and determination he continually shows. But really, its because underneath it all he is all heart. He gives, unconditionally, and we are honored he continues to give so much of himself to our kids.

Nolan "Morneau?"

His team is even called the "Twins." And the way they have attacked most of their games, you would think a championship was on the line. They have been a fun team to watch and seem to be filled with team spirit. Its really a pleasure to see how they can actually not only field the ball but decide where to throw it and know it'll get to the other end and sometimes get caught for an out. In other word "real plays" are being made and not just talked about. And while they don't keep offical score they are sure they are "undefeated," or the score is Twins 26, other team 3.

All in the family.

Most everyone knows this trip almost didn't happen. Originally we were supposed to go to Illinois for a golf tournament... but the great flood of 2008 was a deterrent. And Rick had a last minute "yearbook crisis" that caused a few anxious moments. Then there was the increasing cost of gas to factor in as well as an elderly dog that would need some tlc while we were gone. But we were determined. And the payoff far exceeded any turmoil felt when we first set out.

I was so thrilled to see how Madi and Alex openly shared their home, their toys, their whole world with Nolan and Colton. They were very gracious hosts! And to watch Nolan and Colton embrace the adventure and truly relish each new experience... they just seemed to fit right in.

My brother swears this isn't true, but I don't remember him choosing to swim with as much zeal as I did when we were young... I recall him wanting to fish with his lake friends and go boating. He'd jump in the lake to cool off and then get out again. I however could spend an entire day at the beach! But to see him swim and be silly with all of the kids while we were there was a treat. And when Rick captured Nolan holding hands with Uncle Lee at Hershey Park I knew another bond had been strenghtened. Nolan and Alex were our devilish twosome while Colton and Madi were our gentle but bright spirits. And Aunt Kelly was the energetic head cheerleader... planning, organizing and maneuvering behind the scenes, making the overwhelming seem effortless and helping to pave the way for a truly magical experience.

Nolan's big thrill

This photo just begs for an entry all of its own... after the "medium" roller coaster that even I went on, Nolan bravely asked to go on the "Lightning Racer" which promised a little more speed. Not even Rick's very speedy camera could capture the look on Nolan's face... so the quality is poor but Nolan's look is priceless!

Whats better than an amusement park?

... an amusement park with a water park! Brilliant, I tell you... pure magic! After 3 hours of rides and just as we were about to melt we rounded a corner and suddenly it felt like we were at the beach! I so regret not having found my swim suit before the trip... but enjoyed watching the kids... and even became tempted to buy a new suit just to join in the fun!

Not so happy frog hopper

Fun with the Hershey Helds!

We had the best day at Hershey Park! Madi and Alex (my neices) graciously gave the boys their Hershey Park tickets that they had earned from their school... (thank-you girls!). We went on soooo many rides... there was a ride for all levels of thrill seeking (in the case of Rick and I not-so-much-thrill-seeking, in the case of Nolan and the Held's more-than-anticipated thrill-seeking). I'll try another slide show for more of the rest... but excuse my "fumbling" not-so-techy skills!