Uncle Chucks

We took a little weekend trip to Springfield this past weekend. You are probably wondering what in the heck is in Springfield....and the answer would be Uncle Chuck! Okay, he isn't actually our kids' uncle, but he certainly plays the part. Number one: he is fun. Number two: he teaches them inappropriate things. See-total uncle status. We have been saying for about two years that we needed to visit him, and it was actually Douglas this time, who after realizing we had nothing on the calendar, said we should plan a trip. I am so glad we did. 

We actually hit the road earlier then planned Saturday morning. Go us! The kids were pumped; we were only to Shumway when Aug asked if we were there yet. We passed the time by jamming to our favorites: Dixie Chicks, Dixieland Delight and The Git Up. When we got there we explored Chuck's house and then went to eat our fill of Horseshoes. When in Springfield! I am happy to say I treated myself to two horseshoes over the weekend. Emery Kayt is following in my footsteps and devoured her own. Proud of you! After our big lunch, Bennett napped and the big kids played with Chuck's puppies. All four of them. 

That afternoon we went to a pumpkin patch...full of Christmas trees. 

Seriously. Where were the pumpkins?

We will have to go back this winter. 

The kids ran around and played while the clouds got closer and darker. 

Luckily, we ducked inside a building with free apple cider and popcorn to ride out the rain.

The rain stopped our pumpkin patch fun, so it was on to plan b. Next stop-Sheels.

You can't not sit on Abe Lincoln's lap when in Springfield, right?

I had never even heard of a Sheels before Saturday, but it was huge and awesome. Think sporting goods store on steroids. 

I debated putting this picture on here, but this is true life; it made a not so funny moment funny. Poor Bennett Baby has been having lots of tummy issues (and lots of blowouts). When we arrived at Sheels, we were met with a mess, so into the bathroom he and I went. Things were going fine when all of a sudden Bennett wiggled and out came allllll the paper towels. Who put the motion activated paper towel dispenser there!?! They just kept coming, Bennett couldn't decide if he loved it or hated it, and I did what any good mother would do, took a picture. 

After the paper towel incident, we rode the Farris wheel. This place has a Farris wheel! The kids loved it. I tolerated it. You don't realize how wiggly your 4 year old son is until you are stopped at the top of a Farris wheel. 

We explored the whole store, stuffed animals and all. I call this picture "Oblivious Bennett and the Really Scared Big Kids". That night Chuck grilled a yummy supper and the kids watched a movie. Everyone slept so good. Again, go us!

Sunday morning we played with the puppies more and packed up. Bennett is our animal lover. He was either trying to kiss the dogs or have them sit on his lap the whole time. Em and Aug usually take a little big of warming up to them, but by the end of the trip they were begging to walk them and hated to leave. I am just glad they didn't eat any of our stuffed animals the kids packed along. They did however eat Em's socks....we think. 

The weather was gorgeous on Sunday, so Chuck took us to a huge park nearby. It was the perfect morning.

Look at this smile. This is Bennett. Can't believe my baby will be two this month!

We ran off all of our energy, ate lunch and hit the road at nap time. Bennett got the memo and slept, the other two did not. Emery would have slept, but Auggie talked non-stop all the way home. It is amazing how much he can talk.

We came home ready to crash but randomly got lots done. I went through Bennett's clothes to store away everything that is too small and went shopping in Auggie's closet because lets face it, they are the same size. Doug cleaned out the fish tank that we had been neglecting (you're welcome Rainbow) and the kids and I decorated for Halloween. Clearance Halloween decorations from last year for the win!

It was a wonderful weekend at Uncle Chucks. Now we are looking forward to all this fall weather and a packed week. 

Happy Monday to all!