Reunion Day 4: Ambush Josiah Sip and See

On Saturday morning we caravaned in three cars up to my grandparents farm outside of Horton Kansas. I spent a lot of time there with Grandma Margaret and Grandpa Weldon during the summers and on holidays and I hadn't been back since I had kids. I can't believe it had been so long. There have been some changes to the farm over the years, but it is essentially the same.

As soon as we arrived we had an ambush sip and see for Josiah Dean! We didn't get to have a proper shower for Bethany due to time and distance, but we did a good job and sneaking up a cake, decorations and lots of presents. I really didn't do any work - it was the efforts of Aunt Anna, Aunt CJ, Aunt Kathy and my mom. I did, however, get Josiah a personalized baby blanket and picture frame with his birth stats that turned out very adorable. It was fun to celebrate with family that we don't get to see often like our cousin Sarah and her family, Uncle Mike and Aunt Teresa and Aunt Kathy. It was also perfect that we had a whale theme because Aunt Anna is passionate about Wild Orcas and keeping them out of captivity.

We love you Jo Jo and Chapman family!!

Reunion Day 3: Friday Night Family Picnic

One of the greatest things about Kansas City is the food and especially the BBQ. We had an Oklahoma Joe's feast on Friday night in the front yard. It was just our family and it was one of the highlights of the weekend. The kids played in the front yard, we visited with neighbors (of the 9 houses in the cul-de-sac, 5 are still the original owners so we have known them almost our whole lives. So good to see you Dan and Jean H., and of course Biff stopped by), Cadie caught lighting bugs in a jar, we stayed outside until it got dark enjoying each other and the Kansas spring weather.

We put the "For Sale" sign in the yard after dinner and there were a few tears - me included. This was an amazing place to grow up. Kick-ball in the cul-de-sac, walking to the pool daily in the summer, stick patrol before Dad would mow the lawn, the tree house, exploring the creek, sledding and riding bikes. I could not have asked for a more safe, fun and wonderful place to grow up. Thank you Mom and Dad for building a home and family for us at 9936 West 121st Street!

My favorites in the "silly" picture are Bethany dumping Josiah and Grant kissing Nathan.

Reunion Day 3: Grandma Jack Visit

Bethany, Courtney, Grant and I and all the kiddos headed over to Grandma Jack's house on Friday morning. We ate cookies and cereal, the kids played outside on the back patio and we all got a chance to hug and kiss Grandma. Meanwhile, Eric, Nathan, Ryan and Anna went golfing and my parents when to check out a condo on the plaza. Grandma loved holding the babies and introducing us to all her friends as they stopped by to see what all the commotion was about.

Reunion Day 2: Royals Game

The rain cleared up to make it a great night to watch the Royals beat the Cardinals. Colton and Josiah stayed home with Nina and Papa and had a baby pajama party! The rest of us enjoyed section 435 at Kauffman stadium. Ryan Gallet's two brothers and his mom joined us and the night flew by. Grant, JR, Cadie and I rode home in the Honda pilot with Ryan and CJ and we got caught in pretty bad traffic coming out of the park. We rolled down the windows and rocked it to Disney songs and Cadie, JR and Ryan may have also made some cow "mooo" sounds at neighbors with their windows rolled down. My stomach hurt from laughing. Cadie and JR stayed with us at the double-tree so that they could partake in the delicious breakfast buffet.
PS - Yes, Cadie did wear her pajamas to the baseball game. Also, she rolled up her pant leg for a period of time because her leg was itchy. I try not to get caught up in the details of her wardrobe selections. She always looks cute to me.

Reunion Day 1: Samuel 5th Birthday Party

We flew to Kansas City on Wed., June 4th to begin the Gullickson Family Reunion Weekend. It kicked off with a 5th birthday party for Samuel Thomas Chapman. We ate salmon and steak, opened presents and had yummy cat-in-the-hat cake. STC has the sweetest smile EVER! Happy 5th birthday!

It was also our first time to meet Josiah Dean, but he mostly wanted to sleep on his mama. That is pretty much his favorite thing in the world right now. He is adorable!

After the party the three big kids (Cadie, Samuel, JR) stayed at Nina and Papa's house and apparently there was a riveting story time in the basement. The rest of us enjoyed our rooms at the Doubletree hotel - compliments of my Dad. Thank you!

Cadie: Last day at Scofield 4K

Cadie finished strong at Scofield! She missed her last few days of school due to the KC reunion, but she wasn't sad about it.

Scofield Preschool Spring Musical: Obedient Bee