Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Family Reunion and 4th of July Fun

Two weeks ago, we traveled by plane to Bartlesville, OK for a Reusser Family Reunion. That is Jeff's Mom's family.

We stayed in a hotel, which is always a little more challenging with a toddler, because Connor never sleeps as well when we're in the room and when he's in a pack n play, and all of his meals are eaten out. This proved to be the worst part, since Connor didn't eat a decent thing all weekend. He lived on snacks and milk the whole time. It was hard to watch, but he seems to be back on a decent track now that we're at home, so it's alright to have a bad weekend every once in a while.

Overall the trip was a lot of fun. We got to see Gigi, Pagger Don, Margie, and Jeff's Aunt Shellie, Uncle Mike, and cousins Cory and Kelsey. We also got to meet Cory's fiance, who's wedding is in Kansas City at the end of July and we are attending that, so it was nice to finally put a face to the name.

The reunion was a lunch on Saturday afternoon, but when we first arrived on Friday night, we went to a place called the Kiddie Park. It's filled with miniature amusement park rides made just for little kids. This place has been around for years and years. Jeff even went as a little kid and he says the rides haven't changed a bit. It's a classic. Connor wasn't so sure at first, riding rides all by himself, but he got into it at the end. Of course having a celebratory ice cream cone (his first ever) wasn't bad either. We stayed at the park until about 8:30pm, so it was a late night for Connor, but he managed just fine.

The next day before the reunion we headed to the Philips Petroleum Museum to kill some time and also to try and find a plaque that mentioned Jeff's grandfather, Bob Reusser, who held 99 patents while working at Philips. We didn't find the plaque, but we did enjoy checking out the history of Philips. It was a pretty cool museum actually.

The reunion itself was held at a nice restaurant and a local BBQ place catered. There were about 40 people in attendance. Gigi had done a lot to plan for the reunion and I think it was a success. Connor got a little stir crazy after a while, but being the only little kid and not really having much to do, he did pretty well. Of course the sweet little boy was the star of the show.

That night, we all went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner and then back to the Kiddie Park. Connor was actually really excited to go again, and it was fun seeing him get into it.

We flew back Sunday and Connor did really well. It was the first time we had him in his own seat, and it was pretty cute seeing his little legs barely make it to the end of the seat. I'm sure it won't be long before they hang off the edge, but for now he is still a shorty.

For the 4th of July weekend, we were home and it was nice and relaxing. We didn't have too much planned, but we did manage to go to the pool, go to church, and attend a block party at a neighbor's house. It was fun and it made us appreciate what nice neighbors we really have.

We didn't see any live fireworks, because of the burn ban and we didn't want to keep Connor up that late (9:30pm start time for fireworks), but we watched some on TV. I also made a Roach Family tradition, which is an American Flag cake. It's yummy and patriotic. Of course Connor loved it. He is obsessed with birthday cake and calls for it almost daily. Oh no.

Well enjoy our pics. I can't believe it's already July. This summer is flying by.


Connor in his own seat on the flight to Tulsa. He is living the motto "safety first" as he reads the safety instructions for the plane. Ha!


Reading and opening tabs on his Chuggington book.

A happy plane traveler with snacks of course.


When we arrived on Friday, Connor took a really short nap and then was up and ready to play trains on the window sill of the hotel room.


Gigi thinks her grandson is funny. Connor usually thinks he's funny too.

At the Kiddie Park, Connor rides his first ride, the horse drawn carriage. He was definitely not pleased with this ride, but it was his first ride, so we hoped he would start liking it more.


Riding a tractor on the second ride, seemed to really help him warm up to the Kiddie Park. He didn't crack a smile, but he seemed to enjoy this a lot more. He is just a serious amusement park rider.


Taking a turn around on a tractor.


Riding an emergency vehicle. I think he thought he was actually driving. It was cute.


Riding the rocket and having fun.


On the carousel with Gigi. He liked riding the neigh-neighs. Gigi said he talked the whole time.


No, he isn't being punished, he's on the mini ferris wheel.


Connor's first and definitely not last ice cream cone.


Heading into the Philips Petroleum Museum.

Standing in front of an old Philips oil wagon. Can you tell in this picture that Connor is crying. The poor guy had just taken a tumble. So sad.


Connor and Daddy look a little like twins here.


At the reunion.


It was a bit difficult keeping Connor entertained at the reunion. We played with trucks and balls and had snacks. Here he is reading his book.


Here is Jeff's cousins, Aunt, Uncle, and then our family.


At dinner, the servers sang happy birthday to someone in the restaurant and we all had to clap. Fun times.


That night at the Kiddie Park, Connor got to ride the neigh neighs with Gigi and Great Aunt Shellie.


Riding the choo choo train with everyone. He is also enjoying his first ever lollipop. Is he spoiled or what?


Everyone watching Connor ride the rides. It was really fun to watch him.


Connor got cozy with a cute little girl in the boat. It was so funny, because he was snuggled up close to her even though he had more space on his right. Ha!

Connor flying high in an airplane. He couldn't lift the propeller himself so we paired him with an older boy who knew how to fly and away they went.


Our Yo Gabba Gabba setup on the way home. What a lucky little boy.


Having some fun this past week playing at a McDonald's playground. It's fun, because the playground equipment is all low to the ground so he can climb around and then come back to the table and snack on some food.

In Jeff's car, Connor likes to have the window open so he can wave his hand in the wind.


Hanging out at the pool 4th of July weekend. Here Connor is showing off his new floatie. It works great, because unlike a life jacket, it doesn't just make him fall flat on his back and it gives him plenty of mobility, and he can actually float on his own. It's adorable to see him float in the water.


On Saturday night, we went to a neighborhood block party. Connor partied hard until nearly 9pm. The good thing was, we could put him down at home and listen to him on the monitor since the party was so close to our house.


The traditional Roach family American Flag Cake. It's cute and tasty too.

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