vacation 2013, part NE...

Next state, Nebraska!  It may be obvious who we were going to visit in Nebraska, with my brother, sister-in-law and niece living there, but we made one other stop before we got to their house.  My cousin Marshall and his wife Sarah and daughter Norah moved to Omaha, NE at the beginning of the year, and we took this opportunity to stop and see them!  We first met at a park and let the kids play and burn off some energy.  (I forgot to take my camera out here, but trust me they were awesome and adorable. =)

Then we headed for supper, girls in one car, boys in another.  Grace was super excited to ride with Norah

Five Guys!  And Henry LOVED Marshall - they were big buds and hammed it up all through supper.

Kids enjoyed coloring as well as eating while we sat and talked.

cousins!  =)

After taking photos of the kids together, Sarah asked if Grace could take a picture of us adults.  This was her first attempt.

Second attempt was much better. 
Thanks for meeting up with us guys!  We are so thankful for your loving family!

Then we were off to Marcus and Amy's.  The kids could hardly wait the little over an hour drive - I think we heard more "Are we there yet?  How much longer?!"'s during that stretch than the whole trip so far!  And when we got there this awesome welcome awaited us...

So we got there Friday evening, and were going to stay until Saturday morning.  Since we had been in the car quite a bit since Thursday, Marcus and Amy planned just a hang out day on Saturday.  Which was just what we needed!  We talked, the kids played.  Repeat for hours.

Henry enjoying some snuggle time with Uncle Marcus after his nap!

We did take a walk later in the afternoon with all the kids in their crocs.  Super cute, but we had to stop every 2 feet to get gravel or rocks out of them.  =)

Saturday night the menu was Uncle Marcus' famous pizza!  Each of the kids got to make their own little one.  Super yummy!  We attempted to watch Ratatouille as well, but Willem had issues and we just won't talk about that one.

 Sunday morning twirly girls!

After church it was time for group photos.  Look at these adorable cousins!

And funny faces were apparently a theme with our kids this trip. ;P

our family!

the Roskamps!

"can I push the button?"

Sunday afternoon we got naps in and played on the playset by church.  Evie wasn't quite sure what to think when Uncle Steve sat down to swing with her!

 Sunday evening, Marcus and Amy's church had a special outing at the Lincoln Salt Dogs baseball game.

We hadn't made it to a Twins game yet this summer so it was great to sit outside and watch baseball.

Especially on such a beautiful evening!

The highlight of the night for Willem (besides wearing his awesome storm trooper shirt), was when he caught an ice cream bar that they were throwing in the crowd between innings!

Monday we had planned to go into Lincoln for the day and go to the zoo.  The weather changed our plans a bit.  It rained hard over the night on Sunday and continued through Monday and the roof that was being replaced at Marcus and Amy's church started leaking and they had a lot of damage and water to clean up Monday!  Steve and Marcus and Amy went over to help while I stayed with the kids and packed up.  When things were under control for the most part by lunchtime and Evie's naptime, we decided to head out.

Thank you Marcus and Amy and Evelyn for amazing hospitality and a wonderful time together!  

We love you!

Next...on to the farm in SW Minnesota!