Even though these 2 had never met in person by the end of the week they were like brother and sister - fighting and all!
The boys golfed one morning so Katie and I earned our freetime and got pedicures. While we were out the dads took the kids to the park.
That night we meet Brad's other cousins Erin and Meghan for supper. They live about 2 hours away in Indianapolis. We didn't get to see them for long, but were glad to be able to hang out for at least a little while. The kids all had a blast!
We spent Tuesday at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. It was a great day and a really great zoo!
They have a new African exhibit where you can feed the giraffes. They were close enough for us to touch and even feed. I got to do it since Teagan was a little concerned about their freakishly long tongues! So cool!
Tate went on his first sky ride. A little scary for mom, but he loved it!
Photo op! It always amazes me that we take so few family pictures.
Carousel ride. I failed to add the picture where I am actually sitting on the rhino with Tate. I would never live that down!
They had a great little log ride in the Australia section. The kids loved it - especially Brad rocking the boat and then almost being attacked by a black swan! For real - it was hilarious!!
Our last night we went to the new baseball stadium in Fort Wayne. It is awesome! There inflatables for the kids, lawn seats where the kids could run around, and of course stuff for the parents!
The parents.
This is Brad's cousin, Joe. So the 3 girls are his sisters and he still turned out pretty good! Tate and Teagan both fell in love with him and he was awesome with them!
So after the game kids (and parents) have the chance to run the bases. Teagan was excited, Tate had no idea, but loves to run. Here they are waiting.
Good thing I got a picture before they ran because I could keep up with Teagan. She was passing everybody! Plus my zoom stinks!
Here she is after finishing. They have a camera set up at home plate so you can see yourself on the jumbo-tron. It was really cool!
Here come Tate and Brad.
The mascot is the "tin caps". Not sure exactly what that is, but he was pretty cool. Tate, on the other hand, was not so sure! This picture is priceless!We had an amazing time and are kicking ourselves for not doing it sooner. Thanks again to Nick and Katie for putting up with us. Brad and his family have always been close (even if not by distance), but they have always welcomed me into their family and they are all great people. We are working on making this a yearly tradition. Next year - Williamsburg. Great! I better start planning now!
Now that I am home I have a huge list of things I want to do before summer is over for me. Don't worry - I will keep you posted!!
I wouldn't have to pack according to how much space I have in the van or worry about finding enough stuff to keep them busy during the ride. Can you imagine traveling like this all the time? It would be nice, but I am living a pretty good life the way it is!
Love it and just in time for vacation. Oh well, we will get plenty of use out of it when we get home! Have a great weekend everyone! 
What's the damage you ask? It is hard to see in the pictures, but trust me you can see it plain and clear.
By the morning they were back to normal and Teagan had
You might be wondering why I took a picture of a random sippy cup. Let me tell you, this is no average sippy cup. This cup was handed to me by Teagan just minutes ago. Not unusual, but when I asked her where I got it she told me she found it here (Tate is verifying this is where it was!)
The kids and I spent the afternoon at the pool yesterday. Aunt Beth was nice enough to come with and hang out with Teagan while Tate and I hang out in the shallow end. 
Tate loved the fountains.
So did Griff.
Tate was cracking me up with the fountain. He was trying to fight it. Such a boy!
Grandpa was all about helping the kids. I am so amazed at how much more hands-on he is with the grandkids. He is pretty great! After bubbles (and a major concrete faceplant by Tate) it was off to home for a nap.
This is what happens when a toddler isn't ready to get up and is not in the mood for a parade. Not even the mention of firetrucks or tractors could get hime out of the funk. 
He was obviously fine once we got there. Hung out with Luke, Madox, and Gavin. Teagan raked in the loot while Tate just sat quietly and took it all in. Next year might be a different story!
He refused to look at me to take a picture. He is totally in control - as much as I like to think he's not!
Chillin'
Enjoying a sucker. You can see the aftermath of the concrete episode. Ouch!
Sparklers at Danny & Sonya's. Thanks for hosting - we had a great time!! This is the last picture of Teagan because she spent the rest of the night running around with Jayden singing about cowboys and Hannah Montana! It is a good feeling to know that your kids will always have good friends no matter how often we get to see them!
Brad thought Tate was ready for his first sparkler. I was not so sure, but he did well. One was enough though.
Tate, Griff, and Bailey enjoying the chairs.
All Tate wanted was a hug. He was ready and Demi was not! Smart girl!
It is great that the neighbors let us use the swingset. Tate and Griff climbed the slide many times.
Bailey is getting in on the action
Glowsticks - a toddler version of sparklers. Hey, whatever keeps 'em happy!
Tate and Carson "sharing" rocks from the landscaping. 
