Panicking just a bit

My sister-in-law took this picture--- notice the escapee..

A few weeks ago, my sister-in-law invited us to go to a Springfield, Missouri minor league ball game. We were really excited to have a night out with our family and to enjoy some time with Sean’s family. Even better there was fireworks show scheduled after the ballgame and I always love watching my kids watch fireworks. Easton has a priceless reaction that makes anyone smile. He just loves fireworks. The last inning was coming to a close and we were all getting excited to conclude our evening…but then the bird came. You know that “stupid” (excuse my language) mascot that games have that dress up. I used to like those stupid mascots. I was THAT parent who was trying to encourage my kids to go meet that stupid bird. Easton was the most excited. He had his eyes glued on that stupid thing. That stupid, stupid thing. The kids (and I) were all yelling his name so we could all meet him. The stupid bird must have good hearing because he made his way in our direction. The kids were trying to meet the stupid bird and we were attempting to snap photos of them. Sean then asked me…where was Easton? I just assumed he was with the other kids waiting in line to meet the stupid bird, but turns out…he was not. He apparently lost track of the bird as it sat down to take photos and walked right past the stupid thing. By the time we realized he was gone, Sean’s brother looked up and saw the very tip of our little guy’s head as he was slipping away at the top of the stairs into the general public. The guys all ran up there to grab him and he was gone. I ran up there, thinking well he is probably just on the playground…but he was gone. We looked everywhere in our section…row…by….row. He was gone. How could this happen with 8 adults together. How could this happen when our little guy was once boxed in by everyone and now he was gone. I alerted a sheriff and she radioed all of the security with his description and his name. I realized he can’t talk. He can’t tell anyone his name. What good would that do? They shut the doors to the stadium, not allowing anyone out. We were racing against time. Soon the game would be over, the lights would be off, and the fireworks were about to begin…then a mad rush of people would be exiting the stands. Sure enough, as soon as the radio alert went across the air, the lights shut off. We couldn’t see anymore. Sean got out his flashlight and started looking in every corner. All of the guys were out looking. We were all panicking. I ran up to the grand tier so I could hopefully look down once the lights were back on. I was sick to my stomach wondering if he was scared, not knowing what to do. Would someone realize he was a lost little guy? By the time I got back down to the main level I was in a complete panic sick state. Everyone was now looking for me, as they wouldn’t let Sean claim him, because he wasn’t the one to report him missing. A sweet lady, who our family knows, found him in the stands, he was apparently trying to find his way back to us. She brought him to security and they were waiting for me to claim him. Talk about the most frightening feeling for a parent. We turned our backs for two seconds to take a picture of our other kids and he was gone. All in all we had a nice time with the family, if only we could erase that portion of the night.



If anyone has tried any bracelet or necklace thing, that they would recommend for kids for ID purposes when attending large events….that would be great if you could pass that information along. I am heading to Disneyland with the girls this fall and I am just a little nervous now.

Lincoln Children's Zoo and country road snapshots

One of our favorite places to go is the Lincoln Children's Zoo.  It is small enough that you can get through all of the exhibits in about an hour and a half.  It makes for a really nice after nap time activity...because hardly anyone is there...and because since they close at 5pm, you can use that as your excuse for having to leave so soon and not stay too long looking at each animal.  There are quiet a few kid friendly stops along the way including a sand pit, pony and train rides, a spider web climber, rock wall, playground, and a dinosaur dig.  There are quiet a few trees covering the paths, so it feels like you are just taking a stroll in the park.  I love this place!  Here are few pictures from our recent visit to the zoo....and a few other stops on the way home.

Way too cold....

Buffalo at Pioneers Park

Family....not the best...but I tried.

A look back and forward!

This school year has been great!  We have had so much fun as a family learning, exploring, and trying new things.  At the beginning of the school year my goal was to have fun with the kids…and have them learn at the same time.  I think my mission was accomplished.  Our main goals for Jocelyn was to focus on the Bible, reading, and math.  I think she has done pretty well in those areas.  For Katelyn we wanted her to work on basic Bible stories, writing, beginning math, and reading.  She has blossomed into an excited little learner.  Our goal for Easton, was to take part in our activities and just take it all in.  I am even more excited for next year as the kids will continue to learn new things and we will be joining a coop with a few local friends.  In some ways I am excited to have a little break over the summer, but I am eager to get the new school year rolling.  Lots of planning to do over the summer, as I am still trying to narrow down what curriculum…if any…I will be using for Jocelyn as she enters into 1^st grade!  Eeek!  She is getting so big!

Here is a review (in pictures) of a few fun things we worked on this past school year!  Enjoy and have a great summer!!

Had to include our new arrival in the mix!

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