Kentucky!

This picture of Abby pretty much sums up our trip to Kentucky this year! EXHAUSTING!!! BUT man oh man, did we have a great time! We started our trip by driving to my Mom and Dad's. It's only 10 hours to my Mom and Dad's house, 12 to Greg's Mom and Dad's, so we usually take a break in Louisville before heading to Halfway (where Greg's from). We had a great time in Halfway. We got in a lot of cousin time, lots of go carting, power wheeling, fishing, boating, water fun, Mammoth Cave, etc. We packed a lot into four days!! I guess we were too busy having fun that I forgot to bring out the camera this trip. I know there have been other trips where I forgot to take pictures at my Mom and Dad's so I guess it all evens out!

When we got to my Mom and Dad's, Mom had a huge list of things we could do. Everything from the pool to museums to the state fair. We decided this year we wouldn't waste a single day of their staycation and filled everyday to the brim. One of the first things we did was head to Holiday World! What a great place! Very clean, free sodas and a lot of fun!

Abby and Joel enjoyed the canoes!!

After Holiday World we made the trek up to the Creation Museum in Hebron, Kentucky. WOW, what a great place!! At first we were a little apprehensive about going. We weren't sure if it would just be some religiousy, whack job kind of place. I can assure you that it is not. The museum and surrounding grounds are BEAUTIFUL! The exhibits are extremely well done. The entire place is very clean and very kid friendly. We learned so much. I love going to museums with Greg. He is a natural teacher and the boys love listening to him explain things. A++++ experience! If you go to the museum, be sure to stop at the GAP factory store an exit or two up the road. It can be hit or miss, but I got a couple of great maternity shirts for a dollar a piece!

My sister was able to go on a lot of our excursions. My boys cannot get enough of her boys! Here Joel and Levi pose for a picture with a dinosaur. Can you believe that Joel is 14 MONTHS older then Levi. I need to feed my kids whatever she is feeding hers!!

Abby and Gigi!

Abby was pretty ticked that we didn't put her right on this dinosaur. She's quite the poser, huh?!

After going to Lakeside, the best pool EVER, and having a lazy day our last "fun" thing was the Kentucky State Fair. Here in Northern Virginia you don't hear a lot about the state fair but in Kentucky the state fair is a BIG deal. I actually heard one Mom tell another that the local schools were giving the kids one excused absence to go to the fair. Can you tell Kentucky is still an agriculture state!! LOVE IT! In this picture the boys were rolling their own bee's wax candle.

Of course no trip to the fair would be complete without milking a cow! If you have a keen eye, you might notice that in the last three blog posts Gabe has had on the same outfit. I promise he has others. This one must be one of his favorites!

Ethan and Gabe!

Greg enjoying a heart attack in a box Krispy Kreme burger. Yes, you read that right. A cheeseburger sandwiched between two Krispy Kremes. I did have a bite and it was pretty darn good! The food is by far my favorite part of the fair and the vendors did not disappoint. YUM!!!

Abby takes after her Mother in many ways, including her love of corn dogs!!

Ready to scoot around the police safety town!

After more memories then I could count we packed up our things and headed back to Virginia. I shed quite a few tears as we pulled out of my parent's neighborhood. Mom and I have plans to try to make our "staycation" an annuel event. The beauty of homeschooling has meant we can go back to Kentucky when all the Kentucky children are in school. It is awesome to enjoy Louisville, Bowling Green and the surrounding areas without huge crowds.

On the way back to Virginia we introduced the kids to Steak n Shake. It was a hit!!

Abby never misses a chance to dress up!

Ethan

Gabe and Joel

Where's Sam?! Oh that's right, he was in the bathroom throwing up. No trip to Kentucky would be complete without someone throwing up! C'est la vie!

As we prayerfully put in our 300 choices for assignments we tried our best to get closer to "home". Greg and I love Kentucky and hate that we have been over 1o hours away for over 10 years. Hoping the Lord has plans to bring us closer soon. Until then, I can't wait until next summer!!!