Wide-open country…and lots of it.

John Deere EVERYTHING…

not to mention mosquitoes, crickets, fishing, hauling hay, and COWS.  The boys have their very own cow named Sparky and every year she gets bigger.  They love Sparky, but she doesn’t want anything to do with them.  Still, they follow her around like lovesick puppies. 

The point is, we love visiting the land where “Grandma” grew up.  It’s a lesson in history for my two, sweet boys who love the country.  While we’re there visiting, it’s not hard to notice that “Grandma” is in her element.  I think if we’d all move back there with her, she’d be gone in a second.  BUT, she’d never leave us for Kansas.  She loves us a tiny bit more, I think.

So, every chance she gets, she talks us into a visit to her home.  AND, we tag along watching her soak it all in, breathe it deep into her soul to savor until she can return.  It’s awe-inspiring.  It’s not hard to see how she became who she is today.  It’s why we love her…

especially these two.

They get to explore it all from creek beds to riding in the farm truck to catching and frying up their own fish (yes, we did) to picking all-you-can-eat blackberries.  This time around Ty even came home with a big cow skull to add to our place.  Nice.

I’m so very thankful they have a grandma who truly loves to spend every second of her time sharing stories with them and giving them hands-on knowledge of who she is.  They will forever remember this and be able to share her stories with their own children.

This year we celebrated Independence Day (yes, this post is a bit late) for about two weeks.  Josh and the boys would set a handful of fireworks off each night before bed which was all leading up to the HUGE celebration/party we attend every year at the home of our good friends, the Wedels. (I left my camera in the car ON PURPOSE and it was nice to actually get to participate in the fun)

This year they rented a margarita machine, thanks Kristy.  I’ll be dreaming of that machine for weeks.

The point is after our party at the Wedel’s, we usually lay low for a week or so to recover.  BUT, this year, my folks and Josh’s folks wanted in on the action, too.  They don’t think it’s fair that we ignore them on the 4th of July for friends, fireworks, and LOTS of margaritas.    I do understand, which is why we decided to have a 4th of July bash at my mom’s house, too.

Instead of REALLY big fireworks, we decided on some of the fun, smaller stuff the kids could help light.  Who knew the men would be just as bad for those as they are for the big ones.  Just look at the TORCH Josh and the rest of them took turns carrying around.  Lord, help me.

We did have a great time and I DID bring the camera since the boys (the little ones) were in on all the action.  Here’s a recap.

Just getting started…

Do you really need a TORCH to light a tiny paper chicken?

The boys got to light a few.  Yes, I’m a bad mom.  I’m over it.

Even Carly and Will enjoyed the craziness…

Will a little too much, me thinks.

The rain sprinkles came and went more than once, so the umbrellas and towels were always nearby.  I just kept thinking it was a good thing since the men were trying to burn the house down.

Wes didn’t wanna miss something exciting by running to the potty.  I can’t really blame him.

The sparklers are always fun, too.  Although, Ty says it was more fun to light the short ones all at once and watch them burn on the sidewalk.  Whatever floats your boat, kid.

AND, we ended the night with homemade ice cream delivered to the scene of the destruction by Karri and Steve.  YUM!

We had a TON of fun!  Wes is still asking why we can’t buy more fireworks every night of the week.

Michael is my nephew.  He lives all the way over in Iowa, which seems like across the entire country from me.  I don’t get to see his sweet face very often.  This time around I was lucky enough to get to snap lots and lots of photos of his gorgeous mug!  He wasn’t really THAT excited, but I was giddy enough for both of us.  HA!

In case you haven’t noticed, he looks a bit like Taylor Lautner.  Don’t ya think?  Well, I do.

AND, since I’m smitten with the new movie and Taylor (He’s the HOT Werewolf in the Twilight series for those of you living under a rock), it was extra fun to get to shoot multiple photos of my dear, sweet, Taylor Lautner look-a-like, nephew.

[Yes, I do know that Taylor is about a million years younger than me.  It doesn't make him any less hot.]

Okay, so back to my dear, sweet nephew, Michael.  He’s completely and totally adorable in a quiet, shy kinda way.  He’s very subdued, but it’s really nice to see that these days when everyone else is going bonkers with piercings and tattoos and who knows what else (yes, even I have a tattoo – so no judgment there).  I like him just the way God made him.

I know he’s going to do awesome this coming year and will make a rather H-O-T senior.  So, watch out girls.  He’s looking good.  He’s the complete package!  We love you, Michael!

Here are my favorites!

Of course, these guys are pretty COOL all on their own.  At least, I think so. 

I love summertime.  In case you haven’t noticed, the blog has been a little quiet of late.  We’ve been doing other things.  Things like splash parks, swimming pools, and air shows.  This week we’re heading North to Kansas.  I’ll try to post from there some, but if I don’t make it, please forgive me.  I’m soaking up every second I can with these two.  Wouldn’t you?

Over and out, Dudes!  Happy Monday!

Awww, shucks…

We are ALL pretty excited about it, especially me.  I really hated having to lug Ty into town EVERY morning for a two-hour Pre-K class.  BUT, it was really great for him so we made it happen.  Now, we can loosen up and have a little fun, sleep in as late as we want (it’s been 10am for a few days now), and go to the zoo on any given day.  SPECTACULAR!

Plus, Grandma has a pool where we spend LOTS and LOTS of summer days.  Not too bad.

All that being said, I’m so proud of my little Pre-K man who grew so much this year, not just in size.  He is such a shy kiddo, loves his routines, and has a hard time loosening up around new folks.  Strange, because I’m a complete nut!  Right?  Well, not quite.  Back in the day, I was pretty shy myself.  No, seriously!

This year Ty has grown leaps and bounds.  He’s adapted to daily changes in routine, spiked his hair once or twice, worn socks outside his boots (really big deal!), and become VERY close to a couple of awesome teachers.

Mrs. Fournier and Mrs. Davis, we LOVE you both!  Thank you so much for helping Ty adjust to becoming a big kid and for making it easy on the rest of us in the process.  We appreciate you and all you do for children.  Ty will always remember you.  I know it.

On the last day of school, the Pre-K kids at Ty’s school get to have a picnic to celebrate.  It was hot, there were water toys, friends, and lots of snack food.  Even Grandma, Wes, and Daddy got to come.

It was perfect!

Because Ty had such an awesome year, Kindergarten is all he can talk about this summer.  He is counting the days until schools starts again.  He’s asking me all sorts of questions about how things work in Kindergarten and who his teacher might be when he returns.  He’s also really excited to see his Aunt Joanna daily (she’s the school secretary) and his Mom’s favorite buddy, Karri (who happens to be the Principal).  I know, I know.  He’s one lucky kid to have all those people around who love him.  It makes things pretty easy on me, too, thank goodness.

On the last day of Pre-K, Ty received a certificate of completion.  He’s VERY proud of it and showed it off to everyone he knows and loves.  It makes me smile.  I’m so happy he already loves school.

He’s such a big kid now.  It’s official.

Here he is on his first day of Pre-K.

Times are changing.

As Ty says, “That’s REALLY close to 100!”

Of course, he wouldn’t let us plan a party or do anything too exciting.  He’s sorta weird that way.  He likes to keep things simple.  BUT, we were still able to round all the family up for a birthday cake, a few presents, and a whole lotta storms!

Unfortunately, due to the storms, my gang of four had to leave a bit earlier than planned.  Remember, everything we own is sitting on 10 acres in a trailer house until our REAL house is finished.  Living in a trailer can truly change your perspective on storms.

I don’t think Dad minded too badly, though.  He was off to play with his new iPod Touch.  My sister already had it loaded with around 400 songs just for him.  She worked really hard on the project – even looked up the top 100 songs for the year he graduated high school.  Neat, huh.

As a whole, I’d say he celebrated in pretty good style.  He had all we can ever ask for…family, friends, food, and fun!

“Hey, Wes!”  “How old are you?”

“I’m three!”

As he keeps coming closer, he’s getting more and more excited.  “Mom, I said, I’m three!”

Technically, in these photos, he’s holding up six fingers.  I told you he gets excited about it.  One hand is simply not enough to convey the emotion of being three.  You need two, I’m tellin’ you! (for the record, when Wes throws both sets of three into the mix, it really screws with Ty’s head…)

“Gosh, Mom…”  “You already know I’m three.”

“Wes, you’re so stinkin’ cute.”  “Show me your 3 again.”

“AAAWWWWW shucks, Mom…..”

Today was the first time I’ve had my camera out since Easter.  If you’ve been keeping up with me on Facebook or read my Easter post that’s been lurking here for a week, you already know I’ve been a little under the weather.  Not to worry, things are looking up.  Today was a great day!

So great, in fact, I actually sat outside in a camp chair watching my boys have a little fun.  You all know, I can’t possibly sit and watch someone, anyone have fun without snapping a few photos.  AND, thankfully, my camera wasn’t too far away.

Nothing like THIS mischievous grin to make me smile!

or this CRAZY giggle!

I’m telling you, even on our death bed, we Gurney’s are a barrel of laughs.  Just ask these two yahoos – who never fail to keep me on my toes and always have the big wheels rollin’….in EVERY sense.

Grandma (my mom) REALLY helps, too.  She’s kept my entire family fed for around two weeks now.  AND, she’s also the one who financed this BIG WHEELIN’ idea.

The boys were completely pumped!  AND, I was having so much fun watching them have fun, I let them SKIP nap.  THAT almost NEVER happens!

Of course, no great idea comes without a little controversy.  Leave it to Wes to cause a bit of disruption…

I guess he grew tired of riding and decided to put a few bumps in Ty’s path.  Unfortunately, his mama spotted his disruptive behavior before it became all out war.  “Wes.  Get the wheel barrow out of your brother’s way.”   “AWWWWWWWW.”  He moved the wheel barrow, dragging his bootie the whole time.

I’m pretty sure he showed me a little bottom lip, too.  BUT, in the end, a game of hide-and-seek saved the day….

and Ty just kept the Big Wheels turnin’.

Happy hump day!  I miss you guys…

I was not pleased.  For one thing, that means NO PICTURES.

All you photographers out there know this is not good.  Everyone assumes you’ll be the one with the camera, so no one else ever brings one.  It really stinks!

As soon as I heard I’d be on bed rest, I struck up a plan with my mom.  She agreed to host the party and I agreed to follow directions and be still.

I minded pretty well, and it allowed me to snap a few photos from the comfort of the couch and the backyard patio.  I’m happy with the few pics I got, even if I did lose it halfway through the party with a small emotional breakdown.

It’s really hard to be told you can’t chase your three-year-old around while he’s lugging his Easter basket looking for eggs.  It’s just not right.

These are PRE-egg hunt.  Our Easter Bunny always leaves goodies on our doorstep before the actual egg hunt.  This year he really delivered!

Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Squeakel and a cool dinosaur egg.  You can’t beat that!

My mom (the Easter Bunny) even found these really cool animal shaped balloons that are made perfectly for small kiddos.  They can be blown up over and over by using their long easy-blow nose.  Sounds weird, I know.  BUT, they were SUPER COOL!  The boys are still toting them around!

And, believe it or not, I even saw Mom holding her camera during the festivities, which means there are more Easter photos coming soon! 

Coloring eggs before the hunt begins…

AND, checking out the loot afterward.

I’d say it was a great Easter!