The Cove Week

We had two field trips this week and Tatum had a Mommy and Daughter night out.

Monday we took a trip with some friends from church to Louisburg, Kansas to visit Cedar Cove. This was our first time visiting and the kids enjoyed themselves. Cedar Cove is an organization that takes in endangered large cats, like tigers and lions. Since our group was so large we were able to get a private tour. Tatum asked several questions and had many comments which is true to her personality. For example she told the tour guide, "I know why you can't get into the cage with the lions...because they are wild." I was secretly hopping she would have said, "I know why you can't get into the cage with the lions...because they would literally rip your head off." Of course she is a little young to start quoting Anchor Man. Her Daddy will be proud when that day arrives. Back to being serious, it was fun and we learned some interesting facts about tigers. We passed the blueberry patch along the way, which Eli pointed out! So now we have another field trip to schedule.

The highlight of the week was going to Splash Cove in Shawnee. The kids have been waiting for this day for almost a year. I'm not exaggerating! Last July I told them we would go the water park down the street from Grandma Cindy's. We got all loaded up full of excitement and anticipation only to be turned away. Because we were not Shawnee residents we could not use the park. That was a first! It is not very often that city government turns away money!

Friday morning we got loaded up again and hit the road, this time we stopped and picked up Grandma Cindy. They have since changed the rules and now accept money from those outside the city of Shawnee. It was still fun to spend time with her anyway.

Here Grandma Cindy and the kids are having fun in the wave pool.

The splash park was really fun and perfect for little kids. I did not see any section with water deeper than 3 feet. They did have a swim lesson area that might have been a little deeper, but it was off limits. Eli was on the edge of being a little old and bored since he is becoming a better swimmer, but I think he would be excited to go back another time.

Evan Patrick was able to handle the water slides by himself. Eli encouraged him one time and then I just stood back and watched him go down the slide at least 2o times.

Eli (and his new Mohawk) going down one of the slides.

"That was AWESOME!" Tatum's words and expression after having the teapot dump gallons of water on her.

The 40 minute car ride home was true bliss, they all fell asleep! After we got home they rested a little longer which is good because Tatum still had more fun in store.

Mommy and Ms. Resa took Tatum and Elena to Theatre in the Park to see Annie. I was excited and was looking forward to the night probably a little more than Tatum. I was trying to explain to her that when I was little Annie to me was like High School Musical or Hannah Montana is to her. She was looking forward to the night because she truly does like the movie Annie. After I introduced her to the movie she watched it everyday for a couple of months. She is familiar with the show and most importantly the songs.

Tatum all dressed up and ready to go...
Ms. Resa bought the girls cotton candy. I believe this was Tatum's first taste to the sweet treat.

The performance was entertaining and the evening was comfortable despite the 90+ degree day. With all the splash park fun earlier Tatum was ready to go before intermission, but she was a trooper and made it to the end. It's a good thing she did too. The girls got to meet one of the actors from the show. They got to meet Sandy (Annie's dog)...are dogs are considered actors? In my book they are, so it was a good end to a fun day and night.