Mud Run Rainout and Ice Cream Freeze Off

Well - we had a lot of work on the back deck - it is almost done! No pictures to avoid scowling looks from Matt lol! Poor guy tore a tendon in his thumb (the doctor thinks) but has to be in a splint for 6 weeks. The deck looks great and Matt did a fantastic job. The rain continues to come and actually washed out the mud run obstacle course that we attend annually.

We went to Rock Bridge State Park to wait for the mud run to start (and the rain to pass)

While there, we learned the course was too damaged to run post-storms so we had to make alternative plans. We headed to Devil's Icebox to show the kids where Dad proposed to Mom many moons ago :)

Next we headed to Stephen's Lake Park to check out the lake and walking trail before lunch.

Silly Nola!

Brenner - what's up buddy?

There's our smiley guy!

Since we brought extra clothes for the mud run, we said "sure!" when the kids asked to run through the splash park!

Looks at that form!

These two are getting so big! Lunch choice was a bit dramatic but Nola finally won everyone over and we went to Cracker Barrel. Brenner protested (a lot) but then gorged himself on chicken and dumplings, mac and cheese, fries, carrots, biscuits, and Sprite. Don't ask where he put it all but all protesting stopped lol! Matt ate chicken fried steak, and Nola enjoyed biscuits, chicken strips, and fries. I guess everyone worked up an appetite!!!

Sunday was the United Methodist Men Ice Cream Freeze Off at church. 10 different flavors - and my lime sherbet took second place!

Soccer Camp and Wings over Whiteman

The kids went to Central Methodist University for soccer camp this week (no pictures). They had a ball - haha. They were very excited for the world cup tourney that was held - and Brenner's team (Jamaica)won! The prize was a CMU soccer jersey for each of the players.The full day camp really wore Nola out. On Tuesday, she fell asleep at 5:20 pm and didn't get up until I woke her up at 5:45 am!!!! Meanwhile, Matt was working on the deck with contractor Darrell (we went on the mission trip to Vieques together).

On Friday, Nola put her hands on some power tools and helped out the guys. Brenner was at Grandma Val's helping her mow. So the kids are busy learning life skills!

The progress by Friday evening. Matt got a crushed thumb in the process - still hasn't been to the doctor and it doesn't look good! Hopefully, Matt and Darrell will get this wrapped up this coming week if the weather holds.

Brenner has been into military planes and gear for a long time. So we thought that he would enjoy Wings over Whiteman at Whiteman Air Force Base. Although, 30 minutes from my home town, I had never been! The line to get in was long (the line runs off the picture in the background). It was a chilly morning but after about an hour, we made it into the base to meet up with Grammy, PawPaw Floyd, and Aunt Theresa.

Whiteman is home of the B-2 (stealth) bomber that came into the fleet in 1989 (celebrating 30 years this year). I remember as a kid these would fly over our house - but I had never seen one this close!

Matt and the kids in front of a warthog. It was amazing the number of planes and other equipment that you could get into!

We walked through this big bomber - so huge!

The air show started with the Army's Golden Knights parachuting.

The kids sat in a Blackhawk. The blades were so big - really amazing.

These were my favorites - four planes flying in formation doing all sorts of stunts.

Amazing how fast and close together they were flying!

Brenner getting some instructions from on of the crew.

Matt asking if he can have a jeep for Father's Day?! Bet you can guess the answer!

Boys and their toys.

Another view of the planes you could tour.

Our crew - it was hot once the sun came out but we had a great time! Neat experience for the kids to see.  Sunday was low key to celebrate Father's Day - Matt definitely deserved a bit of a rest!

Summer fun

We are having a great time being silly on these summer days. Brenner has had band in the mornings so Matt and Nola get some father-daughter time. We have also been thankful that the flooding has stabilized, but our neighboring communities still need our prayers as roads may be flooded until the fall!

Matt and Nola by the swollen Missouri River at Boonville. Nola looks different - more like me I am told! (I think that refers to the scrunched forehead!)

Our strawberries are still going strong - and we grew a little entrepreneur!

Splashing around!

This can only mean trouble......

My little pumpkin seed. Such a smart, brave, beautiful girl!

Dad comes up with the "fun" stuff. Riding a trash lid behind the ATV - yeehaw :)

I love to listen to Brenner play. His teachers say his touch is so delicate. Not an adjective you typically hear about our Brenner!

Nola wanted to cook and found a recipe for strawberry lemonade slushy. Very tasty and my Magic Bullet worked perfectly to help create!

Nola wanted to come to work with me on Friday. She busied herself but was getting a little restless so I gave her my phone to listen to KLove. After a while, I didn't hear her. When I poked my head around to the other side of my desk, this is what I found. Complete sweetness!

She also left me some awesome notes!

Ravens tryouts were this weekend. The clouds were gorgeous!

We said goodbye to our Sunday school class leaders (John and Nancy). They will be missed. So many great people in this picture!

 More silliness. Aunt Theresa introduced us to "Brola"- bahahaha!

God's Masterpiece and Soccerfest

Another busy week for the Parker clan. We had vacation bible school (called I am God's Masterpiece) in the evenings as well as 3v3 soccer practice for Brenner. I unfortunately went all week without a night at home (that finally happened on Saturday!!!!). Brenner didn't want to go to VBS after soccer but once he got there, he had a ball. The crew did a great job of making if fund + educational for all the kids.

Nola is in a red shirt on the front row. They had over 70 kids each night - amazing! Nola told me that they had some men singing "KLove songs" and that only her and another kid knew the words. I said sing it anyway, sweetie and she told me she did! Love her love of music.

Some of the crafts.

Friday Family Night of VBS. Gorgeous weather, delicious food, live music, and fun booths (magician, washcloth bunny rabbits, paint your own cookie, private canvas, potting plants) - the fun went on and on! It was also a bonus that our church (Nelson Memorial UMC) teamed up with the First Christian Church across the street!

Saturday we headed to Soccerfest 3v3 in Columbia. Brenner with some of his regular crew!

Nice settle, buddy! It was so hot on Saturday that Brenner's glasses kept slipping down from the sweat. Might be time for contacts or a fashionable head strap - lol (Brenner is sitting next to me and just said N-O.)

Brenner for the shot or a side lunge!

Another fun face from B. ;)

Brenner with the elbow to the neck.

Lining up for a shot - check out his fan base on the sidelines.

He shoots! 3 v 1 and he scores no less.

Nola resting in the shade eating some Kona Ice.

The boys went 1-2 but had a great time. They have played several years together now and are gelling better each season. Most will be back for the fall M3 but we are losing some to football - boo!

Grandma Val had to buy Kona Ice for the kids. Can't possibly tell the grandkids no :)