The Nichols Nest

This was probably Morgan's only chance to go back to Kansas for Neewollah, since she'll start school next year. So she and I set out on the 21st to enjoy some time with Grammy and Papa (and Meemaw, since she just moved to town). It was a 12 hour drive, and she only slept for an hour - max...she puts the blanket over her face when she's tired. She was an excellent traveler.

Once at Grammy & Papa's, she enjoyed riding her bike on a flat driveway and street. It was almost a daily treat.

Papa tried to take advantage of nap time, but neither one ended up sleeping.

More bike riding.

My dear friend, Lilly, came up from Tulsa on Sunday to spend the day with us. Here, she's found Morgan's "chicken legs" - and Morgan loved it!

Then we took Morgan to the park/zoo where we spent about 3 1/2 hours having so much fun. First up was Kiddie Land.

The Shoe

Crazy wind-blown hair!

Elephant Slide

Morgan wasn't sure about sitting up so high on the rhino, so Lilly saved her.

Morgan wasn't scared of the hippo or gorillas, though.

On to feed the ducks - 25 cents gets you this much food.

We were so lucky and happy to find out that the train and carousel were running.

25 cents to ride the train - can't beat that!

First ride, Morgan chose near the middle - Lilly and I enjoyed it just as much as she did!

Second ride, the caboose.

On to the carousel - 5 cents per ride. We all rode the first time, but my head couldn't take more, so Lilly trooped through about 2-3 more rides with her.

Playground time, a new airplane.

Lunch at Braum's - the best ice cream place in the world!

Just a few shots of little Morgie and her babies.

Neewollah food stands opened for lunch on Wednesday, so we were there...philly steak sandwiches and fresh squeezed lemonade!

Before we went downtown for the carnival rides, we went out to the Pumpkin Patch.

Starting the maze...found a wandering pup!

Picking out pumpkins is hard work.

Unless a kitty shows up, then it's fun.

Found: hitch-hiker!

Carnival Time! We spent both Wednesday and Friday nights at the carnival until nearly 10PM.

The swings were one of her two favorite rides, she'd just put her arms up in the air, close her eyes, and smile.

The ONE ride I rode with her - the Ferris Wheel.

I convinced her to come sit with me so we could cuddle up to try to stay warm.

Back to the swings.

Second favorite ride - the Go Gator. Again, she'd raise her arms up and just cheese really big the entire time.

Thursday playdate with Brooke, Jane, and Jay Carroll - the kids (and Moms) got along so well that it lasted about 6 hours! We had so much fun we forgot about taking pictures until we were getting ready to leave...oops!

All tuckered out, she fell asleep within 15 minutes of getting home!

Josh, Sammie, and Grant came in town on Thursday night. Here Grant is showing off one of his new found talents - take the candy out of the dish, put it back and clap and cheer, "YAY!"

Grant wanted Papa's sandwich.

Lunch with Grandma Patti & Papa Larry. They drove down from KC just to have lunch with us and watch Morgan walk in the Kiddie Parade! It was a wonderful visit, though a tad short.