while we were away

My parents have chosen to gift their grandchildren experiences vs toys for Christmas the past handful of years. Hallelujah. While Caleb and I were away this weekend, Gigi and Papa certainly had some fun in store for our kids. On Saturday they traveled to the Explorit Center in Aurora and had a blast! They enjoyed lunch out then drove back to Grand Island to Studio K Art Gallery where they each created several masterpieces. Next they went on an adventure to spot beautiful painted wings on buildings around town, interactive art officially called Wings Across the Heartland. Example: Chicken Coop restaurant showcases chicken wings on their exterior bricks. Ha. The evening concluded with an always entertaining hibachi dinner. Sunday morning the kids joined Gigi and Papa at church then went out for a big breakfast at Perkins.

[activities photos courtesy of Marlene]

When we arrived back to the farm it took the kids a full hour of excited, fast-paced recounting of events and showing us their Explorit Center souvenirs [click here] to cover all their fun times with Grandma and Grandpa. I will never take for granted the time and effort it takes to plan and implement these kinds of experiences. Not to mention my parents are flat out rock stars. So many memories made!

One of us may have needed a quick snooze before driving the 4.5 hours home.

Lots of love for Sweetie Pie the cat.

Simon and family, who live one mile from Mom and Dad, always make an effort to stop by and chat when we are there. It is very much appreciated.

Headed home with a body bag of popcorn.☺

Fast forward to being home a week and the kids sending their grandparents thank you cards for their fun time together.

After another week they received a big package from Gigi and Papa that had their finished paintings that initially had to stay at the art studio to cure.

They can hardly wait to hang their masterpieces in their rooms.❤