Kiddie Parade

Another long time running tradition in the Crandell family is the annual Kiddie Parade held during Oregon Trail Days. Every year growing up my sisters and neighborhood friends would come up with a lavish theme and make costumes for the kiddie parade. I was anything from one of the three little pigs to a Chinese princess. In keeping with tradition we have always added our own children to the parade as well. This year was Chase's first annual kiddie parade. He was an army guy with his boy cousins and the girl cousins were flowers. I am not sure he really understood or enjoyed this tradition but hopefully he will grow to love it! The kids even made the front page of the Star Herald which is the local newspaper. I hope to plan ahead next year and have a cute theme in which all of his cousins can participate. So be sure and keep posted for next years unveiling. By the way if anyone has any cute ideas please feel free to share.

Riverside Zoo

As a little girl I remember going to the Riverside Zoo and seeing the white tigers, feeding grape dum dums to the spider monkeys, and nearly falling into the pond with all of the scary sucker fish! Maybe not the fondest childhood memories but memories none the less. While visiting family this summer back home I decided Chase needed to make his own memories of the local zoo as well. Little did I know that my hometown zoo is not the greatest compared to the Omaha zoo which Chase has already visited. While not impressed by the animal exhibits he was thrilled with the recently added splash pad. Even the freezing cold water couldn't keep my little man away. He would sit and play until the water would stop for a minute or two when I would rush him to a waiting Grandma Ree and a nice warm towel to wrap him up in. However, as soon as he saw the water spurting again he would kick his legs and nearly throw himself off her lap. It was a fun time had by Chase and all of his cousins. Let's just say that Chase's memories of the Riverside Zoo will be completely different than my own.

Firework Frenzy

The 4th of July is a holiday not forgotten with the Crandell Clan. Every year our family gets together to celebrate the fourth in good old Gering, NE. What could be better than several adults and even more children running around playing with fire and explosives?!?!?!? It is also a time of year that Jonathan loves just as much as Christmas. We started this year off by traveling the few miles it takes to get into Missouri to buy the "good fireworks" as Jonathan would put it. We spent the evening as a family buying, lighting, and watching Jonny light up the night. I was worried that Chase would be scared but after a few loud bangs he was totally used to it and got excited watching the explosions of color. He even tried helping get things organized but Jonathan didn't like his little helper because he was afraid that his precious fireworks might get ruined. Chase's favorite were the little cheap ones that have the effect of a strobe light. I think it was because they were super bright without all the noise. Once in Nebraska we had to buy even more fireworks! We were able to make it in time for my cousin Justin's firework show he does annually on the third of July. Not only is it his favorite holiday but also his birthday. He put on an awesome show that was an hour long and was better than most professional shows. Chase just laid back and watched the whole thing. He would kick his legs in excitement and even let out a little giggle here and there.

On the fourth we got together at Jama's with all the Crandell's and the Allred's for a BBQ. It was great seeing everyone together again and we even took a typical Crandell Family Reunion picture. We made it through the evening with only a few minor burns but tons of fun and memories to hold on to. All in all this firework frenzy was one never to be forgotten!

Nebraska Trip '09

While we were in Nebraska this summer we celebrated the 4th, attended Livi's baptism, celebrated many birthdays, went to the zoo, played at the park, spent an entire night jumping in a bounce house, entered the kiddie parade, watched the big Oregon Trail Days parade, and had some great family bonding (family bondage as Jonathan would put it). It was great to have all the sisters together again with all of our families. Chase loved playing with his cousins and lit up anytime they were around. He truly loves being around other kids and is literally full of laughs and giggles when he watches them play. Next year he will be able to join in on the chaos instead of simply watching from the sidelines.

Some of my favorite times were:

Justin's firework show and the family fireworks

Watching Chase kick his legs and squeal in excitement at the fireworks

Having all the cousins sing I am a Child of God with Chase joining in

Bouncing in the bounce house with my sisters

Passing on my childhood traditions to Chase

Late nights playing games and visiting with my parents and sisters

Making my parents day by singing with my sisters in church even though we all dread it

We had a blast and were grateful for the opportunity for us all to be together and can't wait for it to happen again!