we decided pretty last minute to take a little mini vacation over some of spring break.
we didn't go far… Lawrence & Kansas City.
we stayed at my parents house…even though we told Annie we would go to a hotel… we never made it.
we started out with swimming at the Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center.
my kids were all so content to play on the diving boards that i bought myself some goggles from the front desk and swam laps for 30 minutes… and it was awesome.
i have never put on goggles before?! what is up with that?
it made a HUGE difference.
i kind of like swimming now. :)
then dinner at Chili's where annie ordered a half slab of RIBS… and ate them all!
the next day they chose to go shopping.
they really never get to do that with us so we agreed to go.
my girls were commenting on all the clothes and so happy to be there.
they tried on a bunch of clothes and shoes…each buying those shirts with their own money.
my boys left after no more than one minute.
i heard they spent most of their time at Nike and watching the games at Dave & Busters.
even though they said they wanted to shop.
i guess they forgot how awful shopping… with girls… really is.
because my girls took over an hour in just Old Navy!
we got a treat at the chocolate shop.
we picked up the boys.
we didn't eat at T-Rex.
but we looked around again.
it's a super long wait to get in so we went across the street instead.
to Sam's Club.
🙂
because when we have to feed this many people… it's what we do.
and they LOVED it.
the boys chose to get their own table away from us.
funny.
next stop was the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City.
this place is way cool.
i think we lucked out because it was sunday afternoon and it was empty.
seriously? shaquille o'neal wears size 23 shoes?!!
craig brought the car around since it was raining and freezing!
annie and talby were running up and down those steps to warm up.
the NEXT stop was SKY ZONE… an indoor trampoline park!!
this was my kids most favorite place they have ever gone!
they were all dripping with sweat when we were done.
and by we….. i mean them.
i have had five babies.
i do not jump any where at any time.
i can't even sneeze.
you know what i mean….
the next day…
i went out for a run by myself that i thought would be short.
i took a turn and it took me an extra 20 minutes to get back.
but oh well… i did it.
craig took the boys to shoot baskets at the gym and the ladies went to downtown lawrence.
i did some damage at Sarah's Fabrics.
it is the best fabric store in kansas, i am pretty sure about that.
if you disagree… plese tell me where else i need to go.
i love it because of the creaky wood floors and big windows too.
my mom shopped with the girls while i shopped for fabric.
then we met up to get lunch.
talby was sitting here with me and i said "Bill Self just walked into this restaurant behind you"
they girls were pretty excited about it and nervous to talk to him.
but together talby and annie got brave and walked over to introduce themselves.
(he is the KU basketball coach)
he was very kind and sweet to them both.
annie said (while touching his knee)
"do you know my brother?! His name is Scott Duerksen. He came to your camp last year"
he winked at me and said "there were a few kids that came to that camp."
i said "just a couple" (about 3500…)
but he said to Annie "i am sure i would remember him if i saw him"
she was so proud.
they couldn't wait to tell the boys who they saw!
there is always wrestling going on at some point in our day.
this is scott, talby and annie wrestling while craig doesn't even notice.
we tried to go to the Nelson Art Museum but it was closed.
more window shopping at the plaza since our musuem plan was shot.
dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.
then a decided to go see Oz the Great and Powerful at 8:25 for an 8:30 show.
afterwards they tried to run up the down escalators
and since we had the place to ourselves at 11 PM on a monday night we let them.
we went bowling on our last day.
the boys were relentless in trying to beat each other.
boys.
what is that about?
everything is a competition!
annie was most excited about the vending machine.
and we got to play the jukebox with all the popular songs they like!
taylor swift while we bowl was perfect.
all five in one shot!
that is a big deal…. they are a good group.
so proud they are mine.
it was snowing on spring break… all day long!
we left the bowling alley and went back to the trampline park again!
it's all they wanted to do.
we drove home late and everyone slept so hard.
such a good trip.
Maybe. JUST maybe… they are all old enough that we can do this vacation thing differently.
there is much less crying than there used to be.
and even less fighting.
but probably the key is finding a trampoline park WHERE EVER we go on vacation ever again.
trampolines = happiness to the Duerksen kids.
Teresa - I am so glad Bill Self was as nice in person as he seems on TV. I am so proud to call him our coach.
misty - What a FUN Spring Break!!! Tulsa just got a trampoline park & we can’t wait to take our oldest. I enjoyed every single photo & detail of this post. Makes me want to take a spring trip & do all of those fun things.
Carol S. - Happy Family = Happy Easter. Enjoy, loved the trip details.
melissa@joyineveryseason - your blog makes me happy … so much joyful contentment … and you made me laugh with the ‘can’t even sneeze’ … HA!
Kat - Wow that black and white pic of all five of them together is just beautiful.
Make sure you get that framed and on the wall. Love it!
Jessica - How fun! I admit I’m JEALOUS that you can take trips with no tears and no drama! I have two littles: 2 and 4. We are nowhere near taking those kind of trips yet…but some day! Looks like a kid’s dream trip! Thanks for sharing.
kelly - Beautiful family! Love the group shot:-) Totally inspired me to look for a trampoline park at the beach for next week, since our spring break will be a little cold as well!
(The story with the coach actually made me tear up. Am I a sap or what? But the sisterly pride combined with the generosity of the coach’s spirit were so sweet to me!)
Jeane M. - That was rather fun! Love the smiles and precious moments.
christy - Looks like an awesome spring break! Love the photo with all 5 kids.
You all need to plan at trip out West, to Phoenix. My sister owns a trampoline park out here.
Rach - I remember the first time I ate a half a slab of ribs all by myself! I was about Annie’s age and it was awesome. My parents said it was the quietest I had ever been at the dinner table.
Amy - Well, i just snorted out loud. Yes, I understand your trampoline dilemma. Boy, do I ever! And here’s what’s funny: I just started a Rebounding class at the gym. Ever done it? It’s a workout. On a trampoline. And I’ve seen some YouTube videos of people Rebounding, so casual…so fun. No, that’s not our class. It is some of the most intense workouts I’ve ever done! And let me just say….Poise pads and I have become BFFs. And I ain’t a’lyin’….. But if it trims my saddlebags, then BFFs we shall be.
lauren - i loved this….those are the best kinds of vacations….what a blessing.
and after 3 kids…i feel ya.
Mel - So many things.!! I had no idea trampoline parks existed, but now that I do I’m finding one! Also, SAMs club is the best place to take hungry kids to eat. Also, you have such a beautiful eye for capturing the details of your life. I just love reading your posts and seeing those details through your lens.
Alicia @ La Famille - i love fun trips like that…just easy and fun! 🙂
Amanda@studio1404.com - Love that you love all these wonderful places! I was born and raised in KC and take them for granted. WOW! What a great town! Your kids are DARLING!!!
stephtrow@yahoo.com - You were in KC at the Legends right by my house! Too bad I wasn’t shopping that day. I enjoy reading your blog because we live in the same state, you have a strong faith, are a great mom, and have super ideas and insights to the little things in life. Maybe I’ll run into ya next time you’re in KC.
Laura O - It is so weird to see you in all these places! I live in Lawrence and I have been to all of them. I agree Sarah’s is the best around! Skyzone is AWESOME!
Tiffany - Love it all Meg. Especially that photo of all 5 kids. What a wonderful family! Glad you had such a wonderful time!
Ashley - My favorite pic is the wrestling with Craig on his phone oblivious. So true over here too. So true. Love that shot.
Marci - Love, love, love your blog and this post! We are a huge basketball and trampoline family (boy into basketball and our little girl is a gymnast). What a cute story about the KU basketball coach. I had to share it with my son :-).
Beth Ann - (and moms with multiple kids, you can do it! I have had 3 kids and you just go to the restroom before and take a few breaks :))
Beth Ann - My kids and I LOVE LOVE LOVE SkyZone! They have one where I live. I do the SkyRobics exercise classes and love them! My thighs melted away, that was until I tripped and broke my foot and am waiting for it to heal, but I’ll be back! I, as an mid-to-late 30’s adult, want to have my next birthday there 🙂
Heather - I agree that Sarah’s Fabrics in Lawrence is the best!
Michelle from Australia - When we were in America in 2010, I was ill. And had to miss out on a lunch at The Cheesecake Factory 🙁 So when we came back in 2012, I made a direct line for dinner. At The Cheesecake FActory. And oh my goodness, it was wonderful. Worth waiting nearly two years for 🙂
jennibell - Wow! What a *perfect* spring break 🙂
Angela - I would eat at Sam’s over T-Rex Cafe any day of the week! It is way overpriced for the quality. Count yourself lucky for a long wait to keep you from eating there. 🙂
kerry - Wow! Looks like you had an amazing spring break!! Love the pic of all 5 of your brood together – it’s so nice to get a sneak peek of Lauren again too 🙂 Can’t believe those size 23 shoes……. that guy must be a giant!
Happy Easter Duerksens, Kerry xx
Charla - Even though you can’t trampoline you CAN run!!! Lucky girl! After having my kids trampolines and running are both OUT.
Lisa M. - Great pictures! Looks and sounds like you had a alot of fun. Thanks for sharing!
Kelly - I want to go to an indoor trampoline park! Maybe I should wait until I’m not 9 months pregnant – due any day. hmmm . . . or maybe that would jump start things no pun intended. 🙂 Kelly
jen - loved this so much! and loved the comment about jumping and sneezing…same boat over here!!! looks like you guys had a blast. you are such a good mom. happy monday to you.
Dara - did you go to the sky zone next to the antique mall? I think there’s a few locations. we love the legends. haven’t been to the college basketball experience yet!
Lori Austin - What a HAPPY post. 🙂
I love that Annie was so proud of her brother. Sweet.
We are having a staying home for spring break. 10″ of snow
kind ruin outdoor plans…..boo!
Gale - It looks like you had a super fun time – it was fun to share it on IG since you were in my neck of the woods! 🙂 Sarah’s Fabrics = hands down best fabric store anywhere in the Midwest!! (and I’ve looked!! LOL)
Sarah@ This Farm Family's Life - I loved this post and all the pictures! Vacations with no set place to be are the best! So cool that you got to meet Bill Self!
Rebekah - Looks like awesome family time! Wish i had a fabric store like that anywhere near me! The closest is an hour drive with not a great selection!
PS-I totally understand the *no sneezing policy*. I have twin boys.
Tracie - A trampoline park just opened near us and my brother wants to go. I told him that a 37 year old who has had 2 children cannot do it. He didn’t get it!
Blakeley - Even though I have been in Virginia since I graduated (20 years?!?) Your photos of the Nelson make me miss KC! I grew up right off of the Plaza. When I come to visit this summer I am going to look up that trampoline park. The kids will love it!
Patti Mullican - Looks like a great time was had by all! We have a Sky Zone here, but have never been – going to be on our must-do list for Spring Break! Is the College B’ball Experience a permanent exhibit? My husband would love to visit it. BTW, his fav Illini coach has been Bill Self!
Sarah W. - Looks like such a fun little vacation!!
Annie looks so big in that picture of the 5 of them together. I love that picture of all of them!
Trampoline park = awesomeness! I immediately went to search for one in our area, my daughter would LOVE that.
Tracy - Oh how fun! It’s fun to see a post about my own city (I live in KC) and places I’ve been. You packed a LOT into your trip!
roganne - looks like so much fun!! wishing we had an indoor trampoline park and fabric store like that around here!!
Melissa - Everyone is so tall and beautiful!
Do you cry about how grown up your kids are getting? I would and I don’t even have kids yet.
amanda - You didn’t miss anything not eating at T-Rex. We ate at the one in Disneyworld and while the food was not *bad*, it was so not worth the insane price. The place is cool, but you can see it without having to pay to eat in it! Wise choice.
We at Sam’s for lunch, yesterday, btw. lol
Tara - What a great Spring Break! Looks like tons of fun!!
Linda - Looks like an awesome spring break. you gave me some good ideas for ours next week!
Sherry - I love this. I have four-8, 6, 4, and four months (a girl and three boys)…while I’m thankful for their littleness right now, this post made me excited for when they are older too.
Lindsey - Looks like a grand time! Makes me want to plan a vacation!
rebecca - Glad you had so much fun!!! Just be careful. We have a trampoline park here and have had many injuries…two grown women have shattered their knee caps! I don’t know how much longer ours will be in business!
Kristin S - How many children are in that wrestling pic?
Susan - We are getting a trampoline park in our neighborhood in the next few weeks! What would we do without Old Navy? Sam’s Club is our go do for eating out because they are cheap and I love their hot dogs! So if you ever come to Fort Worth, you are covered!
Allison - Looks like so much fun! I love the part about the trampoline park — too funny!
Laura H. - Oh Meg, I just love all of this! It is so hard to get everyone together in one place ( my oldest now works, so tougher yet) your pictures just ooze happiness all over the place!
LOVE your blog! Thanks for sharing your happiness!
justme - one of your first comments on goggles . . . . Goggles changed my life! (That is NO exaggeration) I used to hate the water basically because of water in my eyes. I bought goggles and have been doing serious summer lap swimming and/or water treading for a number of years. Best toning exercise EVER. A great tan and, AND no sweating! What could be better!?
DebZorn - The whole family together is pretty special. The older they get, the harder it is to do. It looks like you had a really great time. The picture of the five kids together is perfect. Thanks for sharing your vacation.
elma - WOW what a vacation!!1 LOVE the pictures you took!!
Seriously Sassy Mama - What a fun place. I think my husband and I would probably have more fun than our three girls at the trampoline park.
Colleen - Looks like a great family trip…you crack me up about Sky Zone…I know exactly what you mean! LOL…and I only have 3 kids!
Jamie - Your family vacation was photographed well. And Mr. D is dreamy! Your children look like a lot of fun.
Tanya - That’s a happy feel-good post. I liked it 🙂
Sharla - Sky Zone is where every bday party my boys go to is. They don’t leave the dodgeball court! Looks like you had a great trip! I bet that was exciting to see Bill Self – Annie’s question was so cute. Too bad the boys weren’t there for the pic with him!
Courtney - Sarahs is the best ever fabric shop!! So fun to see someone “visit” our town and do things I didnt even know we had, sky zone seems awesome!
tiffany gardner - you always remind me to live in whatever season i’m in because it WILL change. with a 9, 7 and 2 year old… our “trips” aren’t always the most pleasant. but i am learning to love the moments in those trips that are wonderful. thanks for sharing your life with us and encouraging me to keep going.
Sonja - That looks like such a fun trip! I looked up skyzone and there’s one close-ish to my house… I think my son would LOVE it.
alamama - LOVE these, but my favorite is the photo with your five kids! We only have two and that can be hard to get them in a shot. I love your blog. Thanks for sharing your life, heart and talents with us. Have a great day.
Sara - I am NOT wishing my life away, but I’m excited for vacations with big kids. 🙂 What a sweet time with family it looks like you had!