Ben's Hutch Friends

We had to make a quick trip to Hutchinson for Ben, Abby and Luke to go to the dentist.  Ben asked if it would be possible to see his buddies while we were there.  It's hard to say no to him, since every time we go up there, I get to go to lunch with my friend, Athena.  I told Ben that if his friends could meet for lunch, then he could see them.  Thankfully it worked out!

These boys have been friends for such a long time and I am always happy to see them together! It is so amazing to see the you men that they have become!  I am so happy that after moving away four and a half years ago, that they are still friends and look forward to seeing each other anytime they can!

Luke's Visit To Bartlesville

I love that Ben's friend, Luke, called me to ask if he could come down for a visit! The timing was so perfect! (Since we had to take Sam back, we could pick Luke up at the same time! Perfect!) How could Ben possibly be any happier? Sam was here for a few days and now his other best bud was coming?! He was thrilled!

I love that, even though these boys are 13 years old, they still enjoy playing and building with Legos!

Fishing at the pond (at the school next to us) produced this one little fish! Things were a little bit more productive when I took them to another pond. I couldn't believe that the boys wanted to spend time outside in the blazing 105 degree heat, but they did and they really enjoyed it!

Desperate times call for desperate measures! While (little) Luke was napping, the big boys took over the little pool! Anything to cool down!



What could be better than a game of Monopoly on a hot summer day?! This game lasted several hours!

Nobody's visit to Bartlesville is complete without a trip to Frank & Lola's!

Bartlesville buffalos.


Friends for LIFE!

The Three Amigos Summertime Fun!

I know I have blogged about Ben and his amigos before, but it never ceases to amaze me how these three boys have been able to maintain such a great friendship over the past three years since we moved away from Hutchinson!

A few months ago, Sam's mom called me to see if we could arrange a time this summer for Ben to go up to Hutch and spend a few days with the guys. Absolutely! Ben counted down the days until it was time to go! He was packed three weeks early!

Sam, Ben & Luke

They had a great time! When I picked Ben up I found out that he hadn't slept at all the night before! That wasn't exactly shocking news. That's pretty normal when the guys all get together. They want to spend as much time together as they possibly can while they can! I can't blame them! Anyway, I thought Ben would end up sleeping most of the way home. He didn't! He talked almost the entire way! All the way up until we were 15 minutes from home! (That wasn't terribly shocking either since Ben is into sharing all the details of everything!) This is what happened when we got home...

He crashed! Obviously a great few days!

It is awesome to watch these boys all grow up together, yet far apart. They are three of the nicest boys that I know! I definitely think they have the makings of a life long friendship!

The Three Amigos

One of the reasons that we went to Hutchinson was so that Ben could see his two best buddies. It was Sam's 13th birthday and Luke was due to have surgery the week after we left. I can't even express what great friends these boys are! They are three of the sweetest, kindest boys I know! I know I say this every time I talk about them, but I am SO happy that they have been able to maintain a friendship over the past (almost) three years since we moved away! I think they have the makings of a lifelong friendship!

So...what do teenage boys do when they are together? Play video games, of course! (I'm sure there was plenty of eating involved, as well!)
This is how the three boys always leave each other! They hug all the way out to the car!
True friendship! I love it!

A Day At The Pool

There is a new pool here in Bartlesville, but I'm not brave enough to go there yet! I've heard it is insanely busy and they have had to turn people away because they were at maximum capacity! If it's that full, I really don't want to be there! We have heard lots of great things about the pool in Coffeyville, KS so we thought we would give that one a try.

Abby had to give the kiddie slide a try! She really liked the big slide, but I didn't catch a picture of her on that one.
Luke wanted to try the kiddie slide, but wasn't so fond of it... (You might have to click on this picture to make it larger to see the look on his face to see what he really thought of it!)
Me and the little man!
Best buds!!
Little Luke wanted to be with the big boys at all times! They are so sweet with him!
These little fountains were Luke's favorite thing! We spent much time in this area!
The big kids really enjoyed going off the diving board over and over again!
Luke wanted nothing more than to shoot the giant water blaster!
We told Luke we had to leave. How sad is that?!
We REALLY liked the Coffeyville water park! It wasn't crazy busy and no matter where you are you can easily spot your kiddos! No giant play things in the middle of the pool! Definitely worth the drive! We will be there again soon, I'm sure!!

Ben & Luke

These boys are the BEST of friends!! I am so happy they have been able to maintain such an amazing friendship after two years apart!! Thank goodness for modern technology! Since school got out they have skyped each other every single day! Last week Luke was able to come down and spend some time in Oklahoma. Ben was beyond excited to have him here for five days!

Ben is now up in Kansas spending a few days at Luke's house! At the end of this week he will get to spend time with another friend up in Hutch! Thank goodness for great friends!