Omaha x2

I'm pretty sure we hadn't been to Omaha since we moved back to Iowa, but in September we went twice in back-to-back weekends.

The first trip was to meet my parents and brothers family for my nephew, Tate's 4th birthday.  Omaha is about two and half hours for them and four for us, so a decent meeting place.  The hotel had an indoor water park so we spent Saturday afternoon and evening swimming away!

Sunday we spent the morning and afternoon at the Omaha Zoo before heading back home.

 We took shelter in the bleacher area around the seal's pool during a small ten-minute rain shower.  The lull of the rain and Grandpa Bill's touch put this cutie to sleep.

 It took us a minute, but after arriving at the Orangutan sanctuary, this mama and baby came right in front of us and just stared.  Then the mama held out her hand.  She wanted Paul's apple that he was snacking on!  Paul felt really bad but didn't think he should throw it in!  Mama wouldn't leave so we did instead!

 We had a very fun time helping Tate celebrate his birthday and just spending time with family!

The very next Saturday we headed back to Omaha!  This time to meet Hattie and Brandon who were arriving from Phoenix to attend the Nebraska/Oregon football game. We knew we wouldn't see them for long but when your baby sis lives 20+ hours away, you make a quick four hour trip to see her for just a bit! 

We met up with my parents at Cabelas.

 Then we spent the evening swimming in the hotel pool.  The kids didn't see H & B until morning because they were fast asleep by the time they got to the hotel.  But they made fast friends in the morning with Uncle Brandon and all his Ducks hats!

 On Sunday, we met up with my cousin Abby and her kids for a picnic date at a park.

 Kisses from Aunt Hattie

 Hattie, me, and Abby

Mama and her girls 

After our picnic in the park date, we had to head back home already.  Our quick trip was definitely worth it tho!  Always wonderful to see family, even for less than 24 hours!