Sammy got a real kick out of the rides at Chuckee Cheese!  However, the yellow Bob the Builder ride was his favorite. 

Mema flew into town on Sat June 5 and stayed for a week.  She thought she could sqeeze in one more trip before the weather got too hot - but she was out of luck.  The temperatures were a bit higher than normal that week as most highs were ~ 105 - 110 degrees!  However, we still had a nice time and managed to stay relatively cool by participating in indoor activities during the middle of the day.  Above is a picture of Mema and Lizzy at the new aquarium in town.  At least the the mornings and evenings were still cool enough to be outside.  Since I started teaching a 5 week summer class on June 1, it was nice to have Mema in town for a week.  She relieved the babysitter a few days and watched the kids. 

All four of us packed our bags and flew to IL to visit Tim's family.  This was the first time many of these family members got to meet Sammy.  We had a nice time visiting family and participating in vacation activities (museums, parks, dining out, etc).  Below are some highlights of the trip.  

Posing for a picture at Grandma Sharon's house with Tim's sister Angie and her family. 
Back row: Tim, Chris, Angie & Shane
Middle row: Lizzy, Sammy, Derek (almost 2)
Front row:  Blake (4) & Austin (7)

Lizzy's favorite part of the trip was probably a toss-up between our trip to the Niabi Zoo and her sleepover at Grandma Sharon's. At the zoo she was able to see giraffes and ride a train (both of which rank at the top of her "favorite" lists).  The theme of the sleepover was "DORA" (another favorite).  Above is a picture of  Lizzy and Austin squeezing into the train seat with Grandma, and a shot of her special Dora bedding.   

Tim, Papa Roger, and Sammy taknig a ride on one of Papa's tractors. Sammy LOVED riding the tractor, where as Lizzy was a bit scared of the entire process... 

Sammy's favorite part of the trip was probably visiting the John Deere Pavillion.  There we were able to sit inside various display tractors including hugh combines.  When placed in the seat Sammy right away grabbed the wheel and tried to shift the machine into gear!  It was so funny!

Sammy posing with Papa Roger outside our hotel.

Greatgrandma Pruis was so excited that all 13 greatgrandchildren were in town.  We tried to get a picture, however between the screaming, tantrums, and camera fright this was the best we could get (i.e. way too close to nap time...).

Lizzy and Derek take a ride on their "horse."

Grandma Sharon posing with the kiddos on our last night there. 

When we got back to AZ Lizzy and Addy were finally able to get together again and play. Due to busy school schedules and continued illness they went a couple months without getting together.  However, that did not seem to bother them as they right away were playing like the "big and little sister" they think that they are!   

On the last full day of Deb's visit we received the sad news that our 84 year old Oma had passed away.  Even though there was some relief that her suffering was over, it was still sad.  Deb changed her plans and instead of flying back to TX on Sun she instead flew with Sammy, Lizzy, and I to MI.  The kiddos and I spent the week in MI.  Much of the time there was spent at either the visitation or funeral at which we saw many family and friends.  However, during the week wqe we were also able to see a couple friends.  Below are some photos from our week in MI.

Sammy on the plane (we had an empty seat and we all enjoyed the extra space)

Sammy rolled himself under the bed at Mema's house

Uncle Cal with "his girls": 
Lizzy jumped right up there with his grandaughters Taya and Addy

Lizzy with Ana (the 3 year old daughter of my good friend Amy)