More October Fun!

This weekend Gramma and Papa Maras came for a visit. Saturday the kids had fun making cookies with Gramma. I took Nancy shopping in Omaha and the kids stayed home to play with Daddy and Papa.

Tony was excited to take them to Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha's botanical garden. He went there 2 weeks ago on a field trip and had a blast. When he found out they were coming it was decided we'd go there. We always try to take our guests somewhere unique.

This was a great time of year to visit the gardens. Lot's of flowers still in bloom and the weather was gorgeous. The kids had fun trying to catch butterflies that were swarming the yellow lantana.

Poor kids are forever getting posed.

The highlight was definately the scale railroad that was recently created. Everything is made out of natural materials. You can't imagine our delight! We are avid Fairy House builders and this was like an entire Fairy Village! All the buildings were Omaha landmarks. Above is The Rose Children's Theater.

This was my favorite one...I just love the little japanese maple tree!

Here is Tony's beloved Desert Dome, located in real-life at the Omaha Zoo!

The prairie grasses were so pretty and a perfect spot to snap a couple family shots.

Tony found these "elephant ears" in the Victorian Garden.

Papa John did the best he could with my lousy camera. (hint hint Chris) What a great little nook for a family picture. We went to dinner at the Bohemiam Cafe, a CZECH restaurant we ate at with my family this spring. Nancy had us all laughing (except the waitress) when she ordered HUNGARIAN goulash. :)

After dinner we headed downtown to check out Omaha's own Bridge to Nowhere. A $22 million "pork project" that has been very controversial. It opened a few weeks ago. Basically you get on it in Nebraska and walk across the Missouri River to Iowa. Once on the other side, there is nothing really there so you turn around and walk back.

Foot traffic was heavy and it's always fun to check out things like this while we can! The bridge sways as you go across...can you imagine what it'll be like on a windy day????

Livie and Gramma wouldn't go across it. The boys and I were "brave" and made the trek.

Here is a better view of the entire bridge. They are working hard to develop the area....maybe they just went about it backwards????

Chris and his dad made a porketta while they were here using fennel John brought us from his garden. We look forward to eating that later this week....sooner the better as my fridge STINKS!!! :) Gramma and Papa headed home this morning right after we left for school. Thanks for making the drive. We had a GREAT visit!