What's Up With The Wheelers: Omaha Summer

Friday, August 18, 2023

Omaha Summer

So June 15th we drove home from Mesa Verde. June 16th we camped with the Calderons, coming home on the evening of the 17th. Then on the 18th the kids and I turned around and drove to Omaha so that Annika and Eila would be on time for Hummel Day Camp, which began June 19th. Is our life crazy or what?

So I didn't grab a picture of the girls heading off to camp, but here is a photo as they got off the bus. The dirt is evidence of a good old-fashioned fun! We love this Omaha tradition.

Just for memory's sake, here are Brooklyn and Talia at Hummel back in 2014! Time flies.

While the girls were getting dirty, Anders helped us clean. NomiAnn is retiring as IB Coordinator for Central High after 25 years of amazing service in OPS. She will certainly be missed! Her fabulous office was evidence of what an impact she made at Central. Cleaning it out was no small feat. Here we are fueling up ahead of time at Firehouse Subs.

NomiAnn in her work room.

She is the label maker queen.

We love you, NomiAnn!

Her international office.

Her office was filled with cards, pictures, and other mementos of students she has helped over the years. They are right--Mrs. Andrus Rocks!

It was also fun to see the pictures she saved of our families over the years. Here's Aunt Callie as featured in the newspaper when she was four!

That evening Talia made it home from her European adventures. We were so glad to see her again! She'd been gone for three weeks having the most amazing time of her life with Aunt Christy and Uncle Ben.

We love Omaha for many reasons, but our favorite part is just the feeling of being home. The whole neighborhood is enchanted with the a zipline, big swing, and smiley face flag. Nicely ridden, Wilhoits!

Play time and crafts on NomiAnn's bed. Great crocheting, Anders!

NomiAnn made Brooklyn the most beautiful quilt as a graduation gift. Isn't it gorgeous? Some gifts are made even more beautiful with love. This one is extra special because NomiAnn managed to sew it without really seeing what she was doing. Thankfully recent cataract surgery has helped her eyes immensely.

It wouldn't be Omaha without some quality thrifting. Nice kicks, Eli!

We did our best to time Hummel Day Camp to overlap with the College World Series. This year was extra fun because all of the kids got to attend at least once. Hot dogs and hair dye--what's not to love?

Brooklyn and Eli were especially enamored. They were rooting for LSU (playing Florida), and were ecstatic when LSU pulled out the victory.

Even the zoo joined in the College World Series fun. You could work your way around the bases as you explored.

Sliding into third, then home.

Meanwhile, here's more evidence of Hummel fun. They may hose the kids off before putting them on the busses, but the ears tell the full story.

Time for some tasty burgers and corn on the cob. Gosh, this has me drooling!

Next adventure: slip-n-slide! Better outside than in.

Yup, six out of six grandkids agree. Papa Kay's backyard is the best!

I love when kids spend time in front of this tube.

But it looks like Anders is having a hard time staying in! Too fun.

Story time with Aunt Callie. Who knows Where the Wild Things Are?

Let the wild rumpus begin!

During this trip to Omaha we explored the new Illuminarium. It's super cool and will only get better as they finish the grounds outside. Anyone interested in finding their birthdate within the number pi?

Or perhaps you want to chat via whisper dish. It's crazy!

Almost as crazy as playing with Aunt Callie. Who's going to win the body block?

Fun for all ages!

Before we knew it, the week had flown by and it was time for the Hummel Day Camp final program. All hail the classic songs and skits that have been passed down for generations! (YOU can't ride in my little lamborghini. Your butt's too big and the seat's too teeny!)