Another month down and it was a busy one!

We were full speed ahead and had a jam-packed few weeks, filled with so many things and a whole lot of travel.

We kicked off the month celebrating Taz’s 9th birthday. I don’t know how it’s been 9 whole years with this marshmallow.

I spent the next week or so trying to prep for our trip to Nebraska. I still had my heart monitor on and was able to record some events, so that was good. I’m hoping the results will give me some insight into what the next steps will be. More wait and see.

Little Man had his last speech session with Ms. Sydney. She got offered a job much closer to home for her, so we’re excited for her, but still sad to see her go.

Getting his next therapist sorted was a bit of a fiasco, but we were able to figure it out. When we left, we were told someone would call us with the details, but no one did. Then, the following week, we got an appointment reminder, but had already told them we were out of town. So, I called to confirm that those appointments were canceled and inquired about the next sessions. Again, was told someone would call and that Ms. Sydney’s choice for her replacement would be scheduled.

We got back on June 18 and no one had called us, so once again, mama had to call. They couldn’t find Little Man in the system at first and then they tried to tell me Ms. Alexis’s schedule was full (she was who Sydney wanted us to see). I got a bit frustrated and explained how someone was already supposed to call me several times and we needed to get him in with Alexis as he’d already met her with Sydney and that was her choice for him. They eventually put me down for later in the day on his normal days with Alexis.

He seemed to do well during his first session with her and she was impressed with his progress thus far. I am hoping he continues to do well for her.

We drove to Nebraska on Little Man’s 3rd birthday. It was a really long day on the road. Thankfully, we left really early in the morning so we made it to my parents’ place before dark. We even got there early enough for Little Man to have a cupcake and open one of his gifts!

The following day, the Mister and I went my friend Troy’s wedding. We enjoyed the party and stayed in a hotel by ourselves for the first time since Little Man was born. We also got to hang out with several of my closest friends for the first time in years.

Nana got to have Little Man as a sleepover buddy while we were staying in Lincoln. While hanging out with her, he got to meet my Uncle Kim for the first time. They share a lot of similarities lookwise.

The next day, we realized we weren’t young anymore and spent the day recovering from the fun night before. No hangovers, just exhaustion.

We finished the weekend with my mom’s side family reunion. I hadn’t been home for one of those in years. It was nice to see some of the extended family we rarely get to see.

On Monday, we spent a good chunk of the day setting up for Little Man’s birthday party. We went to Playa Azul Authentic Mexican for supper and ended the day with s’mores amd hotdogs over the fire pit.

Tuesday was the big party day! We chose a Very Hungry Caterpillar theme (it’s one of Little Man’s favorite books).

This party was by far the biggest he’s had thus far in terms of guests. We were so lucky to have some family come that wouldn’t have been able to make it if we’d been back in Tennessee, including my Aunt Judy and cousin Cari (who got to finally meet Little Man for the first time!).

We continued our super busy week with a trip to Marysville, Kansas to see if we could find all of the black squirrel painted statues. We found 50 out of 51 (one was mislabeled on the map and the location was closed before we figured it out).

Thursday consisted of pool time, helping Nana with yard work, and going to the tractor pull.

Friday brought another hot day, but we braved the weather and took on Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

So much has changed since our last visit and new areas have been added. Little Man got pretty sleepy at the end of the day, so we had to skip a few things. Next trip, we will try to get there at opening so we can see/do it all!

Our last day back in Nebraska featured the final night of the Diller Picnic. There was a car show (complete with fire truck rides), beer/wine tasting, and, of course, the parade — which is always the highlight.

I was pretty disappointed with what used to be the Midway. There used to be carnival games, food, and rides. The last few years, however, it’s been replaced with bounce houses and it’s just not the experience I wanted Little Man to have. Bounce houses are all well and good, but when there’s no supervision and unruly kids, it’s this mama’s worst nightmare.

There was one ride this year. Little Man got to go by himself! I wasn’t sure how he’d do or if he’d even keep the seatbelt on. Thankfully, there was an older boy who said he’d keep an eye on him.

The parade, though sparse this year, was a blast. Little Man made out like a bandit in candy.

He even got to ride in Gramps’s Chevelle with my cousin Terry after the parade. It’s been a tradition of sorts for all of us kids to ride in the Chevelle with the top down. I love that he got to do it, too.

We finished out the month exhausted after getting back to Tennessee.

We did some hands-on sensory play, both at home with our Slumberkins Kinspiration Kit and at Sunny Day Studios.

We also spent time putting together the terrarium he got for his birthday from Cari and Aunt Judy.

July has absolutely nothing planned. We will likely go on post for the 4th of July fireworks, but other than that, we are going to attempt to recover from the busy month June was.

There are whispers of some possible visitors, but nothing is set in stone. I have a hunch we’ll only venture out for our workshops unless the visits come to fruition.

We will be attempting to start potty training and preparing for preschool during the next month, so wish us luck!

Until then,

Cheers!