Trip to Kentucky for a Very Special Weekend!

At the end of April we flew to Kentucky for a long weekend. We arrived on Thursday morning and headed over to WKU's South Lawn for an end of the semester festival for the students. It is always such a special feeling when we are able to spend time on campus. It's so fun to reminisce on all the great memories Patrick and I shared while we were students at WKU. It seems like a long time ago since we were there, but when you're in the moment standing in the middle of campus it feels just like yesterday:) It's also so fun to watch Walker play on campus and to think maybe one day he will also be walking to class there just like Pops, Jules, Daddy, Mommy, Uncle Matt Matt, his two great uncles and cousins. No pressure buddy:)

We couldn't walk to campus without bringing Walker's favorite dog, Tsavo!

Of course he wanted to go down the biggest jumpy slide there. I was so surprised he went down by himself. It was the largest jumpy I have ever seen and it was very fast. He loved it!

Can you see this face?

He is actually running trying to get away, because he spotted......

BIG RED!

Walker is not a fan of mascots. He knows who Big Red is and we talk about him all the time, but nope he wanted nothing to do with the Big Red blob who eats basketballs:)

Pops left the office and met us at the festival.

The extremely tall man on stilts made Walker a pet giraffe and he loved it.

Patrick and I shared the best 4 years of our life at WKU and each time we go back campus gets better and better. And it's because of a very special person in our lives who has transformed WKU into one of the best college universities in the country. Pops you have worked so hard over the last 14 years and we couldn't be more proud of you! We had a wonderful day celebrating your accomplishments and honoring you for your dedication, commitment and hard work. I can't think of anyone else in the world who is more deserving than you!!

Gary A. Ransdell Hall

On Friday, April 29, 2011 we attended the dedication of this beautiful building honoring Patrick's dad, Pops:) This is the new home for the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

Article on the ceremony: Ransdell Hall

On Saturday we visited Kentucky Down Under.

Yes, kangaroo's in Kentucky is a little weird and we really didn't know what to expect, but we actually had a really good time. Thanks to Jules for a great idea:)

We were able to feed lots and lots of birds.

Uncle Matt Matt was enjoying feeding these two Rainbow Lorikeets.

Walker really didn't know what to think about all of the birds.

Aunt Sandra wanted to take one home with her in her purse:)

They were every where!

The birds liked Uncle Matt Matt so much they pooped on his shirt.

This was definitely the highlight of the trip....Uncle Matt Matt did handle very well.

Maybe that's how the females mark their territory:):)

More birds.....

I love this...the 4 Ransdell Boys!

"The Dingo Ate My Baby"

Checking out the Kookaburra.

We learned something very special at the Kookaburra cage.

Jules is a Kookaburra Caller or she's going to be Kookaburra in her second life. Jules would make a sound/call and the Kookaburra would talk right back to her. It was absolutely hysterical. I never knew you had it in you Jules.

The things you will do to make your grandson happy:)

The kangaroos were awesome.

We were allowed to walk in their sanctuary along the sidewalk. The guide gave us instruction on how to pet them. It was so cool and they were so gentle.

Walker enjoyed petting the Kangaroos.

The coolest thing of the day was seeing this mother Kangaroo.

We could actually see the joey moving in her pouch.

We did a lot of relaxing, eating, drinking and playing outside. We had so much fun and it was so great to visit with family we don't get to see often. We can't wait to see you Pops, Jules, Uncle Matt Matt and Aunt Sandra in a few weeks at Mickey's House:) We love you!!