We decided to take a few days off and head to Nebraska over a long Easter weekend.
Yes. It was by choice. Yes. Nebraska.
I'm from Kansas, so really, Nebraska is almost like going home. Well, all except the part where they are Huskers and should be Jayhawks. And yes, that's kind of a big deal.
The best part of this trip was that my parents and Sister and her family were all going to be able to join us in Omaha to celebrate McClellan's first birthday and Easter.
Matt, McClellan and I headed to Lincoln for a couple of days first. We wanted to check out where Matt's company is headquartered. If there was ever an opportunity at that office we wanted to know if Lincoln was somewhere we'd want to live and more importantly, raise McClellan.
We made it to Lincoln on Wednesday and as always, McClellan was an amazing traveler! It was an 8 hour drive and McClellan didn't make a peep. We are so incredibly lucky!
While in Omaha McClellan got to experience swimming for the first time and to say that she loved it would be a HUGE understatement! She "jumped" right in and wanted nothing to do with being held, she wanted to "swim", had no problem going under water and was less than impressed when it was time to leave.
"Let's do it again Mommy!"
"Look Aunt Amy, I'm swimming!!"
We stayed in the Haymarket district in Lincoln - I'd describe it as the Lincoln version of Lodo, but much, much smaller.
There were art installations and sculpture pieces all over.
Somebody loves her Daddy ... make that two somebody's.
We liked Lincoln. It wasn't what I expected but we liked it. I definitely liked the slower pace; you could feel it almost immediately. We were able to have lunch with some of my friends one day and talk to them about the schools and family life in Lincoln-impressive. One night we had dinner with one of Matt's friends and were able to pick their brains about the housing market and job opportunities-also impressive.
On Friday we headed to Omaha to meet up with my family. We'd be celebrating McClellan's birthday, my birthday and Easter. We had a lot to do in a very short amount of time!
Maegan, Derek & Keeton starting out zoo adventure off a little on the wild side!
"Lions and Tigers and Bears, OH MY!"
McClellan's favorite animal this time around were the monkey's ... she was fascinated!
I love this picture. I love that we do so much together as a family. I love that Matt is so involved in McClellan's life and enjoys these events as much as she and I do!
It may have been Easter weekend but it was pretty darn chilly in Omaha!
By far, McClellan enjoyed he carousel more than anything else. She was squealing and waiving the entire time!!
MiMi and Papa with their pride and joy.
McClellan had no problem playing the part of being eaten by the hippo.
The aquarium was amazing - sharks, sting rays, sea turtles swimming around over your head.
This is my personal favorite photo from the aquarium.
Then it was time to party. The first of McClellan's birthday parties.
McClellan loved being the center of attention.
The birthday girl with her Mimi and Papa. She is such a lucky little girl to have them as Grandparents!
McClellan and her personal stylist, Aunt Maegan. Her entire birthday ensemble was designed and created by her Aunt. Again, what a lucky little girl!!
For the birthday girl's cake we found the oldest bakery in Omaha, Pettit's Pastry. It was delish!
http://www.pettitspastry.com/ 
We couldn't love our girl anymore...celebrating her birthday, although early, was so fun!
McClellan loves being sung to. She "sang" right along with us as we serenaded her with "Happy Birthday."
"Mmmmm...pure sugar."
Her birthday party was a HUGE success! Everyone spoiled McClellan and she definitely put on a show for everyone eating her cake and opening her presents. After the "party" we all headed to the pool and worked off some of the sugar.
The next morning was Easter and the Easter bunny found us in Omaha! As you can see, McClellan was super excited about it.
The time in Nebraska was perfect and just what we needed. It was nice to have a few days for just Matt, McClellan and I in Lincoln before heading to Omaha to meet up with my family. The time we had with my family was perfect. My only wish was that these special times could happen more often.
