She got some new jammies and wanted to wear her hat with them. 😉
This was her face when she saw the neighbors’ dogs that night as we were outside walking around a little before bedtime. She just LOVES animals!
One of my friends recently had a baby and she also has a one-year-old they are fostering and a two-year-old. I went and spent the afternoon hanging out with her little ones so she could have a little free time. I had the most fun having tea parties and playing with her girls. And it made me so excited for when Kierstyn is two!
I flew to Little Rock for the day to record some radio interviews with Family Life about my book, Love-Centered Parenting. It was my first business trip to go on in over a year and a half and it felt so weird! But it was so life-giving to get to be in-studio recording about a topic I am so passionate about!
At the end of the interviews, one of the hosts, Ann, asked if she could pray for me. It was such a special moment and it blessed me so much — and I’m so glad one of the guys in the sound booth snapped a picture!
Silas is on a tournament team this summer and is loving it. He got to pitch one of the games at his last tournament, which he loves!
We left for Paducah, KY, Branson, MO, and Wichita, KS a week ago for a summer road trip. We stopped in Clarksville, TN for Jesse to try out the new Black Rifle Coffee Company shop!
One of the best ways to keep a young child occupied in a hotel room: have them look out the window and watch all the cars and people!
While in Paducah, we went to this highly, highly recommended donut shop — Reds Donuts.
It was delicious — and it was only $8 for a box of 12 different donuts!
We also stopped by Piper’s Tea & Coffee — which was recommended, too!
He was such a good traveler! But he always acted so happy to get out of his car seat and be held or have tummy time in the hotel room!
We went to Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO — one of our favorite places! Jesse and I both grew up going there so it holds so many special memories for us!
Very important first stop: Cinnamon Bread!
Jesse’s not really a rollercoaster fan, so I enjoyed getting to go with the girls on some of the bigger rollercoasters.
Kierstyn got to go on her first ride!
She wasn’t quite sure what to think at first, but ended up enjoying it!
Some of the Harlem Globetrotters were at Silver Dollar City, so we got to go watch their show.
After our day at Silver Dollar City, we headed to Wichita, KS to visit our families.
Kierstyn really liked getting to hang out with Uncle Stephen.
She also loved Grandma and Grandpa’s dog!
One morning, my mom and I went to Bramble Cafe at Elderslie Farm.
She bought this goat cheese there for me (it was delicious!)
Speaking of delicious, one KS restaurant I always miss in TN is Braum’s. So we had to stop by for some frozen yogurt and burgers!
Kaitlynn was able to ice skate on the rink in KS and my mom got to come and watch her one of the days.
Kierstyn loved getting to hang out with her cousins!
We also finally got to go to Chicken N Pickle!
And I met up with a friend I hadn’t seen in 17 years!! (She drove from Oklahoma to meet me for the afternoon!)
My parents also invited a bunch of our friends over one night for a big cookout!
And we all got to go visit my Grandpa (Kierstyn loved his dog!)
We closed out our time in KS with some go-cart rides at Jesse’s family’s house!
Jackie says
Oh my, that looked like it was so fun! I talked with my husband about taking a family vacation to Branson to visit Silver Dollar City. He thinks it would be too hot in the summer. Do you have any suggestions? If we went towards the beginning of June or towards the later part of the summer would it be ok? Love the photos:)
Crystal Paine says
It was warm, but not too hot. They also have some indoor places and water rides to help cool you down. We heard that earlier in the summer is better and that Tuesday is one of the best days to go crowd-wise.
Lori says
End of July and first part of August Silver Dollar City is open at night. We like to go then.
Jackie Schwader says
Thank you! We are going to plan for summer 2023. I’m super excited:)
Kathleen R. says
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that you did a podcast with Dave and Ann Wilson with Family Life Today….I listen to them almost daily, they are my absolute favorites, and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your book….I’m still reading it and it is AMAZING…so neat that you all got teamed up!!!! Keep up the great work!!!! 🙂
Crystal Paine says
I was so blessed to get to meet them! We recorded three shows that are supposed to be airing in August! And thank you so much for your encouragement about the book! I’m so humbly grateful!
Kathleen R. says
I will definitely look forward to listening!!! 🙂
Patti says
Beautiful family!!!! Thoroughly enjoyed seeing your pictures…thanks!
Crystal Paine says
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post!
Cheryl S says
What a cute family you all are! Thanks for sharing the photos!
Crystal Paine says
I’m glad you enjoyed them!
Michelle says
How neat…..I live in Paducah KY!!!!
Crystal Paine says
We want to go back for more doughnuts!!
Lisa says
Always great to spend time with family. Your nieces are adorable and what a great friend to drive so far for a visit. Looks like everyone enjoyed the trip!
Crystal Paine says
We did! It was such a good trip!
Brooke Plack says
As a faithful follower for almost 15 years, my heart skipped a beat when I saw you were in Little Rock!!! So blessed to follow you and your journey. ~Brooke, Benton, Arkansas
Crystal Paine says
It was my third time to visit Little Rock to record with FamilyLife! And we’ve been there a few other times as a family/couple!
Tracy says
Looks like a really fun trip. Thanks for sharing with us. That frozen yogurt looks YUM.
Crystal Paine says
It was SO good!
Jo says
So sweet! Loved seeing you and your family, and glad you got to visit family and friends, I am jealous of Red’s donuts, that looks delicious! As always, love your posts, your site, and how you share your faith!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you for your kind encouragement!