Life is Good

What do ya think???

2011-06-30T21:53:00.000-07:00

The boys have new do's...

Gavin, Patton, and Maddox

Megan and Maddox...their first mohawks. Megan informed us after it was done...that it was her FIRST. She did great...and Maddox got the skunk stripe he's been wanting.

A huge thanks goes out to Kurt and Taylor...

2011-01-06T19:24:00.000-08:00

Maddox loves his huge tub of Bubble Gum...and so does Gavin.

On Monday, Maddox was practicing blowing bubbles...he's doing pretty well...notice the blue on his right eyebrow. He spent most of his vacation walking around with blue above his top lip and below his bottom lip. Man, that gum is some gooey stuff.

That's not the best though...Gavin comes in and tells me he is "Patchy the Pirate" as he smears the gum all around his eye. He comes back in a couple minutes later and says "Uh Mom...I can't get this gum off of my eye..." I told him to wait a couple hours til Dad got home...as I laughed my head off! He did learn a valuable lesson that day...I honestly don't think he'll be making eye patches out of gum again...EVER! A good 30 minutes, a little peanut butter and olive oil, and what looked like a black eye...he was as good as new!

Gooey gum does not come out of eyelashes at all..ugh...what a mess!
What a goof!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-06T18:55:00.000-08:00

We spent a very low-key evening with the Mann Clan...the boys rang in the New Year right...

All the boys with Piper ...she hung right in there with us!

Makin' Noodles

2011-01-06T18:35:00.000-08:00

Grandma waited til just a couple days before Christmas to get her noodles made...she always gives each of us kids homemade noodles...so she had to call for some assistance!

Looks like she got the best help around... :)

Merry Christmas from Santa and his little elf!

2011-01-06T18:24:00.000-08:00

Some friends of ours had a little gathering before Christmas and these two came to spread some Christmas cheer.

Dad's Going to Need Another Leg....

2010-11-07T17:32:00.000-08:00

...Come May...we are expecting again! The boys are very excited...and we are too! I am 11 weeks along and have a due date of May 27th. One more to add to the fun, or chaos, or whatever you want to call it!

I can picture a third here...can't you?

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T20:22:00.000-07:00

From Optimus Prime and our big NERD!

Oh my...

50 years and counting...

2010-09-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

September 14, 1960, my parents exchanged vows. Today they celebrate 50 years of marriage!

Happy Birthday Anniversary...as Maddox would say! We love you!

First Day of School - 2010

2010-08-19T21:55:00.000-07:00

Maddox is in Kindergarten this year and Gavin is in Second grade...all grown up! They started on Monday and it has been a good, but long, week. I really dislike school starting on a Monday...I'd vote for at least a Wednesday. Maddox has been a bit grumpy when he gets home, but it's an adjustment.

I wonder if Maddox's hand signal is a sign of what he's going to be someday! (Actually, he is imitating himself from his first day of pre-school, he didn't quite have the thumbs up thing down, or he was just being silly and that's what he did. He thought it was funny, so I guess it's his signature move now.
Mrs. Potter and the entire school body starting off the school year with a prayer...so glad that the boys are a part of this school!

Excuses, excuses...

2010-07-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

Gavin will find any excuse to get a chance to drive the Ranger at Grandma and Grandpa's. It's funny how quick these fun jobs can get done. Looks like it's a win/win situation for everyone involved...

Happy 30th Birthday Kelly!

2010-07-15T06:03:00.001-07:00

I don't usually do birthday posts anymore, but since this is a special one...I think you deserve some recognition! Happy 30th...your best years are yet to come!

See...looks like your twenties haven't treated you too bad! Happy 30th Birthday Kelly! We love you lots!

Happy 10th Anniversary!

2010-07-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

That's right...10 years ago today Larry and I tied the knot...crazy how time flies!

Thanks to my niece Rachel for the delicious and super cute Anniversary cake!

She has a website if you'd like to check it out... http://www.trendycakes.webs.com/

Funny to think about how we started out in our little one bedroom apartment in Mt. Zion...not that our house is much bigger, but still, funny to think about! We miss living there, but are thankful to be closer to our family and friends, both old and new! I wander what the next 10 years will bring!

Our "first" date...17 years ago

Day 2 - Sunday, June 13th

2010-06-13T22:11:00.000-07:00

So, we started our day around 6:00am. We packed up and ate with The Marshall's and then headed out around 7:30 am. We were dreading today a bit...knowing that we needed to make some tracks in order to get to our destination, which we really weren't sure of...didn't need to be to Orlando until Noon on Monday, but didn't want to have to have too much of a drive on Monday morning. The drive through the rest of Tennessee was really a nice drive...lot of hills and rocks, and waterfalls...made the part seem to go pretty fast. We got to Atlanta before long and the traffic was busy, for a Sunday at least. However, there are many lanes and it went really smooth. Larry drove all day...I kept thinking I would drive a little to give him a break, but it seemed that he was having fun. I-75 has 3 lanes, so he was enjoying it. I napped off and on, maybe 2 hours all together. The boys finally fell asleep around 3:00. Maddox just fell asleep...Gavin had to be told to. One day they will realize the value of a good nap. We made it to the Florida border shortly after they fell asleep. We weren't sure how far we wanted to go, but we thought we wanted to get pretty close as long as they boys were cooperative. Again, they have been excellent. I know some people will not drive...due to having their kids with them. Honestly, I have to brag on them. They have been awesome...don't get me wrong...they had a spat or maybe two...but, so minor. Maddox likes to mock everything that Gavin does...it makes Gavin angry...you know the rest of the story. That's honestly all I can think of that happened. Pretty nice! Maddox ended up sleeping for two hours and Gavin for an hour. About an hour after Maddox woke up we were getting close to Ocala, FL...where we were thinking might be a good spot to stop. We filled up with gas and Larry checked out a hotel. He came out and decided that he was up for driving into Orlando as long as we were. We all agreed to go for it. The only thing was, that we didn't have reservations for a hotel, so we were winging it again. We arrived in Orlando around 7:30. So, we spent 12 hours today on the road...minus two stops...one to eat at a rest area and another to go to the bathroom and fill up...it went surprisingly quick. We found a very inexpensive hotel, right in the hoppin' spot in town and settled in. We went for a walk...as it was a really nice area and there were all sorts of eating joints...and we saw the upside down house (Wonderworks) that Jordan had told the boys they HAD to go to! It was open til midnight...so, we decided to go eat at Houlihan's and then head over to Wonderworks...why not....we're on vacation. If the boys are up til 1 am...it's ok, right? The thing was, we knew that this place would be packed during the day. It was the best, hands-on, children's museum type place that we had ever been to...and we've been to several. I'm not sure that we would have even considered going if it wasn't for Elaine mentioning it to us. So, thanks for the recommendation guys!

It was about 970 miles to get here....700 of which we drove today...not bad at all! We've had a late night tonight...and everyone's asleep but me. I'm ready to join them, just really trying to get everything posted. I'm sure that I'll leave out plenty, but I know all my days will be a blur once we get much further into this vacation.

- It is really pretty here...the boys are loving all the palm trees. Gavin really wants to bring one home with us. He says he'll dig it up in the winter and bring it inside so it can live. Yeah right!

- When the boys fell asleep on the way today, they were both covered with their Grandma Blankies, heads and all...I was going to take a picture, but wanted to make sure they were both asleep and then I forgot about it. Too cute though.

-At Wonderworks, the boys loved it all, but especially the Ropes maze and most of all the 4D Canyon Coaster simulator.

Tomorrow's plan...to head to SeaWorld and maybe Aquatica. We have tickets that are good for 7 consecutive days. We check into The Dolphin Resort at Disney also, so we are looking forward to that as well.

Just a few photos for the day...

The boys where we stopped to eat lunch at a random Georgia Rest Area

Wonderworks...also known as...the upside down house (during the daytime)Inside Wonderworks...seeing how long they could stand water at the temp. it was when the Titanic sank....Mom was the toughest...34 seconds!

Our "little" astronaut

The ropes maze...I didn't get to do this one because I had flip flops on...it was a large maze up in the rafters of the room. The boys were really brave...they were high and it wasn't made only for kids!

Update on Pepper...I received several texts today about Pepper and his missing status. The last he has been seen is Friday night...Mom did not know it would be this easy to get rid of him (which is what Larry was hoping for) They're thinking he made his way back to our house...Larry says that if he has made his way back to our house then he deserves to be an inside cat when we get home. My Dad is hoping that Pepper comes back so he can bring him back to our front doorstep before we arrive home and Pepper can be inside FOREVER!

New Update...while we were at Wonderworks Pepper came to the gliding door...from this point on Pepper sleeps and eats in the garage...I think there is a story about him being under the bed in here somewhere too.

Florida Bound 2010 - Day 1- June 12, 2010

2010-06-12T20:41:00.001-07:00

So, while we were away last year I tried to blog daily to keep everyone, mostly family and friends, up to date on what we were doing, etc. This year, I decided to do the same thing...only I waited til we returned to start posting so here it goes...read it if you wanna.

This morning we headed out for our trek to Florida...we planned on leaving at 8:00, but really weren't too concerned about leaving early. We didn't need to be in Orlando til Noon on Monday. Why hurry? We pulled out at 9:30am...we saw Kelly and Jeremy as we were heading out...stopped and talked with them and then we were on our way. As we were leaving town...Larry tells me he wasn't really sure what way we needed to go. We are NOT big into planning, but knew we had a map and would make it one way or another.

As we made it to the Evansville area Larry and I were talking about some of the big cities we would be going through. He thought his Dad had told him just to drive straight through one city rather than bypassing it...Nashville, he thought. I said to him...are we even going through Nashville? He looked at me and said...I don't know! We laughed so hard at the fact that we didn't even know if we were going through Nashville. The city his Dad was talking about was Atlanta...I heard him say it. I immediately remembered that Elaine, Brent, and Jordan were going to be in Nashville this weekend for a softball tournament. We ended up stopping there...and staying...we didn't make it very far our first day, but it was worth it. The boys swam with Jordan...we spent some time downtown Nashville...it was filled with people due to CMA festival going on...and it was HOT, but we did get to check out some shops and all in all it was a good time. We can now say we've been downtown Nashville. We ate at Calhoun's, the best ribs in town, or maybe the country...and headed back to the hotel room. The thing is...the family who had an adjoining room with Elaine and Brent decided to head back home and their room was already paid for, so we ended up getting free room and board.

Gavin's favorite thing of the day was, get this, DRIVING!

Maddox's favorite was swimming with Jordan and jumping on the beds!

Our only other stop for the day was just across the Tennessee border at a rest area to eat some lunch. This is Maddox after eating at Calhoun's...his tummy was FULL!

Jordan is a country music lover...and was really bummed by the fact that there was a CMA festival going on in the city we were in...and we weren't going! We walked past the CMT building and thought we oughtta at least snap a shot...as I sat in the middle of the sidewalk to get this shot...pretty sight, I'm sure!
Meet our catsitter...isn't she a natural! The report as of this evening, is that Pepper has not been seen in 24 hours...Larry will be excited...and the boys will not be...I think Grandma is a bit concerned about her grandsons' reactions.

We plan to get an early start in the morning to make up for our short driving day...which was very worth it!

Balloons Sent to Heaven...With Love!

2010-05-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

On Monday...the boys and I went to the doctor to hear the baby's heartbeat...10 1/2 weeks along...there was none...

Thanks to an amazing family...friends...and all around awesome support group...we will get through this! Love to all!

Fun for all ages...

2010-05-23T18:06:00.000-07:00

Today was a perfect day to pull out the Slip and Slide...the boys and Tyler, our neighbor boy, enjoyed it. I guess Larry liked it a little bit too!

Birthday Memories

2010-04-06T19:42:00.000-07:00

We had Maddox's birthday party at our house on Saturday evening. Originally, we planned on having it at the campground and having a "camping party". Therefore, I decided to create this Smore Cake...knowing that Maddox had no interest in the Smore, but something more along the lines of Spiderman, Batman, dirtbikes, etc. I thought this looked easier and I didn't have a pan for what he wanted...I knew I'd spend forever trying to cut out a cake and decorate it. Instead I ended up spending forever decorating this Smore cake. It was different though...and he still loves me even though I didn't fulfill that wish of his. What a bad mom that makes me sound like, huh! Larry even asked him the next morning, after I had made it, if he liked his cake. He sadly shook his head no....then, I asked him later because Larry had told me about his reaction....he tried so hard to shake his head yes...and make me think that he liked it, but there was no hiding it. He did not really care for his Smore Cake. In the end...we didn't have a camping party after all due to rain and he didn't seem to mind his cake at all! Thank goodness!

Thanks for your help Taylor!

Kurt and Taylor

This kid spent 90 % of the time going down on his butt rather than his belly...crazy kid!
It's a hit with Gavin too
Thanks to everyone for your phone calls, messages, and gifts. Maddox sure like all the attention!

Maddox is 5!

2010-04-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Maddox...it's hard to believe that you had a bit of a rocky start. But, look at you now!

Look at your little chest working so hard...

Ready for a burp after being fed by syringe...still getting oxygen from that tube...

Meeting Gavin...it was soon after this point that we wondered what we were thinking having 2 kids, well another child so soon after Gavin. Ornery...to say the least! However, it was all for the best! Just before your Spring Concert 2010
Where to begin...you never cease to amaze us. There is never a dull moment with you around. You are all boy, yet still love to be loved on when there aren't a lot of people around. You would play video games all day if we let you...you're quite the bike rider...basically you do everything your brother does, just in a different way. There aren't a lot of things that you two have in common, yet you're not a lot different either...that's a tough one to explain! You have quite a throwing arm...baseball should be interesting this year. An imagination is something you've had from day one...give you some army guys, cars, etc. and you'll play and imagine and create your little heart out. You are a mover and a groover...you can shake those hips like nothing I've ever seen before from a boy your size. Let's not forget about your hurkeys and now double hurkeys...we can thank Aunt Kelly for that one. Yet, you are your Daddy's son, so anything is possible :) We could do without the whining, but we're working on that one. You are NOT shy and are quite open about everything...there isn't a topic that you'd shy away from...and sometimes I really wish you'd keep your thoughts inside, especially in public, but you really do mean well! So, we wanna keep you that way...love you very much. I keep begging you to just stay little...and it doesn't seem to be working. You're determined to grow up right before my eyes! This is your "Golden" birthday. Turning 5 on the 5th...how fun! You are just dying to try out your new Slip-n-Slide from Taylor and Kurt. I have a feeling you'll get to try it...how can we not let you...even though it's too cool. Daddy took the day off to spend with you and fix our sump pump, and he has yet to fix it. You're being super patient though...lots of new things to play with from this weekend. You are one lucky boy! Hope you have yet another best birthday EVER! Love, Mom

A weekend in St. Louis

2010-02-28T19:59:00.000-08:00

We headed to St. Louis on Saturday morning for PBR (Professional Bull Riding) and our first stop was the Children's Hospital to see this little guy. Ladsen is one super sweet boy...his Mom is a good friend of ours and since we were in town, we thought we'd see how he was doing. He had surgery last Tuesday and was able to come home on Sunday morning.

The boys had time to swim before heading out for the night...this was common attire at the hotel this weekend. Boots and swim trunks...sexy!

I just realized that I have no photos of PBR to post. I didn't take my camera...

However, I have photos of the boys and their buds, Parker and Patton.

Gavin wanted to stop at the arch for a bit...

Larry wanted to take the boys skateboarding at Plan Nine at the Mills. They did a little skateboarding for two hours. Gavin had a a couple falls, but no broken bones thankfully!

Maddox did a lot of belly and butt boarding...I guess that's what you'd call it!

Gavin's 1st Sleepover...

2010-02-22T16:25:00.000-08:00

This year for his birthday...all Gavin wanted was to have his classmates over for a sleepover. Here they are...all 4 of them. They had a good time...and were konked out by 11:00pm...and up at 6:30am. They ate...and ate...and ate again. They played lots of legos and wii! Lots of burping...I couldn't have asked for a better group of kids!

Pizza and breadsticks for supper

Ice cream

Popcorn and a movie

Gavin and Ethan have a trace of their powdered donuts left on their lips.

Thanks boys for staying with us...it was a memorable time!

Dear Gavin,

2010-02-17T21:16:00.000-08:00

Your Dad, Maddox and I want to wish you a Happy 7th Birthday! We are so proud of the young man you're becoming. You've grown up so much...I wish I could slow it all down! However, some things just never change. I've been looking through photos for nearly 20 minutes...there are just too many cute ones to share. This one just happened to catch my eye...wouldn't know why, it just did. Looking forward to celebrating this weekend! Love you Gavin!

While I Was Sleeping...

2010-02-11T23:33:00.000-08:00

I heard someone whisper in my ear...that I was a BIG SISTER...but I kept right on dreaming...and snoring...and snuggling in Gavin's bed! I thought I better get a good night's sleep so I can go meet my baby brother...

Connor Lee Richardson

6 lbs. 3 ozs.

February 11, 2010

11:26 pm

My Aunt DeAnn must really be losing it because she forgot to ask details like...how is his name spelled or/er...how long is he..all that good stuff. She even went to see him...it's only a few blocks away. She was going to ask all those details when she went to see him, but once she got there...all those little things didn't matter! She says he's really small, even smaller than me...and he looks kinda like me too.

I'm ready to meet him in the morning. I think I'm gonna love having a little brother!

I'll let you know what I think of him soon! Congratulations to my Mommy and Daddy...and me!

Mallory Jo

Monster Jam 2010

2010-01-31T07:36:00.000-08:00

Last weekend this is what we were up to...thanks to Aunt Kelly and Uncle Jeremy!

Maddox's favorite...because he has this truck at home...one of his Wal-Mart finds.

Any boy's dream!

Maximum Destruction
Blue Thunder

Demolition Derby
Me and my boys!

We enjoyed our little getaway...

Barely hanging on...

2010-01-17T21:55:00.000-08:00

Gavin's second tooth was barely hanging in there...not sure how it did for so long. Especially considering the fact that it was once touching the tooth to the left of it in the photo. He wanted it to fall out on it's own...it came out while eating an apple.

His top two are a tad loose. I'm sure it'll be a long while before he loses them though.

Sorry!

2010-01-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

The boys are enjoying this game given to Maddox by his Godparents, Kurt and Taylor. He makes sure to let everyone know that it's his game and who gave it to him.

The boys even sat down to play a couple games on their own.

How can this......

so quickly turn into this!

and this...

Shaving at 4

2009-12-29T21:50:00.000-08:00

Maddox received a very cool shaving kit from Grandma and Grandpa Dorn this year for Christmas. He uses it every night...and he smells goooood when he's done. He also received some tattoos from Rylan through his gift exchange at school...note all the tattoos on his head, arms, legs, etc... I let him put them on all by himself.

"Mom, did I spread it good enough?" shaving cream, razor, mirror...all set!

Cookie Monsters Inc.

2009-12-28T20:31:00.000-08:00

As we were baking cookies a couple weeks ago for St. Joe's Annual Cookie Walk, Gavin and Maddox decided they'd start a cookie company now that I have this mixer fit for a "professional". Gavin decided that they'd charge $1 per cookie...and immediately started taking orders, with my help. Maddox likes to help for about 5 minutes, then he's done...he's not worried about the profit...Gavin is! So, needless to say the little moneymaker has come home with quite a chunk for his piggy bank. It's all good fun...except for the clean-up...we could do without that part, but it's all worth it in the end.

Gavin labeling baggies he made for each of the kids in his class and his teacher.

Our taste-tester hard at work!

Meet Santa and his elf....

2009-12-20T15:47:00.000-08:00

Sarah Silverballs...

Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas is.....hmmmm!
Just had to share a couple of photos from an entertaining Christmas party last night. Thanks for all the laughs!

Oh the Joy of Snow...

2009-12-07T21:54:00.000-08:00

Maddox was the first to notice the first snow of the season! He pulled the blinds up out in the living room. The rest of us were back in the bedrooms getting ready...he yelled..."It's Christmas!" then made sure we all came out to the living room to see. He doesn't get excited about much, but obviously snow tops his list! The boys both insisted on wearing their snowboots to school...can you say "dorks", but it was a battle I wasn't willing to fight this morning. Besides, it was the first snow and they were soooo excited.

Maddox finally realized that the snow was gone after he made it home from pre-school. His bottom lip hung down as he said "Mom, Christmas is gone...." I just thought it was funny that he related snow with Christmas SO much...cute, regardless!

Mallory is 1!

2009-12-05T18:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Baby Girl...we're so lucky to have you!

My how you've grown...

Hope you had the best-est birthday ever!

Forrest Gump

2009-12-02T22:26:00.001-08:00

Gavin writes in his journal at school almost every day. I am amazed at what he writes at this point. He always has some good stories to tell. This one made us laugh a lot! Our kids are always doing inappropriate things...it may be because they see inappropriate things or hear them too...from their Dad, of course. About a month ago we watched Forrest Gump with the boys. We skipped through the "bad" parts!(At least the really bad ones) This is Gavin's journal just as he wrote it.

November 9, 2009

Movie

The movie my family watched is Forest Gump and he was in the army and he went to Bootcamp. The man taught him to learn what it is like in the army. When he was in the army he had a friend named BuBu and Bubu got shot and Forest got shot in the bottom. His leader stepped on a bomb. His leader had two little nubs sticking out. His great grandpa died in the army. His dad died in the army. His other grandpa died in the army. He was mad that Forest would not let him die at first. But in the end he was happy that Forest helped him.

Gavin's teacher wrote...I have not watched Forrest Gump- but I think you did a great job retelling it. I wonder what she was thinking when she read it!

One more...he's going to have to take his journal back to school with him in the morning, so I wanted to share this one too.

November 23, 2009

Hunting

I went hunting on the weekend with my Grandpa but we did not get any deer. But we did see thirteen deer. and I shot at one but missed and my gun is not powrfol anuf to kill a deer. I shot a bullet at a leff (leaf) and I shot my gun at a tree and the bullet came flying back at me. I allmost got hit with the bullet. I like deer hunting too but I am mad because we did not get ane(any) deer. But I am happy. I got to go deer hunting with my Grandpa and I am happy I got time to spend with him. I like my Grandpa because he takes me hunting.

His teacher wrote...You do have a good Grandpa. I hope he takes you again---I'm waiting for deer meat.

There are many more...I completely enjoy reading his journal...how can you not!

My Daddy is a Verizon Man

2009-12-02T21:21:00.000-08:00

On Monday morning Larry visited Maddox's pre-school class. He read them a book that we made a couple years ago when he came into Gavin's class. I think they liked it!

Party vans and missed milestones

2009-11-29T21:18:00.000-08:00

This weekend was one I'll never forget...thanks to my girls. I got some Christmas shopping done and had many laughs in Nashville, TN. Thanks for the laughs...we had good luck...shopping...and getting EVERYTHING into the van.

When I made it home around 10pm tonight...Larry tells me that I missed a milestone...I knew immediately that Gavin had lost a tooth. I wasn't sure which one, but I was supposed to wake him up so he could tell me. The boys were in our bed since I was gone...that's our deal. If one of us is gone they can sleep in our bed (usually). I tried to wake him, but he was OUT. I did get to see which tooth it was. I'm sure he'll tell me all about it in the morning. AND because he didn't sleep in his own bed, the tooth fairy will have to wait until tomorrow night to visit...she has some planning to do before then.

Congratulations to you Gavin...this is only the beginning...and it could be interesting...especially if you take after your Dad.

Oh, and thanks for decorating your room while I was gone...I love it!

Harvesting Buds...

2009-11-16T20:01:00.000-08:00

Gavin is all about combining or anything that has to do with farming...he takes after me so much...Ha Ha! He could ride and ride all day...Maddox, not so much. He likes it for a while, then is ready to move on to something else. He definitely wants his turn though! Thanks to Uncle John for the ride...it's funny...neither of the boys came home saying the F word like they do when they're with Uncle Steve...hmmmm!

Hunting season ought to be interesting this year!

2009-11-15T19:47:00.000-08:00

What are your thoughts after seeing THIS photo?

Larry and the boys helped Grandpa Dorn put up this deer stand made for Grandpa + 2!

Hmmm...do you think any deer will come near! Good luck to them next weekend!

Thanks Grandpa for always giving the boys such opportunities! We are very lucky...even his teacher writes in his school journal how his weekends are so full of awesome adventures!

Donuts with Dad

2009-11-12T15:42:00.000-08:00

This morning the boys had donuts with Larry at school..

To all Veterans...

2009-11-11T10:11:00.000-08:00

We salute you!

Today and Always!

Arghhh...matey!

2009-11-03T19:18:00.000-08:00

Gavin's face describes my feelings toward Halloween this year...I just wasn't into it. All that matters is that the boys had fun...and they did. We didn't even make it to see any of my family except for Kurt. Sorry, maybe next weekend...or maybe pictures will have to do this year.

I asked Gavin to give me a serious face...this is it.

Headed out to trick or treat with Aunt Kay and the Richardson family

Grandparents...

2009-11-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

with their grandkids on Halloween!

The kids were so excited when they opened their treat bags at Grandma and Grandpa's this year. They all 3 got candy "cigs" as Gavin calls them along with lots of other good stuff. The funny thing is that as soon as they saw them they popped them in their mouths like they were pros. It was funny...they are very aware of the fact that they are NOT good for them and know what "cigs" do to their bodies, so I'm hoping that those facts outweigh how "cool" they look in these photos a few years down the road. Gavin really gave Aunt Vicki a hard time this summer while we were vacationing.

Almost 11 months...and look at this girl...looks rough and tough, doesn't she?

Back to Work...

2009-10-16T15:41:00.000-07:00

...for a while anyway. I am filling in for the Language Arts teacher at the boys' school while she's on maternity leave. Today we were all in our blue and white and thought we needed to take a picture. So far, it's going really well. I really do have a super group of kids to work with. I'm exhausted, but we've had at least two or three things going on every night this week. I'm hoping things slow down a little next week!

Just a story...no photos

2009-10-08T07:56:00.001-07:00

Tuesday night Maddox came into our room and snuggled up next me...and in my sound sleep I didn't even know he was there until Gavin came in around 5am. I realized I had two boys in the spot that Gavin normally squeezes into. I rolled Maddox over between Larry and I and went back to sleep. First thing in the morning...Maddox wakes up all smiles and says "Mom, did you hear me whisper in your ear last night?" I said "No, I didn't, what did you tell me?" Maddox says, "Don't tell Dad that I'm snuggling with you...because he'll take me to my own bed. It worked!" See Maddox usually comes in and crawls over Larry and inbetween us. This time he didn't want to get moved out so he stayed away from Dad. The only time Larry actually moves Maddox is on Thursday nights when he goes bowling and Larry comes home and decides he doesn't want to have a backache in the morning. He never moves him out if he comes in the middle of the night...actually he probably never even realizes he's in there til morning. I just thought it was cute...he was one proud little boy! I wish I had video of him telling it...whispering...I wander how long our bed will be so popular?

Fall Festival Parade

2009-10-07T06:02:00.000-07:00

My Dad drove one of his antique tractors in the parade this year and his grandkids wanted to walk/ride with him. Gavin was the most excited about it...he told me that morning that this was the most exciting day of his life! He really wanted to throw candy...and I guess he threw some that he had gathered as he was waiting to start the parade route. I guess we need to work on tossing it to the edge of the street rather than throwing directly at the parade-goers! We didn't know if Maddox would make it to the end...he did...and was still raring to go!

Taylor and Kiley

The crew

On the parade route...toward the end. I hardly had enough time to get a photo. They were moving pretty quick at this point.

Gavin hauling his wagon...and tunes...International Harvester...which we couldn't hear as they passed us. It was a last minute type of thing...ah well!

Rhett trying out his tractor...looks like his legs are getting a tad too long!

The crew...they made it!

The Prince...and his Princess!

2009-10-05T20:54:00.000-07:00

I was attempting to actually update the blog tonight...after a couple reminders that it has been a LONG time. I'm having trouble...and I'm tired...so I'll leave you with this photo taken at The Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, IL on Sunday.

Maddox asked Grandpa if his seat was the "girl" seat. Grandpa said no...there they sat...eating their ice cream!

What a Saturday...

2009-09-13T08:52:00.000-07:00

It was filled with soccer and bike races

Gavin's friend Rylin...making sure those shin guards work

Gavin kicking Rylin in the shins...nice!

Maddox just after his race...

The boys both had a successful day...we're super proud of you both!

My sidekick...

2009-09-07T19:16:00.000-07:00

We went to the Ste. Marie picnic yesterday...the boys enjoyed playing all the games and such...the only thing I wanted to do, was play bingo...I usually don't get a chance to play because the boys up until this point wouldn't sit still long enough to let me. However, yesterday was different. Once we got started Gavin was really into it. It looks like I'll always have someone to play with now. Gavin won the second game he played...he's hooked! He won $21.75...and was rubbing it in to the ladies across from us who'd been playing all morning and hadn't won. He even wanted to come back and play the Blackout game at the end. However, camping ended up sounding more appealing once the time came.

Jordan...this one is for you! Gavin pulled this out of Maddox's pj drawer and decided he was wearing it to the picnic...remember when he cried when we asked him just to try it on for a photo!

Gavin and his tractor

Maddox and his T-Rex

Lucky...

2009-09-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

is the word I'd use to describe Maddox this afternoon. We were all lounging around this afternoon and he decided he wanted to play a game that was in the top of his closet. So, this is the contraption he used to get it. Pretty sneaky and lucky to say the least!

Shaving at 6!

2009-09-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

Gavin's been taking showers lately...he takes one in our bathroom while Maddox bathes in their bathroom. Gavin came out last night with blood running down his leg. He told us that my razor, which is hanging on the side of the shower, fell down and hit his leg. Larry asked him if he wanted to just go ahead and tell us the truth. My razor fits very securely in it's little holder on the side of the shower (no chance of it "falling"...with a little smirk he gave in and told us. He was trying to shave his leg...but took a tiny chunk out of it instead. He's extremely proud of his hairs...can't believe he tried to shave them off.

Thursday...

2009-09-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

This is what our day consisted of...

A little rain...goofy boys...snacks...

Great day to play in the rain...

Popsicles

I wonder what he's thinking about...

Thankful for days like these!

Maddox is big stuff now!

2009-09-01T21:41:00.000-07:00

Maddox has started riding the 4-wheeler that Aunt Vicki got Gavin when he was 3. Now it's all Maddox's and he's loving it. He's doing really well on it. We have a "racetrack" around our house now. I wonder how many circles they have made.

Gotta love the teeth!

Boots and shorts...just like Uncle Steve

By the way...thanks to Kurt for "fixing" this 4-wheeler that's been out of commission for a while now. ;)

Cousins...

2009-08-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday the boys went to Farm Safety Day...this seemed to be Maddox's favorite part. Sniff-a-saurus's tail!

The boys having juice with Blake

Mallory, Rhett, and Blake came back to the house to hang out for a while

Since this is all about cousins...I have one more from this week that fits in with the farm theme.

Maddox is off to Preschool

2009-08-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

Maddox was really looking forward to school this year too. It's nice to know that he wants to go and looks forward to seeing his friends.

What a goof!

1st day of 1st grade...

2009-08-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

Gavin was up bright and early this morning...got all of his "jobs" done and was ready to go early, well...early for us anyway! He chose the jeep to have his pictures taken on.

Maddox still has a couple days before he starts school

Aunt Kelly even stopped by this morning on her way to work to see the boys before school.

Gavin and his teacher...she is all about smiley faces!

Summer's End

2009-08-18T20:39:00.000-07:00

Well today is Gavin's last day of summer...we enjoyed it...kept it simple...and I'm kinda sad to say that it's time for him to go back. I remember when school was out wondering what in the world we were going to do...with him around ALL day...things were much more peaceful while he was at school. However, the boys have their moments, some days more than others, but they're going to miss each other and I'm going to miss having him around. He really, truly is a big help...there's not a thing that we do around here that he doesn't know ALL about. He seems to have it all figured out. Pretty big stuff for a 6 year old.

Thank goodness for this tree in the neighbors' yard. It's perfect for climbing. Last week Gavin rigged up this pulley...he loads up the fallen branches...not sure what he does with them...or why...but he does and loves it!

This tree has provided him with many locusts and locust skins to play with and collect...I'm sure this tree is glad that summer's end has come as well.

Gavin received this letter in the mail from his teacher yesterday. He really is looking forward to this year. He has good reason to.

We took the boys to Open House tonight. Gavin had a lot of comments on how tall he's grown over the summer. I'd have to say I agree. Here's to new beginnings and the summer's end!

Canning with Grandma...

2009-08-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon, Grandma Dorn was canning tomato juice and Gavin was right in there...anyone need a hand with canning? I think he could handle it.

Concentration!

Maddox's New Wheels!

2009-08-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

Last week Larry found Maddox a new bike. It's a lot bigger than his old one...he's ready though! He almost looks funny riding his old one with tiny wheels.

As he came around the corner to find his surprise...

Trying it out!

Family Tradition...

2009-08-07T21:38:00.000-07:00

If you're a part of my family this will bring back soooo many memories...

We went back to John and Becky's this evening to help/watch them butcher chickens for a while. They tell me this is the last time...I wanted to make sure the boys could experience it. Gavin got right in there...Maddox liked to watch...and touch the gizzards, hearts, and livers. Nice, huh!

Gavin was the "catcher"...this one must've been a wild one. The look on his face says he's terrified...he wasn't!

Gavin and Grandma plucking feathers...great fun! Why is it that her hands are always on someone else's chicken? Hmmm...what's that remind you of!

Gavin's facial expressions are cracking me up! Thanks for letting us come over and help out...Gavin was super proud of the chicken that we got to bring home!

My Big Bro...

2009-08-06T21:23:00.001-07:00

Don't you think this looks just like him?

As Cindy and I were finishing cleaning up paint supplies down at John and Becky's ( Rachel's room is getting a new paint job) ...well, as I was watching her clean up...I thought it'd be fun to leave John a little message on his mirror. All we needed was a little toothpaste and something to make some facial/chest hair and we were good to go. He ended up coming home as we were taking photos, so Mom took a photo of all 3 of us in the photo...so clever...watch out Amber! We were so thankful that Mom could take the photo, looking through the viewfinder, pushing the correct buttons and getting the camera lens uncovered. Thanks Mom!

.4

2009-08-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

Mom and I are both up .4lbs this week.

I've been working out yet eating more than I should...one day the boys weren't able to go into the "kids" room at the gym because the massage therapist was in there giving someone a massage. They got to sit out and eat their snacks and watch everyone workout instead. They actually did really well...until the end! They were a little too close to keep their hands off of each other.

Weekend, Wendelin, and Water!

2009-08-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went Jeepin' to the Wendelin picnic for a while with Jeremy, Kelly, and Mallory and then went camping Sunday night. Cindy and Ervan had camped this weekend and offered to leave their camper out there so we could use it since Larry had the day off today. We're glad we took them up on their offer. It was nice...and relaxing!

Mallory after a duck at the Duck Pond

Almost. got. it... (What are you guys doing to that baby anyway?)

The boys on the raft that Gavin built...anyone wanna try it out?

All about his chicks...

2009-07-29T20:07:00.000-07:00

Last year Cindy gave the boys some hen and chicks in a little pot...we let it sit out through the winter....the pot cracked and shattered from the cold. Gavin's been on my case about finding a new one...we've had these hen and chicks in our landscaping FOREVER. We found one in Effingham the other day...it was the only size they had...Gavin's glad! We thought we might not have enough to fill all those slots, but we sure did and I've never seen a boy quite so excited about it.

Maddox helped too!

Teamwork

I must not have taken an after photo...I'll have to get on that!

Weight-loss update...I didn't even bother last week. I figured everyone's really tired of hearing...up...same...down a little...REALLY! I did really good that last week and I was ONLY down .8lbs so I got ticked and didn't do that good this week. I stayed the same...Mom is down though...1.2 lbs. Getting closer!

My Boys with their Girls

2009-07-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

Today Gavin had Kira, his classmate, over to play. We planned on going to the free summer movie and then swimming in the afternoon. Maddox wanted to have a girl to come play too, so our neighbor Kayleigh and her Mom joined us for the movie.

Funny faces!

Gavin, Kira, and Maddox just hanging out

My monkey...

Just another Friday night...

2009-07-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night we stayed home and had some quality FAMILY time...had nothing else going on...here's how it ended up...not sure how or why...it just did!

Never a dull moment! A little music at our house and you never know what's going to happen next.

Again, not sure how or why???

In case you're wondering how I managed to post these...because I usually do ask Larry if he cares...he's playing X-Box with his buddies online at the moment! He'll definitely be re-thinking it after he sees them on here!

Let me know if it made you laugh...

Roughing it!

2009-07-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Saturday night I mentioned that it'd be a perfect night to set up the tent that Larry got from Verizon as a 5 year gift. It's been in our garage for 5 more without even being opened. Larry didn't want to due to the fact that he had to work on Sunday. So, we talked him into it last night. We were gone most of the day and didn't get home until just before dark. As he set up the tent I ran to the store to get all the ingredients for our Smores...Rhett, my nephew, stayed with us and we had the best time with it. We have no fire pit...we used flames from the grill to roast hot dogs and marshmallows. We may have been a little loud...sorry to our neighbors, but it was so hard to be quiet. There were "ghost" stories to be told...Larry tells some good ones let me tell ya. The boys went to sleep amazingly fast...that was the part I was worried about. They were good and worn out though. We did not have an air mattress. We thought about going to get one...then decided we don't do this often enough to get much use out of it. MISTAKE! This was the only "rough" part...I could not get to sleep...Larry was snoring. It only bothered me though...and Rhett for a short while. Luckily Larry was down by my feet so I just gave him a LITTLE nudge with my foot every time he started in. I woke up a lot throughout the night...tossing, turning, trying to get comfy...Rhett woke up to go to the bathroom. Something about him getting up and going into the house made me want to follow him right into the house and find my soft bed. I asked Larry if he wanted to go inside...he quickly agreed. We made it until 5:40am. We brought the boys in too, even though Maddox was not happy about it...half asleep, yet knowing he wasn't sleeping in the tent anymore. We slept GOOD until 8:30am. Would've been longer had we not had things going on this morning. It was definitley worth it...the tent is put away and Larry's ready to do it again once we get an air mattress!

Maddox's Hershey bar...we gave him the package thinking he was making a smore...no, ate the whole thing in less than a minute!

Larry and Gavin roastin' weiners

Rhett

Happy campers!

It's definitely the simple things in life that can make your day!

The Adams Family...

2009-07-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

To them we owe a HUGE thank you! Their boys have outgrown this Billy Hoe and have given us hours of digging pleasure! Totally thankful!

THANK YOU!

Happy Birthday Kelly!

2009-07-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

Happy 29th Birthday today! Hope you have a good one.

From Gavin, Maddox, and Mallory too!

Same ole...same ole...

2009-07-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

Okay...nothing major to report from this week's weigh-in. I stayed the same...and Mom lost .2 lbs. We were just talking about how quickly this is coming off and how we might just blow away if we keep it up! Geesh!

Guess what?

2009-07-12T21:15:00.000-07:00

Hello...it's just me...little Miss Mallory...I have a little secret I'd like to let everyone in on! This is no little secret...but I've been trying so hard to keep it...that I can't do it ANY more...

I'M GOING TO BE A BIG SISTER...THAT'S RIGHT! I WAS A LITTLE SURPRISED TOO. I KNOW IT'S GOING TO BE A TOUGH JOB...BUT I THINK I CAN HANDLE IT...DON'T YOU THINK SO?

One more little girl...or maybe a boy to be just as cute as me!

One more smile to light the room!

Someone to share airplane rides with...do you think Uncle Larry will be able to do two at once?

One more set of hands and even another tongue...for wake-up calls!

One more buddy for Gavin...

Can you tell this boy likes me a little...surely he'll like my baby brother or sister just as much!

One more to add to the FUN!

See these toes...they'll be hard to catch by the time my baby brother or sister gets here. It's going to be so much fun!

I feel so much better now that I have shared my big news!
Love, Mallory Jo

P.S. Aunt DeAnn and Uncle Larry helped me with the typing...they're looking forward to having two little ones to spoil.

Testing...

2009-07-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

I just realized that the photo actually did show up on our anniversary post...it looks like a bunch of mumbo jumbo when I go to set up the post, but the photos actually show up...here's one of Maddox riding with Aunt vicki on our way out to her property...Rica was in the back.

9 years and counting...

2009-07-08T18:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary Larry! Can you believe I've put up with you this long? Just kidding. We wouldn't know what to do without you around here! Here's to many more! I still cannot get my photos to upload....what's wrong? Here's what my photos look like?!?!?!

Belated Birthdays: I owe my OLDEST brother John a Happy Birthday Wish on July 5th....and my OLDEST nephew, Justin, a Birthday Wish from yesterday, July 7th! Love you guys!

This Tuesday...

2009-07-07T14:37:00.000-07:00

I'm down...1.2lbs. I'm a little surprised. I'm having a hard time getting back into the swing of things. I'm not going to complain about my loss though. It may catch up with me later if I don't get my act together. I'm going to make a short term goal of losing 3 lbs by July 21st, 2 weeks from today.

(Updated)
Strange...I got a phone call this afternoon reminding me that I hadn't updated my blog yet. I did update the ticker on the side of the screen, but I guess that wasn't enough. MOM LOST 1.8LBS THIS WEEK! WAY TO GO MOM! Mom, set yourself a new goal and let's stick with it this time....how's that sound?

Well...(updated)

2009-06-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

I am a little relieved to say that I gained 3 lbs. this week. I know that sounds crazy...you have no idea! I ate, and ate, and ate, and didn't exercise regularly. I ran 3 times while I was on vacation...walked quite a bit throughout our trip, but not every day walks like I would have if I were home. I was really looking for a 5 to 7 lb. gain. Seriously...not kidding! I actually took my scales with me. I think before we got to Aunt Vicki's I was actually down a couple more lbs. However, that quickly changed and I let my guard completely down. I actually did probably gain 5, but according to my last weigh-in at Weight Watchers it was 3lbs. Looks like I'm headed to my 20 lbs. goal again. That stinks! Oh well, as long as I don't gain all 20 back I'll be happy with that. Here's to next week!

Mom weighed in today (Wed.) and gained 1.6 lbs. We're not doing so hot here lately...any suggestions...motivation...would be great!

A huge thank you...

2009-06-29T14:49:00.000-07:00

goes out to Royse's Plumbing...thanks to Mike and Derek and the rest of the crew we have AIR CONDITIONING!!! You have no idea how grateful we are. Originally they weren't going to be able to get us taken care of until Thursday...however, someone was looking out for us and they were able to get the system picked up and put in today...pretty quick action! THANK YOU!!

Also, thanks to Larry and Debbie and my parents as well. We stayed at both places over the weekend to get some relief from the heat. It's nice to know we're always welcome to stay there at any time.

Home Sweet Home!

2009-06-27T10:14:00.000-07:00

Actually...it's not all that sweet. We are glad to be home, however, home hasn't been all that welcoming. I knew we had it way too good. Luck has been on our side the whole way. Our luck has changed.

So yesterday our AC in the Durango took a crap, we came home to an AC that was struck by lightning. It was 87 degrees in the house...and we had it set at 80...so we knew immediately something was wrong. So far, everything else is looking good. Thank goodness for wonderful neighbors...our yard, flowers, fish, and cat are doing great...even though Pepper deserves so much less than that. He had a "moment" while we were away. Does anyone have a good home for a cat? Oh, and I have had Maddox at the doc today. He has strep...so at least we can get that under control now...what's next? Hopefully nothing. It looks like we'll be staying at a bed and breakfast for a night or two (or 3 or 6) unless we decide to tackle the heat. It's sounding like it may be Thursday before we can get a new one put in. Which will it be...we hear there are two great places close by...Dorn Bed and Breakfast...or the Kocher Farms. We may have to try each one out.

Glad to be home...still unpacking if anyone's interested?

Day 13 - Are we there yet?

2009-06-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

We ended up leaving Colby, Kansas around 11:00am as we thought we would. We had planned on driving as far as we could...possibly home. Those thoughts were quickly shattered as soon as we stopped for gas and a potty break around 1:30pm. We had our first real feel of the hot, humid, sauna-like air that we had been hearing so much about from everyone back home. It seems we chose a good week to be gone. When we got back into the Durango to continue our journey home we noticed that the only air coming out of the vents was HOT. Larry tried everything he could from inside to figure out what was wrong...we pulled over about 3 miles later and something smelled hot...it was obviously something to do with the AC...it was done, gone, we were able to "enjoy" that heat the rest of the day. What a dilemma...I thought we should pull over and find someone, somewhere to take a look at it and determine whether it was something that could be easily fixed. Larry thought we should just drive and drive and drive til we got home. He was dripping with sweat...it was nice!

We drove until we got to the Missouri border and then I started hearing talk of stopping. Larry had decided that maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to give the boys a break. They were troopers through the whole heat issue. We had the windows open...making it loud. We couldn't really listen to the dvd player without blaring it over the wind noise. However after a while we got used to it and made it work. We didn't hear a peep out of either of the boys until we stopped at 6:30. It could have been due to the fact that you couldn't hear what they were saying anyway. Maybe they just gave up on talking. We must have two of the best boys when it comes to traveling. I don't use "best" to describe them very often...so you have to know they were awesome for us today...of all days! When we stopped in Columbia, Missouri this evening Maddox finally asked Gavin why he was wet...he just noticed he was hot! Actually I'm not sure that Maddox is back to his old self yet. His little cheeks were red...from sweat...from fever...not sure! Either way he hung in there.

This evening we hung out at the hotel and swam again. Just think at this time tomorrow night we should be in our own bed. Ahhh! Anybody want to help unpack! We've had a memorable vacation for sure, but are ready to see our family and friends soon!

Day 12 - Denver Zoo...Time with family

2009-06-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

I didn't get to posting last night...we drove until about 12:30am after leaving Larry's Grandma's. We thought we might try to drive through the night...possibly. The one thing I did forget to bring this trip was my glasses though...and after wearing my contacts all day I knew that the chances of me being able to see very well were pretty slim. We made it to Colby, Kansas last night. I tried to sleep...and I did for about an hour and a half. I was sitting in the back with the boys. Gavin was all over the place...legs...arms...head. Maddox was out sound...he started running a slight temp. yesterday evening. He slept through supper and just wasn't himself. We thought he may just be tired, but were pretty sure there was something else going on. We decided we wouldn't really be gaining anything by trying to drive all night. So, we pulled into Colby. The first 2 hotels we stopped at were full...that's never happened to us. So, we finally got a room and the boys were wide awake.

We had a full day so it's probably good we stopped to get a good night's sleep. We started the day by meeting Larry's Grandma at her apartment in Lakewood. We went out to breakfast with her and Larry's Aunt Denise and her 4 kids. We haven't met the youngest two. They are 3 and 11 months..the older two we haven't seen since they were 4 and 6. They are now 17 and 19. Breakfast was good, but I was a little pre-occupied by Maddox. He was terrible. He quickly figured out that he had a little shadown. Everything that he did, Jayen did...He was running, rolling, tickling, laughing, having a good ole time. We made a quick trip outside...he did better, but still. He blew his straw wrapper across the room, spilled his water...you name it. He was having a good time...way too much fun for a restaurant.

we then went to the Denver Zoo. It was a nice change. We are huge fans of the St. Louis Zoo. Of all the zoos we've been to, we like it the best. However, Denver's was really enjoyable too. It's nice to see some different animals...the boys had a good time. It was really hot though. We stopped for lots of drinks and to find shade. It ended up cooling off after a while. A storm moved through. We found shelter next to a building while the boys ran through the rain. It wasn't lightning or anything so we let them run wild. Maddox started it and then Gavin and Jayen joined in. The boys were leading Jayen through the big puddles and he was loving it. They were holding hands and running around for about 30 minutes or so. They were soaked. Then, after the rain let up we looked around at a few more animals and then decided to call it quits.

We headed back to Larry's Grandma's and let the boys swim in the pool there. I did a couple loads of laundry while we were there and then we decided to head out to eat at The White Fence Farm...very cool restaurant. We were able to pet some farm animals...feed the goats...and check out everything else there..LOTS of history there. It was a really neat place. There's a story about it...I grabbed a newspaper pamphlet about it, but I haven't read it yet so I'll have to fill you in later on the details. Supper was pretty quiet. Maddox fell asleep on my lap and Gavin and Jayen buddied up. You would have thought all these boys had known each other forever. We headed back to Larry's Grandma's to hang out for a while and then said our good byes. We are very glad we stopped. It was a really nice visit.

This morning Maddox wanted to just watch cartoons while Gavin swam. As Gavin was finishing up swimming Maddox decided he wanted to swim for a bit, so he dipped in for a short swim and we are headed out. It'll probably be about 11:00 by the time we get out of here. We don't really know what our plans are for this evening. If we push it really hard we could make it home, but I'm thinking the boys will probably figure out the plans for us as the day goes on.

Day 11 - Still in Colorado

2009-06-24T21:40:00.000-07:00

This morning we enjoyed breakfast on Aunt Vicki again...she sent some leftover bacon and sausage with us and the hotel we stayed at didn't have a continental breakfast, but it did have a microwave and plates...so we were all set. We were searching for something to do in Estes Park that we hadn't really done yet during our vacation. We decided on rafting...as we had suspected the boys weren't old enough. The rivers are wild there...and thought we'd check into it anyway. Sure enough...had to be 7 and weigh 50 lbs. They had the 50 lb. part down, but not the age. So, we looked around at a few of the shops downtown and got some suggestions from the locals on what to do. We were on the hunt for wildlife...and things the kids would enjoy. One lady was very helpful...she suggested packing a lunch and heading up into the Rocky Mountain National Forest to hike...which Gavin has been wanting to "climb" a mountain throughout the trip...so we stopped at a deli and got some sandwiches and drinks and headed that direction. We went to Sprague Lake and walked around the nature walk there...then headed up the hills...to find out that making our own trail wasn't such a good idea. We headed back down to find some actual hiking trails...and off we went. We walked about 2 minutes and the boys were hungry...mostly Maddox. We talked them into walking a little further and Gavin found a perfect spot to eat. There was a huge rock alongside the river just the right size for spreading out our things. So quiet...even the boys were amazed by the sound of the river and the cool air coming off the water. I thought we'd see other people along the trail...we didn't. We saw horse trails...I thought the horseback riding sounded like a cool way to actually get around and see MORE. I enjoyed the hiking...but it was warmer than we were used to...and Maddox isn't a fast walker...he gets easily distracted by pine cones...other trails...THE RIVER...cliffs...you know, that sort of thing. Larry is afraid of horses...I didn't know this. He swore the boys were too young to ride and that they would cause the horses to run out of control...etc. etc...so we didn't ride horses. We were all grouchy today...except Gavin...I don't think he was at all...Larry had his moments...Maddox had his moments...and I did too. Honestly, after it was all said and done we decided that it was the heat...not that it was even that hot, but in comparison to what we were used to...it was. A front blew over and things cooled off...and we were fine. We finished our hiking experience. It was fun...the boys could run, climb, find ants, pick up rocks, sticks, whatever...they were in heaven. It did start to sprinkle as we were done so we drove around the mountains for a while...didn't see any wildlife...just people enjoying their horseback riding...and let me tell you...those horses were SO out of control. I made that comment to Larry...I think that might have been one of his "moments".

We headed into town to check out a place that everyone had mentioned to us that is great for kids. It was...we rode go-karts, bumper boats, bumper cars, played mini-golf and enjoyed the nice afternoon. We then said goodbye to Estes Park and headed to Lakewood to see Larry's Grandma. We are really glad we took our slight detour. We saw more mountains, but it was a different kind of mountains...the rockies are different. We were just surrounded by rock on our drive in and out of town. Amazing! On the way into traffic was crazy busy on I-25 headed into Denver...not sure why...it was about 7:00 when we got close to there. So, we took a little different route and grabbed some supper and headed to find a hotel close to Grandma Utley's. The boys didn't swim tonight...early to bed...long day!

Tomorrow's plans...meeting Grandma Utley and Aunt Denise and her kids...going out for breakfast and heading to the zoo.

Good night!

Day 10 - Estes Park, Colorado

2009-06-23T22:26:00.000-07:00

This was not in our plans for today...or this vacation at all...but hey, isn't that what vacations are all about. We left Aunt Vicki's around 11:00 this morning and headed for Lakewood, Colorado to see Larry's Grandma. We planned on it being around a 6 to 7 hour drive which is probably how long it would have been. We were on the road for 7 hours today only we took a slight detour. We kept hearing about Estes Park throughout a couple different conversations and could see the Rocky Mountains off from a distance as we were traveling down I-25...and thought about heading to the mountains again...indecisive...we've seen mountains already...but these are different mountains...this is vacation...it'll make us at least a day behind...I'll miss my 5K on Saturday...we'll probably never drive this way again anytime soon...we're not ready to come home yet...Kim said it was worth it...you get the idea! So, here we are in Estes Park...it's not as far as we thought it was out of the way...only about 22 miles of winding roads, rocky scenery, waterfalls, fast flowing rivers...vs. the 92 miles we thought it was due to a map-reading error by BOTH of us. We had a late start this morning so us being us made it into the hotel later than we wanted, but it's all good. We were ready for some more vacationing after our trip today. It went EXCELLENT! I was afraid that the ride home would be absolutely terrible since it went so well on the way out and we have done at least 12 more hours of driving since we arrived at Aunt Vicki's. The boys were better than we could have imagined. Gavin and I had a competition to see who could find the most antelope along the way. We played for at least 2 hours...seriously...who needs video games, or a dvd player when you have wildlife. We found over 100...we didn't start counting right away and after we hit 100 we decided to call it quits. We also saw a couple herds of buffalo around Cheyenne, Wyoming.

We ate at a Mexican Restaurant for supper called Casa Grande...it looked like a little hole in the wall type place, but what we didn't realize was that it was right along the river and once you made it inside it was actually really nice and had a great view of the river from the side windows...very deceiving! We made it to our hotel around 9pm and swam until 10pm. The boys were out in a flash tonight. The hotel we're staying at is nicer than I would've imagined for the price. The plan for tomorrow is to do some things here and then head to Lakewood later in the evening. What we do depends on the weather tomorrow. We can already feel a change in the weather. We slowly watched our temp. gauge on the Durango rise as we drove further East. When we left Evanston it said 58 degrees this morning and it was actually nice...the sun was shining down which gave us a warm feeling. Today before we made our way up into the mountains it read 82 degrees...and when we made it up into Estes Park it was 70 degrees. We saw a lot of men trout fishing out in the river...the boys got a kick out of them wearing their waders. They'd like to try it...too bad the waters would carry them away in a heartbeat.

On our way home...these are some of the comments I heard.

Gavin: I don't really want to leave Wyoming...
Larry: You know, we could just head to "The property" and nobody would ever find us...ever! (it's somewhat along our way home)
Gavin (later in the day): I wish we could have mountains in Illinois
Gavin: Can we come back in December...when there's snow everywhere?
Gavin: You know, I'm really not ready to go home yet...are you guys?
Maddox: Why do we have to go to Illinois...it's going to take a LONG time.

Maddox didn't have as much to say about it as Gavin did, but he's having the same feeling as the rest of us. You know how sometimes when you're away from home you have a feeling of wanting to get back into a routine and be home in your own bed...and just be home...we don't have that...not at all...I guess that means that Aunt Vicki and Kim are way too good to us and have completely spoiled us.

Enough of my ramblings for the night...good night to all...the fireplace is making me warm and cozy and ready for some zzzzz's.

Day 9 - Peacefulness...

2009-06-22T22:00:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...our last day in Wyoming...sad to say it or even think it.

Our last day went something like this: Got up around 8:00am. The boys and Larry went with Kim on a ride in her Mustang with the top down. The boys were cold so they didn't go too far. Vicki made us breakfast again...then began getting things loaded up to head to "The Property" as they call it. Larry then drove the boys and I around in the Mustang. We went down to the River Walk here in Evanston. The Bear River runs through town and they have a walking path along the way...and a bridge going across. We didn't get to spend much time there, but it's a sight to see. I remember it from the last time we were here. Only it's been fixed up a lot since then. The river was flowing as fast as could be...was afraid the boys would fall in though. We headed back home and then to the property. It's a little over an hour away. It's on the other side of the Uinta Mountains than "the cabin" which we went to yesterday. Also just a couple miles from the Wasatch National Forest. We took the boys' dirtbikes and Vicki took her Razor. The property is located on a ridge alongside the mountain. It's not at the top, but it's way up there...had to kick in the 4WD. Vicki had hoped to have her cabin up and ready to stay in during our stay, but due to all the rain it was a no go. Gavin wanted to stay anyway...he thought we could just sleep in our vehicles. Honestly, I would have. It was like nothing I can explain...just Peace and Quiet (other than the boys) sunshine, trees, a view like none other, 4-wheelin,and great food. It was the perfect way to end our stay. Larry, Maddox, and I rode on the Razor while Gavin rode his dirtbike down the hillside and down the main road to the reservoir. Kim took the dogs down to swim and we followed. Gavin wasn't liking riding up at the property because he didn't think there was enough room to ride. He was used to riding with Chance last week and had no boundaries. This was perfect for him. We were able to help him figure out his gears and how to climb hills and go down them. I never thought I'd say this, but I feel totally comfortable with him riding. He is doing AWESOME! He is so responsible when it comes to riding...now Maddox on the other hand is another story. He's got a couple years to go before I'll trust him too much.
When we made it to the reservoir (lake as I see it) the boys had some more space to ride so we got Maddox's bike out of the truck and they rode around for a while. We then decided to head back and Maddox wanted to ride his dirtbike too. It's a main road...dirt road though...not a lot of traffic at all. We let him and he did really well too. He started out doing "tricks" and then realized that doing tricks on the road wasn't a good idea. He kept wandering out to the middle of the road, but quickly got back on track. Kim was following us all the way in case his dirtbike battery wore down. It did, but not til we were almost back to the property. Maddox ran over a snake and it slithered away...that was his proudest moment. Gavin lead the way...then Maddox...then us in the Razor...then Kim. She was laughing to herself on the way home...we looked like a family of ducks...only backwards. Great experience for both of the boys...it was beautiful scenery too. There are ATV trails out there too. We spent a little time on the trails...Gavin on his dirtbike and us on the razor. I think we could all do that all day long.
Gavin even made it up all the hills on his own as we made our way back. No problem at all. When we got back it was time for supper. Vicki cooked it up while we were out riding. After supper, Kim headed back to the house since she has to go back to work in the morning. We all stayed and took the Razor out again...Vicki let Gavin and Maddox drive on her lap. We drove out to the Meeks Cabins...a historical site in the National Forest. Then, it was time to pack up and head home. We made it home just before 10:00pm. It doesn't get dark here until 9:30 or so and so it's hard to get the kids to bed before then anyway. Everyone's called it a night at this point except for Larry and I. Larry's watching his wrestling and I'm blogging. Ahhhh...vacation! I don't have a care in the world. The only responsibility I've had this vacation is doing laundry and hanging out with the boys...which, by the way, is much more enjoyable without having to worry about cleaning house, or at least thinking that's what I should be doing. Tomorrow the plan is to leave around 10:00am and head to see Larry's Grandma in Colorado. It's about a 6 or 7 hour drive. Hopefully the boys are ready for those long days again.

Day 8 - Lazy Day

2009-06-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

Today has been a lazy day all in all. We slept in until 9:20am and it was raining. It did clear up after an hour or so. I went for a walk/run while Larry played pool with the boys. I'm not doing so hot...no way I'm going to be meeting that goal I thought I could meet before leaving. I don't know what I was thinking. Aunt Vicki and Kim are awesome cooks...and let's just say we've been enjoying it! Larry took the boys to the skate park again this morning to ride their scooters. They needed to get outside badly! We just messed around here until about 2:30 and then Vicki took us up to her cabin in Utah...it was about a 45 minute drive. We cooked hot dogs over the fire pit and had a little snack out there. Larry and I couldn't believe how much the area around the cabin has changed due to pine beetles attacking the pine trees around here. Vicki had to cut down a LOT of her trees that had been damaged by them. Crazy. We drove up to the top of the mountain to check it out. We think we could handle having a cabin like that. It did start raining a little so we played Go Fish in the cabin until the rain stopped. It didn't last long and then we were back on the road. Her cabin is just down the road from Wasatch National Forest...beautiful...there aren't words to describe it. We could drive up and down that mountainous area all day long and never get tired of it. The temp. dropped about 10 degrees by the time we made it to the top. It was about 45 degrees up there...snow still on the ground in a lot of places. The boys played in the snow a little and then we headed back down the mountain. We saw a moose...it was lying along the road. Someone had taken it's antlers...kind of sad! We took the scenic route home. It was like driving out in the country near Mom and Dad's...only tons of cows...and we were along side a mountain like you see on television. There were even 4 cows in the road checking us out. They sort of run wild around here.
We headed home for supper that Kim had prepared...ribeye, baked potatoes, salad, and brownies...see what I mean! Larry and the boys are playing Wii as we speak...we're thinking it's going to be early to bed for them tonight...no naps today! I have no idea what's in store for tomorrow, but we're pretty sure that tomorrow will be our last full day in Wyoming. :( We're slowly getting closer to reality...not sure when we'll be home yet. The plan was to be back by Saturday morning so I could participate in Nick's Race. I have no business running a race...believe me...but if we're back in time...I'll try!

Day 7 - Jackson Hole, Teton Village, and back to Evanston

2009-06-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

This morning we decided to let the boys sleep as long as they could. They woke up around 8:30 and went to bed at nearly the same time as the night before. The sad thing is that we're now an hour behind our IL time. Their bedtime the last couple nights has been a little before before midnight and wake up time around 9:30am. Not exactly normal for them...we're on vacation, right!

We ate breakfast at the hotel...someone made the mistake of letting the boys sit together. It wasn't quiet...we could tell they were tired. Again, one 4 yr. old in particular was whiny, already. It wasn't terrible though. We checked out of the hotel and then headed downtown Jackson Hole to do some shopping. We got some t-shirts and postcards and took some photos. We had planned on going to Teton Village which was just a short drive away to let the boys do some rock climbing...the rock wall was under construction so that didn't work out, but we did get to ride the new tram ride up to the top of Rendevous Mountain. It was HIGH...AWESOME view! The boys were loving it...had a snowball fight at the top...saw a Moose on the way back down...deer on the way up...It was 10,100 feet high. We did a little shopping/looking around the shops there and headed home. Maddox was out IMMEDIATELY...Gavin fell asleep too after a couple hours. We had about a 3 1/2 hr. drive. I slept most of the end of the ride also. One highlight of the ride home was when we were still in the big mountains...we saw a Mama Moose and her baby right next to the road. The boys didn't get to see the Moose that the rest of us saw during our tram ride...and this was much closer up. They were very excited...now the only thing we haven't seen is elk. We've still got some time though.

We came home and just hung out the rest of the evening. It was rainy this evening...so Larry and the boys played the Wii with Aunt Vicki. We're going to wait and see about tomorrow...the rain has been non-stop here according to people around here. It has rained every day for the last 2 weeks. I haven't minded it though. It seems that most of it is short-lived...most of the day is beautiful...then a shower or two. We are either headed to Aunt Vicki's "property" where she was having a cabin put up...due to the rain it hasn't happened though. The boys would be able to ride their dirtbikes there and we could hang out there throughout the day OR we are going to go to the cabin she has in the mountains in Utah...hmmm...what'll it be! I guess you'll have to wait til tomorrow...or the next day to find out.

Day 6 - Snow King Resort/Jackson Hole

2009-06-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

I'm using this as a journal at this point, a way for me to keep my days straight and remember all the things we've done.

We started our day at 8 am. Had to wake the boys up...they swam until 10:00 the night before and then by the time they were able to wind down it was about 10:40pm. We had a full day ahead of us so we wanted to get up and going fairly early. Aunt Vicki and Kim told us we HAD to eat at Bubba's. We even had coupons for the free breakfast buffet at the hotel, but we went out to eat breakfast anyway. It was an experience. I wish I would've taken photos of our plates before we dug into them. The boys had pancakes. The pancakes were as large as the plate. Larry had biscuits and gravy and the biscuits were HUGE! It was delicious and of course we were set to go for the long day ahead of us. We headed back to the resort to ride some rides. They have alpine slides, bungee trampolines, mini golf, and typically a scenic chair lift up the mountain, but it was closed until next week. We spent until about 2:00 riding the alpine slides and playing mini golf...it was fun. I had never experienced the alpine slide. I was actually a little scared to due to Larry's last experience. When we first started dating he went to Pigeon Forge with his parents and came back with these horrendous scabs on his arms and legs. He still has scars to this day. I quickly found out that only idiots that go entirely too fast wreck like he did. He admitted that all along, but alpine slides aren't nearly as "fast" as I thought they were. Gavin wasn't really old enough to ride by himself, but after a couple times down with Larry and Aunt Vicki they decided he was responsible enough to do it on his own and none of the workers ever said anything. He did really well with it. Around 2:00 we decided to head in for a nap due to a certain 4 yr old being whiny...I won't mention any names. We all napped for about an hour and then headed back out to alpine slide. I forgot to mention that earlier in the morning both of the boys tried out the bungee trampoline. Gavin did flips on it, but Maddox wasn't ready for that. They both went super high though.

In the afternoon we split up a little. Gavin wanted to ride the alpine slides a LOT and Maddox wanted to bungee jump a LOT so I stayed with Maddox and Vicki went with Gavin. The rides were all close together so Kim and Larry hung out inbetween the two. At the end I worked up the nerve to try the bungee trampoline. I didn't want to do it when there was a long line of people watching...I saw a teenage girl "trying" to do it earlier and she was just dangling there. I did not want to be that girl. I ended up trying it out and it was fun. I won't do it again. Well, I won't do it again and flip...and flip...and flip some more. I'm not much of a gymnast and therefore I haven't done many flips not even on the trampoline. Larry said he wanted to see at least one and I did want to try. I did and obviously liked it because I probably did 20. By the end Larry said I looked like I was ready to blow chunks. It is funny...we've got it on video. I didn't feel too hot for about the next hour. I was a little queezy to say the least!

Around 6:00 we decided to head out for a drive just outside of town to the National Elk Refuge to find some animals. It was really a sight to see...didn't see any elk. I think that Larry and I could just drive around all day and not get tired of looking at the scenery. The boys are fine for a while, then we plug in a movie and everyone's happy. Vicki brought the boys some binoculars to look for animals. We did see a wolf chasing some birds...that was the highlight of the refuge.

We also drove North of town into the Grand Teton National Forest. We took a side road and drove for quite a ways. We saw antelope...and all of a sudden we saw a herd of buffalo. So cool...they were right up on the road. They weren't all that large. They looked large to us, but Vicki and Kim weren't sure why they weren't as large as usual...maybe a rough winter. There were so many and even baby ones too. The boys got to see one rolling around...probably getting bugs off of himself.

We then drove on North a little further to get some photos with the Tetons in the background and headed back after a while. It was around 8:00 so we were off to eat.

For supper we ate at The Gun Barrel. It is a steakhouse that serves up all sorts of wild game. We got to eat elk, buffalo ribs, and buffalo sirloin. All really good...we ate too much! The boys both ordered steak off the kids menu and ate it ALL! They were starved, plus it was really good.

We went back to the hotel around 9:30 or so and decided it was time for bed...the boys really wanted to swim, but we knew that we'd all be better off if they went to bed. The boys had some huckleberry ice cream as a "midnight" snack and headed to bed.

A long and busy day! Kind of sad to say it's our last night at Jackson Hole...

Day 5 - Headed to Jackson Hole

2009-06-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

The decision was made...we headed to Jackson Hole this morning around 11:00. It was about a 3 1/2 hour drive. Totally worth it though. If we hadn't come this far we wouldn't have seen "real" mountains...we're loving it. It was raining most of the morning and on our drive here. Once we made it close to Jackson it cleared up and actually didn't appear to have even rained here at all. We saw people We're staying at The Snow King Resort. The resort itself has lots for the boys to do. We haven't really done any of it just yet. The boys are swimming as I type. We're sitting around a table with our cocktails...ahhhh!

When we arrived here this afternoon we downtown to eat a late lunch...since we had a late breakfast this morning. We went to a Ripley's Beleive it or Not museum...Larry has always wanted to go to one of those. The boys are officially cowboys now...they have their very own "big" buckled belts...Gavin's cracks me up. It is so not what I would want him to ever wear in public. It's ok though. He picked it out himself and he is so happy. Maddox got a belt and a cowboy hat. hH is now the sheriff of Jackson Hole, so he thinks. As we were walking back to the hotel...he was walking in people's yards...and when we asked him to stop he said it was ok because HE WAS THE SHERIFF!

We watched the Jackson Hole Western Shoot-out on the square and headed back to the hotel. The boys are swimming in the outdoor pool. It's chilly out here, but the pool is heated and they are having a ball. Still working on getting photos on here...I have soooo many I want to share, but it's just not working.

Good night!

Day 4 - Hanging out at aunt Vicki's

2009-06-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

Today we slept in a little...Aunt Vicki made us a delicious breakfast and then we headed to her coworker/friend's house to let the boys ride their dirtbikes. Dave lives on the edge of town near a park, unlike parks around here. They have a gate that leads out into this wide open area which has a playground area...it was great for the boys riding their bikes. Too bad we don't have that at home. I was a little nervous when Gavin took off because he was trying to keep up with the big boy. Dave has a son, Chance, who is 9 and has been riding dirtbikes since he was 5. He was the previous owner of Gavin's new bike. Chance has Gavin all set up with a chest protector, gloves, goggles, and boots. We were there from 10am-4pm. They rode and rode, and rode some more. Toward the end of the afternoon they'd come in for drinks and a jump on the trampoline and then head back out. Gavin is learning. He's doing really well!

After we got back to Vicki's we had a cookout and took the dogs for their daily walk. We had plans to go to the ponds and riverwalk in Evanston, but it downpoured. Probably a good thing because we all went to bed early.

It did rain off and on throughout the day. It's the strangest thing. It'll be beautiful out...then all of a sudden it'll rain a tad and the temp. will drop about 20 degrees...then it'll be sun shiny and warm again. I definitely got some sun and didn't even know it. I guess being closer to the sun makes a big difference. It's amazing how being at high altitudes affects your body. We're finding ourselves out of breath a lot easier than usual.

I'm still having trouble getting photos to upload, which completely stinks.

Not missing Illinois at all at this point... :)

Day 3 - We made it!

2009-06-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

We're here...and completely enjoying it! I hear it is rainy and warm back home. I'm not sure what today's high was. It was 65 when we arrived and it warmed up as time went on. The nights are definitely chilly here, but it is so nice. No humidity...love it!

We slept in a tad this morning and didn't leave the hotel until 8 am. We arrived in Evanston around 12:30 pm making one stop along the way. The boys slept the last hour of the drive...talked them into taking a nap so we could take a shortcut. Gavin knew better, but he fell asleep anyway.

I'm not able to load my photos tonight...bummer, I know. We've been busy...doing nothing. The boys are enjoying Aunt Vicki's 2 dogs. Rica, the German Shepard loves to play Frisbee...all day. We have been discussing going to Jackson Hole...or going to Park City...can't decide. We took a walk to the school nearby to play some baseball and found a really cool skate park there to play on too. Wish I had my photos to show that part. Aunt Vicki surprised Gavin with a "real" dirtbike and he has been smiling from ear to ear all night. We had a bbq tonight with some of her friends, coworkers, and neighbors...Vicki had all sorts of delicious food made up. Wish I could cook like that! The boys took a bath in the whirlpool...lots of bubbles...lots of fun for them. It was the first real bath they had since we left. The last two nights I told them their swim in the pool counted since we were on vacation. I'm sure I'm leaving out plenty, but we're definitely enjoying our time in Evanston so far. The only thing we have planned for tomorrow at this point is sleeping in as long as the boys will let us and going to some friends of Vicki's...the ones she bought the dirtbike off of...to let Gavin ride. They have a track in their backyard, so it ought to be interesting. He already dumped it on it's side in the driveway. He didn't realize how heavy it was and was used to his battery operated one. He leaned over and down he and the bike went.

I better get to bed...

Day 2 - Almost there!

2009-06-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

We made it to Wyoming...we're getting closer. We've driven approximately 17 hours 1100 some miles. Today we started off at 7 am and made 3 stops...one at Kearney, Nebraska (there was a neat bridge/museum so we decided to see what it was all about) We learned a lot...Gavin some...Maddox not so much! Glad we stopped though. The museum had headphones that could be worn and as you walked through each area the stories would change. I don't know that we ever stayed in one area long enough to hear the entire story...but it was still cool! We stopped at Ogallala, NE at a rest area for a picnic lunch complete with blanket...super nice out! Then our final stop of the day... Laramie, Wyoming. It's starting to get pretty...the boys are enjoying the "mountains" so far...little do they know that what we've seen so far is nothing in comparison to what we will see. We came to see Aunt Vicki around 10 years ago...we flew...and I didn't realize or have just forgotten how different Wyoming is...not a lot of houses..or anything really just rolling hills and rock formations. It's to the point where we want to make sure we have plenty of gas in the tank before we head to the next town because there's so many miles inbetween them. So different...

It did rain for about 45 minutes once we got into Wyoming. We were driving right into the storm...I guess there was a tornado not too terribly far away. It was crazy to be driving into this storm and just seeing open road and rain clouds for miles...no trees to block the way.

Gavin lost all of his "dollars" today. He had a moment...and Larry had a moment too. Therefore, he took all of Gavin's dollars away at once. I don't think anybody knew that was an option, but I guess it is. It was when we stopped at the rest area. Gavin came out to the parking lot and just put his hands on the bumper of this jeep and kind of jumped while putting his weight on the jeep. There were people in the jeep. I don't know if he thought it was Larry's jeep for a moment or what. Larry wouldn't care if he did that to his jeep...however, you don't touch another vehicles let alone act like a monkey on it. Gavin actually does know that. Needless to say after an apology and a loss of lots of dollars Gavin was excellent while we were at the rest area and afterwards so he was lucky and got them all back.

We're staying at a hotel recommended by Larry's parents. The boys and Larry are swimming as I blog. I am headed that direction here soon. I need to get to bed a little earlier tonight. My plan of sleeping during the trip today didn't really happen so I'm planning to get to bed earlier tonight.

Oh, and Rylin....the boys thought of you a lot today as we saw lots of trains this afternoon. You could see them for miles and miles...nothing blocking the view.

We were driving along...and saw this. Decided to take a photo through the windshield...actually I took a couple hanging my camera out the window and just snapping shots...I was way off and thought it would not surprise me if I would manage to drop my new camera right on I-80.

We decided to stop in Kearney, NE to check this place out. Lots of interesting things...surprised actually we weren't asked to leave the premises. No, the boys didn't see this...Larry doing this anyway. Gavin noticed the big "weiner"...touched it...walked away...

Inside the museum...the windows at the back actually had cowboys out that window and door talking and riding horses...they don't show up in the photo. It was as if you were in the home...
From this exact point it is exactly 1700 some miles East to Boston and the same number of miles to a city in California...San francisco...maybe. Tells you how well I remember that. I'd have to look back at the brochure on that one.

Rest area...lunch break

Nebraska....exciting, huh

Getting ready to drive into the storm

Wyoming

More of Wyoming

Hanging out while Larry checked us into the hotel

Tomorrow's plan...arrive at our destination. We have approximately 300 miles to go. Lots of miles, but it'll seem short in comparison to our drive the last couple days.

Day 1 - Wyoming Bound!

2009-06-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

Larry and I had planned on getting up at 4...leaving by 5am this morning. We were close...sort of ...we got up at 4:35 and left at 6:00am. Of course it took longer for us to load everything up than we thought it would. I don't even remember the alarm going off at 4, but I know I woke up to it going off at 4:35 meaning it went off 5 times before I realized it. Nice! We are on vacation though...didn't get too shook about it.

We stopped 4 times along the way...once outside of St. Louis to gas up...once in ??? at a Bass Pro Shop...once for a picnic lunch at a rest area near Columbia, MO...and once before entering Nebraska for a potty break. We cannot complain...the kids have done great so far...1 day down...1 full day left...and probably a few hours on Tues. morning. Today we drove 620 miles/9 hours of drive time...not bad! We have approximately 850 miles to go. Larry drove all but the last hour and a half...he was getting tired. He tells me he can't sleep when I'm driving...he was snoring within seconds of me taking off and his arms were "flailing" around. He definitely kept me awake with his wild movements. Come to find out he was having a nightmare...

We arrived in Lincoln, Nebraska around 5:00 this evening. We have done nothing but swim, eat at Cracker Barrel, swim, watch TV and relax...it was good for us all!

The boys are sleeping, Larry is playing Gameboy (Thanks Brenda...) I'm blogging (and I actually have nothing else better here to be doing...no laundry to be folded, no floors to sweep, etc. etc..who could ask for anything more! (not that I would actually be doing those things anyway, but I would definitely be thinking that I should be!)

*Grandpa Dorn...the boys have both already spent half their $5 in case you were wandering...Gavin bought a smoothie and lemon heads....Maddox bought a GIANT Laffy Taffy and a GIANT box of Mike and Ike's.

*I saw this suggestion somewhere and so far it's working/helping at least...we'll see how tomorrow goes. I gave each of the boys 7 one dollar bills (just because that's all I had) I know that's plenty...to me it's worth every penny to keep peace in our vehicle. If anyone asks "Are we there yet?" (We do give them updates on how far we have...because I would want to know too if I were them) - they have to pay me a dollar...if anyone has "hands on" each other....they have to pay me a dollar...if anyone argues or says something unkind to the other...they have to pay me a dollar. They can earn their dollars back by saying something nice, being extra quiet (this is super hard for both of them), you get the idea. Today I think Maddox lost $2 and got them back pretty quick. Gavin lost 6 or 8....I lost count. The last 3 were within the last hour...it was time to stop.

In the end they get to keep however many $$ they have to spend on souvenirs or to put in their piggy banks, whatever they decide. Just thought I'd share that.

Last night the boys and Larry sat down to make a plan....

Our set-up...

Raring to go at 6am. :)
Taking a break at Bass Pro somewhere in Missouri...none of us had ever been to one...the boys liked the fish.
Nice smiles first Maddox....then funny faces!

Hanging out at the pool

Ahhhh...this is the life!
Rockin' at the Cracker Barrel

Whew...that was long. However, it's going to be a great "journal" for me if I can keep up with this. Love to our families...we are missing you already (a little)!

Our Big Inventor...

2009-06-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

Gavin finished up with Camp Invention today...he had a LOT of fun! He was always ready to go every day...here he is with his certificate. This is a map of Sludge City...a city that the kids saved and convinced the mayor to change it's habits in order to save the city by going green.

This is also Sludge City...

This was the hospital...complete with a helicopter and landing pad on top

My personal favorite...I'm sure it will be Grandpa Dorn's too!

A rocket made to help them return to earth...from Planet ZAK. They crashed-landed...had to make their own food out of rocks. Good thing there was NOT a shortage of blue tape!

Gavin's "Popeye Log Ride" he made for an amusement park. Someday someone may use his prototype...you never know!

Roller coaster

His favorite invention..."The Bug Zapper" - Push the button and lightning comes out...killing any unwanted bugs.

Bzzzzzzz....I must've had a bug on me!

Gavin's already thinking about returning next year...he had a lot of fun with it...and learned a lot along the way! Thanks to everyone who gave us recyclables and old broken appliances to use!

Wyoming...here we come!

2009-06-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

Two more days and we'll be headed West! We are driving to Wyoming to see Aunt Vicki...we may be crazy...who knows? We're going to have fun regardless...

A couple of weeks ago the boys were playing with Play-Doh while it was raining outside and Gavin pulled out some moose and bear cookie cutters that Aunt Vicki sent us a while back.

Gavin taking pictures of his masterpieces with his camera...

I have received much advice on how to keep the kids occupied during our drive...approximately 24 hours. We're all set up. I am currently blogging and putting off packing. I have packed some so we're ahead of where I usually am at this point. Of course, if you have any great ideas to occupy our time feel free to pass the ideas along.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Dorn!

2009-06-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

Wishing Grandpa Dorn a Happy 56th Birthday today!

Hope it has been a good one so far! We love you!

Do I have to (Take 3)

2009-06-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

You know what my title means...I gained. Gained .2 lbs! I did a 10 mile walk on Saturday...did lots of camping though. Ate more than I should've. What more is there to say...I still plan on keeping my goal of losing 6 lbs. by June 30th. I will have to stay on track during our trip to Wyoming. Hopefully this goal will help.

Mom weighed in today. She LOST! Down 3.2 lbs.! Way to go Mom! Proud of you! You will catch up with me at the rate I'm moving.

Just like my Daddy...

2009-06-04T05:46:00.000-07:00

Last night Larry bought the boys each a hat at Glik's...Gavin has had his on since the moment he woke up...Maddox didn't wake up until a little later, but sure enough this was the first I saw of him. They are both loving their "lids". Gavin even put his sunglasses on his hat like Dad does...why is it that these boys look up to their Dad so much? Hmmmm....
Thanks Dad for the hats! Gavin and Maddox

Breakfast in Boots

2009-06-04T05:30:00.000-07:00

Tuesday morning the boys were outside by 7:15am. They enjoyed eating their cereal outdoors. They wore their "hunting" boots. Gavin wanted to wear jeans like his Dad does for work. Gavin loaded up his trailer to prepare for his ride in this year's Fall Festival with Grandpa Kocher...he's determined. Hope Grandpa decides to be in the parade...if not, we may have to enter Gavin in it regardless.

Congratulations Taylor!

2009-06-03T22:11:00.000-07:00

We wanted to send out an early WooHoo to you! Our next couple days are going to be full and I wanted to make sure you knew that we're going to be thinking of you Friday night. We would love to be there and hear your speech...we definitely expect to hear it via video later on. I cannot believe you're graduating from High School...I still remember subbing for your class when you were in 2nd grade. It was my first day subbing ever or at least one of my first...and I'm pretty sure it was chaos. I don't remember much other than your little smile looking up at me...so proud I was your teacher. Now look at you all grown up...can't wait to have you closer to home!

Here are just a few photos from your party last weekend. We were glad to be there with you!

Taylor and Jordan with their Great Grandma Tate
The little boys playing b-ball with the big boys

Enjoying the fire pit

Maddox giving Taylor her card...so proud of his dance that he danced during our entire wal-mart trip. We were getting some funny looks!

Love you Tay....so proud of you!

Tiny...

2009-06-03T21:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I noticed that Maddox had a little scab on his shoulder blade...really small. Thought it was weird...kind of picked at it. It came halfway off and then he took off to play or see what Gavin was doing...no big deal. I wasn't concerned about it, although I did think it was odd that it was where it was and that it was so tiny. When Larry got home from work he noticed it too and picked at it a little. It was the tiniest tick we'd ever seen. Larry hadn't washed his hands yet after getting home from work. There is a dirt spot toward the left side of his finger, but the "spot" on the right is the tick. Crazy! I don't know that we would've even noticed it had it been on his head. blurry..still shows it's size though.

Do I have to AGAIN? (updated)

2009-06-02T14:18:00.000-07:00

I gained again...knew that I would. I actually gained less than I thought I would. Only up .4 lbs.

We went to my niece, Taylor's, graduation party in Indiana this weekend. Lots and lots of good food...need I say more!

Now, to see how Mom does. She was there too...I have proof!

Ahhh...PRICELESS...that look is priceless! What's that in your hand...could it be a cookie? I think I might see TWO more on that plate...hmmm...let's see how weigh-in goes for you tomorrow. Totally kidding...if only someone would've taken photos of my plate and my trips to the food table and my snacks on the ride home!

In case you're wandering why we give Mom such a hard time...she loves every moment of it! Don't you Mom!

Update: This just in...Mom gained...2.4 lbs. It's not shocking...neither was my gain. We're going to get back on track this week!!!

My goal is to lose 6 more lbs. by June 30th...keep in mind we'll be driving to Wyoming the last two weeks in June and I plan to run Nick's Race on the 28th as long as we are back by then. Hopefully that will keep me focused while I'm on vacation!

Mom's goal is to make it to her 20 lb. goal by July 7th which means losing 5.8 lbs by then. Please pray for her! (She asked that I add that!)

Kittens, cats, and more...

2009-05-28T20:07:00.000-07:00

The boys played with kittens at Grandma and Grandpa Kocher's this afternoon. Meet Oscar and Sharpe' - I am guessing Rhett named them...I don't think mine would've came up with Sharpe', but who knows. This is Gavin and Pepper watching the rain come down...

Mmmmm...Yummy!

2009-05-28T17:38:00.001-07:00

This afternoon we went with my niece Mallory and nephew Rhett to get some more strawberries. We picked some last week and decided we needed to go again. We love strawberries at our house. They definitely don't last long around here.

Being silly...

How old is he? You'd think he was 1.

Being goofy...

Gavin really gets into picking strawberries. He can be such a hard worker...if only he stays that way! He does a good job too...

Do I have to? (updated)

2009-05-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

I really don't want to post tonight, but I guess that's part of the deal. I am up 1.2 lbs. I really enjoyed myself this weekend...what can I say?

I wish it was as easy to lose weight as it seems to be to lose my mind. We are planning a trip to Wyoming on June 7th. I looked ahead at the calendar for something else in June...guess what, Larry's vacation doesn't start until the 14th. It would help if he could go along too. Geesh! It's a good thing I don't have a schedule for us to work around...then again, that may be the problem. It looks like we have an extra week to begin our planning.

I'll update when I hear from Mom tomorrow...she's thinking she's in the same boat I am. We'll see!

Update: Mom just called to let me know how she did. Let me start off by saying she's been completely "off" this week. She didn't exercise much...ate lots...and guess what...she LOST 1.8 lbs. That's the biggest loss she's had in a long while. How exciting for her! I told her she needed to eat more...
Now she's only 3.4 lbs away from her 20 lb. goal and PARTY!

Happy Birthday Do-Do!

2009-05-25T21:04:00.000-07:00

This is a belated wish for my niece, Jordan...from Sunday! Happy Sweet 16 girl! I was just reminiscing and remembered Maddox's attempt to say Jo-Jo when he first started talking and we ended up with Do-Do!

Jordan and Mallory at our wedding in '00
Gavin and Jordan...not sure what's going on here...Poor Jordan!

Jordan giving Maddox a taste of her candy...I'm thinking it was licorice

Jordan and I at her confirmation. I'm her Godmother. This is Jordan and Taylor before prom this year...all dolled up...beautiful girls!

Happy Birthday Jordan! It looks like we'll be seeing you this weekend. Lots of love....Hope you had a Happy Birthday without us!

Happy Birthday Chelsea!

2009-05-25T20:12:00.001-07:00

Sorry it's a belated birthday wish from Saturday Chels!

Chelsea and I...she made the CUTEST flower girl!

Chelsea reading Gavin a bedtime story at Grandma and Grandpa Kocher's

My two "helpers" making/eating a hamburger casserole

Chelsea and Maddox taking a break from decorating Easter eggs this year...
Chels with Grandma and Grandpa Kocher on Graduation night
Chelsea with Gavin...we made it just after Gavin's ball game...Maddox was camping!

We love you so much Chelsea! Happy Birthday...we hope to see you a lot this summer!