Moab

Mike went on his annual trip to Moab this past weekend. Like always, he had a great time getting away with some old friends. This is one of those things that helps him feel like he is maintaining his youthfulness. I wouldn't be suprised to still see him doing this at 65!

ONSC

I wanted to post Mike and Megan's pictures from their trip last weekend. They had a really great time, and it was a good father/daughter bonding opportunity. It was fun for Megan because there was another girl there about her age that she became fast friends with. Megan is so adventurous, and loves doing these types of outdoor activities. Obviously she gets that from Mike, which is good because it gives him someone to do all of this stuff with (it takes the pressure off me!).

The Missing Links

Things have been really different around here this weekend. Over the years we have become accustomed to having Mike out of town periodically. It took us a little while, but we've learned how to function while he was away. But even still, things don't feel complete when he is gone. As Megan gets older it seems as though she is gone away more often to sleepovers, late night babysitting, etc. I also notice that when she is gone that I get that same incomplete feeling. This weekend they are both gone at the same time! They went to a company retreat at ONSC (Ozark Natural Science Center), which is the same place that Megan went in 5th grade, and also last summer for her "Shiner" camp. We bribed Megan that if she got all A's for the 3rd quarter, that she could go with him on this retreat. She did it (yeah Megan!) and off they went Friday afternoon, not to return until Sunday. To make things even worse, they can't even call because there is no cell phone service where they are at. Everything has gone fine while they have been gone. Sammy and Noah have been great. Our ward had a fund raising dinner and auction last night, so we went to that. Today we ran some errands, watched conference, went to Walmart, got dinner at Sonic (their choice), and then had a movie night watching Alvin and the Chipmunks (again, their choice). And I have even been more productive than usual. I've kept the house pretty clean, I cleaned the office and my bedroom, and have even kept the dishes washed. Plus I even got to have a friend over after the kids went to bed to chat and watch a movie! But even still, a big part of our family is missing, and things are just not the same. I'm so grateful for each member of my little family, and for what they each contribute to make our family complete. It's so nice to know that everyone brings something unique and special into a family. I'm looking forward to having them come back so that we can be whole again!

Our Missing Links!

A Welcomed Sight

My friend Amy tagged me to post a picture of a welcome sight at our house. Last night the kids and I were just finishing dinner, and Mike was gone on a bike ride. All of a sudden the storm sirens started going off outside. I thought it was unusual because there wasn't any threatening weather expected. But I turned on the t.v. and sure enough we were under a tornado warning because of a tornadic thunderstorm that was moving through our area. Fortunately, Mike got home right about that same time. We went out in the back and watched the storm move through. The line in sky above the doghouse is called a "wall cloud". When those clouds form, there is usually rotation behind it. This picture is a welcomed sight because that storm was moving in a direction other than towards us! I don't think there was any tornado that actually formed with the storm, but living in this part of the country is sure an adventure!

Easter

Easter kind of snuck up on us this year. It was weird having it so early. The kids were excited to wake up and find that the Easter Bunny had visited. They all had to find their hidden baskets, and were excited to find in them candy and a fun surprise. Megan and Sammy each got a new Webkin, and Noah got a Lego garbage truck. They all had a new Easter outfit to wear to church, and they all looked so cute.

Spring Break

After looking forward to Spring Break, it got off to a crummy start with Sammy being sick with a cough and fever on Monday. A trip to the doctor and an antibiotic took care of that. Then Tuesday comes along with a rain storm that I swear was never going to end. I think it rained for over 12 hours straight, and left us with 4-6 inches of rain, which made things pretty soggy outside. Thankfully my friend Amy invited us over for an inside Easter Egg hunt on Wednesday. The kids had a lot of fun, and got plenty of candy (I think we hid 190 eggs).

Going to the "Big D"

We decided to stop being such homebodies and get out of town for a few days while the girls were out of school for Spring Break. Mike needed a little vacation after working hard for the past few months on his summer planning. Noah and I have had cabin fever and needed a change. Since we had never been to Dallas, we decided to go check it out. Our friends Greg and Amy Bench decided to come along with their 3 kids, which made it even more fun. We spent 3 days eating, shopping, and checking out some interesting spots in downtown Dallas. We decided it is a great city that we actually wouldn't mind living in (it's always nice to have options). By the time we left, we were all ready to get back home. The kids did great in the car, and are anxious for us to get another mini trip planned. It was a great way to end our Spring Break!