Yes, we are down south, in Houston. Actually, Kingwood. The kids and I arrived on Wednesday. Our trip was uneventful, which means it was fabulous!! I have two kids that are absolutely great travelers, and I am thankful God gave them patience! Grace looked like a pro, alternately pulling and carrying her Dora backpack of goodies. She even carried Davis' carseat for awhile, then pushed him while I lugged all the luggage around. She was a huge help.
Davis did great on his first plane rides. He cried hard when we left the gate in KC and I could feel the tension from everyone around us thinking "Great. That baby's going to cry the whole way." Well, Davis whacked his head on the armrest, then got really hot and he would not calm down. But about the time we took off, he laid across my legs and I held his pacifier in. That's all it took for our little guy to be out. He slept almost the whole way. Almost the same thing happened on the flight from DFW to Houston. He didn't cry quite as hard when the flight was starting and didn't sleep as long.
We did have to change planes and terminals in Dallas. I was quite scared because that airport is huge and we only had an hour and 15 minutes. Thankfully, we had great pilots from KC who got us to Dallas early. And the Skylink at DFW ROCKS!! Oh my, we changed terminals in about 10 minutes. I couldn't not be a bigger fan. And terminal D at DFW is great, too. It's the new terminal and you know new is always great. Lots of eating places, even Ben and Jerry's ice cream.
Once we landed in Houston, I think Grace would have run off without me to find Randall and Reagan. At one point, she said "I feel it." I asked what and she said "I feel we're going to see Randall and Reagan any second." It was precious. I am so glad Grace has such a connection to her family, all of her family. When we aren't with family, there isn't a day that goes by that she doesn't mention someone she misses.
Of course, Grace hasn't been completely sweet to Randall and Reagan. I've been disappointed sometimes in the way she acts, I try to remember she's four and their older so there will definitely be some issues. All in all, the kids have played well together.
My dad and other two sisters got here last night. Today is going to be crazy. My cousin's wedding is in Galveston at 6. We have to leave here by 3:30 to get there by five. Davis usually eats at 4:30, which means he'll either take a bottle on the way or wait. And he usually eats dinner at 6, which means the wedding will be a challenge. Hopefully, I'll be able to stay for some of it!!
We're here until Tuesday morning, when we head back to Kansas. I've talked to Jasen a few times and he's been working like crazy. The 1st Infantry Division returns from Germany to Fort Riley this week and they want each unit to let them know how they are doing. So Jasen was at work at eight this morning and will be there until two, he thinks. Good time for the kids and I to be gone!!
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Monday, July 24, 2006
Going, going, going
We returned last night from a family reunion in Guthrie, Oklahoma. It was the first annual Wilson-Hillhouse (or is it Hilson-Willhouse??) reunion. That is my mom's mom's side of the family. We are a pretty small group, but that made it nice. My grandmother is the oldest and gave us a lot of history about her grandparents and parents. Then we all shared stories about each other and some of the family who are deceased, like my great-aunt and my mom's brother. It was just my mom's family and her cousin, Dana's family there. Again, a small group, but that makes for a lot of together time, which I think we all enjoyed.
Grace had a complete meltdown when we left. She didn't want to leave her grandmama, or anyone else, for that matter. She cried and cried and cried. It was precious and pitiful. I asked her what her favorite part of the weekend was and she replied "All of it. Except leaving." She hates goodbyes, too! She keeps asking when we are going to see everyone again. She loves her cousin, Joe, and the good news about that is he lives in KC. So we will see him again soon.
When we got back into Junction City last night, we were behind a convertible. Grace pointed to it and said "When I am teenager, I am going to have a car like that. One without a top." I died laughing. I told her she'd better get a good job. Jasen said "Well, if you'll be sweet, your daddy will help you get one." GAG!! I think he was still happy because when we were leaving Guthrie, Grace fell and skinned her knee. I picked her up and told her she could have anyone of the group (all the family was there) kiss her knee. I asked her who she wanted and she cried, "Daddy!!" He was thrilled!
Davis is running a fever today. He wasn't horribly fussy this weekend, but more so than usual. I am pretty sure he has a tooth coming in. That would be par for the course, since the kids and I are leaving on Wednesday for Houston. Yes, we will have two short days at home, then we'll be gone again. My cousin, Jeremy, is getting married in Galveston. So we're making a mini-vacation out of it, going to stay with my sister, Amy, and her family for about a week. It will be a fun time, no doubt!
Grace had a complete meltdown when we left. She didn't want to leave her grandmama, or anyone else, for that matter. She cried and cried and cried. It was precious and pitiful. I asked her what her favorite part of the weekend was and she replied "All of it. Except leaving." She hates goodbyes, too! She keeps asking when we are going to see everyone again. She loves her cousin, Joe, and the good news about that is he lives in KC. So we will see him again soon.
When we got back into Junction City last night, we were behind a convertible. Grace pointed to it and said "When I am teenager, I am going to have a car like that. One without a top." I died laughing. I told her she'd better get a good job. Jasen said "Well, if you'll be sweet, your daddy will help you get one." GAG!! I think he was still happy because when we were leaving Guthrie, Grace fell and skinned her knee. I picked her up and told her she could have anyone of the group (all the family was there) kiss her knee. I asked her who she wanted and she cried, "Daddy!!" He was thrilled!
Davis is running a fever today. He wasn't horribly fussy this weekend, but more so than usual. I am pretty sure he has a tooth coming in. That would be par for the course, since the kids and I are leaving on Wednesday for Houston. Yes, we will have two short days at home, then we'll be gone again. My cousin, Jeremy, is getting married in Galveston. So we're making a mini-vacation out of it, going to stay with my sister, Amy, and her family for about a week. It will be a fun time, no doubt!
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Summer days
We've been having a good week! Not a lot to report, but we've just been having a nice time. Since most of his soldiers are still on block leave, Jasen has been home early every day this week. Yea! It's been so nice just to have him here a couple of hours early. Next week, it's back to the normal long days and I don't look forward to that. We really enjoy being at home, the four of us, together.
Grace and I got our haircut today. We both opted for chin length 'dos. I've been going back and forth about my hair and Grace came and said she wanted her hair cut shorter, too. I had a real struggle about whether to really cut her hair that length; I've gotten used to her hair being long and didn't really want to cut it. But when Grace asked to, I figured it's just hair, it will grow. It is absolutely precious. I'll try to post a picture later.
Last night, Grace's "special song" was all about not liking squash and really liking her medicine. You see, last week we grilled out some chicken, squash and zucchini. Well, Grace didn't want to eat either squash but we made her. About midnight that night, she threw up. She immediately told me it was the squash! Well, last night, she mentioned it in her song. Totally cracked us up. Imagine hand motions and a tiny, sweet voice singing "And I don't like squash...." Of course, before that, she mentioned loving Jesus and God. Those songs are so random!
She's had to take medicine the last few nights. I think it's all allergy related. She's had horrible coughing attacks when she first lays down. Of course, cough medicines don't seem to make a lick of difference. Antihistamines are working best. I just remember how it feels because I had the same problems growing up. I told Grace last night to sleep on her tummy and swallow to get rid of the tickle. She was glad to know I had had the same issues as a child. If she continues to have trouble, I'll have to resort to whiskey, like my parents did!! Shots for everyone! HA!
Davis is just Davis. He hasn't wanted to nap much in the afternoon, which is disappointing. It's awful when your four year old would sleep three hours and your baby only one! At least he sleeps at night! He's sitting up so well. I've got some pictures from him in the bathtub I'll try to post later.
Grace and I got our haircut today. We both opted for chin length 'dos. I've been going back and forth about my hair and Grace came and said she wanted her hair cut shorter, too. I had a real struggle about whether to really cut her hair that length; I've gotten used to her hair being long and didn't really want to cut it. But when Grace asked to, I figured it's just hair, it will grow. It is absolutely precious. I'll try to post a picture later.
Last night, Grace's "special song" was all about not liking squash and really liking her medicine. You see, last week we grilled out some chicken, squash and zucchini. Well, Grace didn't want to eat either squash but we made her. About midnight that night, she threw up. She immediately told me it was the squash! Well, last night, she mentioned it in her song. Totally cracked us up. Imagine hand motions and a tiny, sweet voice singing "And I don't like squash...." Of course, before that, she mentioned loving Jesus and God. Those songs are so random!
She's had to take medicine the last few nights. I think it's all allergy related. She's had horrible coughing attacks when she first lays down. Of course, cough medicines don't seem to make a lick of difference. Antihistamines are working best. I just remember how it feels because I had the same problems growing up. I told Grace last night to sleep on her tummy and swallow to get rid of the tickle. She was glad to know I had had the same issues as a child. If she continues to have trouble, I'll have to resort to whiskey, like my parents did!! Shots for everyone! HA!
Davis is just Davis. He hasn't wanted to nap much in the afternoon, which is disappointing. It's awful when your four year old would sleep three hours and your baby only one! At least he sleeps at night! He's sitting up so well. I've got some pictures from him in the bathtub I'll try to post later.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Relaxing weekend
For those of you who have been checking for updates, sorry! Remember, I never promised how often I would post something new!
We had a nice relaxing weekend. Friday, I got to go on a Mommy's Day Out to Topeka. Jasen had both kids from about 9 a.m. until almost four that afternoon. The kids were great for him, as they always are. I had a nice time alone. I never realized how much I valued alone time until I had kids! I went to Topeka to shop, with one thing in mind: Grace needed a new swimsuit. Between lessons and playing outside in the water, we're always putting on a damp suit! Well, good luck finding one to fit my girl! I guess she is long-waisted because both the suits I bought her (one a size 5, the other a 6) ride up her little hiney. It's so frustrating!!!! Anyway, those will go back to the store and I'll have to keep looking.
On Saturday, we went with our friends the Heidgerkens to Wamego. It's a small town about thirty minutes from here. It is the home of the Wizard of Oz museum. Not much to the museum, really. Grace and the Heidgerken girls liked it but the adults were pretty bored! But we like to try everything the area has to offer. I doubt we'll return to the Oz museum; that block has been checked!! After that, we went to Alma, home of the famous Alma creamery. Never heard of it? Well, neither had I until I moved to Kansas!! The cheese was good, so we bought some.
Yesterday was church, of course. We had a guest speaker, a woman who had been a missionary for years in Russia. She spoke of the plight of Armenian Christians and it was extremely moving. It reminded Jasen and I of the big, big world that lies beyond our American borders and how we can't be reminded enough how good we have it here.
We also had a barbecue with our neighbors last night. We're glad we're finally integrating into our community up here. It's just been harder than it was in Germany. So many churches to choose from, neighbors going in a million different directions, so many choices in America that we didn't have in Germany. We had a good time. Grace loves our neighbor across the street, Ashlee. They agreed last night that they are best friends. Oh great, just what I want to get started!!
We had a nice relaxing weekend. Friday, I got to go on a Mommy's Day Out to Topeka. Jasen had both kids from about 9 a.m. until almost four that afternoon. The kids were great for him, as they always are. I had a nice time alone. I never realized how much I valued alone time until I had kids! I went to Topeka to shop, with one thing in mind: Grace needed a new swimsuit. Between lessons and playing outside in the water, we're always putting on a damp suit! Well, good luck finding one to fit my girl! I guess she is long-waisted because both the suits I bought her (one a size 5, the other a 6) ride up her little hiney. It's so frustrating!!!! Anyway, those will go back to the store and I'll have to keep looking.
On Saturday, we went with our friends the Heidgerkens to Wamego. It's a small town about thirty minutes from here. It is the home of the Wizard of Oz museum. Not much to the museum, really. Grace and the Heidgerken girls liked it but the adults were pretty bored! But we like to try everything the area has to offer. I doubt we'll return to the Oz museum; that block has been checked!! After that, we went to Alma, home of the famous Alma creamery. Never heard of it? Well, neither had I until I moved to Kansas!! The cheese was good, so we bought some.
Yesterday was church, of course. We had a guest speaker, a woman who had been a missionary for years in Russia. She spoke of the plight of Armenian Christians and it was extremely moving. It reminded Jasen and I of the big, big world that lies beyond our American borders and how we can't be reminded enough how good we have it here.
We also had a barbecue with our neighbors last night. We're glad we're finally integrating into our community up here. It's just been harder than it was in Germany. So many churches to choose from, neighbors going in a million different directions, so many choices in America that we didn't have in Germany. We had a good time. Grace loves our neighbor across the street, Ashlee. They agreed last night that they are best friends. Oh great, just what I want to get started!!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Fishing and Swimming
As I write this, Jasen and Grace are at her swim lesson. I hope it's cooler in there today. The lessons are at the indoor pool on post and instead of the pool being heated, it's just the building heaters that are on. Yesterday, I thought I was going to die in there. I had Davis with me and he handled it like a champ. But he was sweating when we left. Of course, Grace's teeth were chattering!
It was a hot day in Kansas yesterday. Grace and the neighbor kids, Ashlee and Maddux, played on the Slip'n'Slide, while Davis sat in his pool. He was loving it!! He is sitting up now for extended periods and enjoys that, too. I can't remember if I mentioned that his second tooth has come through now. Last night, we gave him a carrot to gnaw and chew on.
The kids didn't sleep much last night. Grace was still awake at 9:30 when Davis woke up for his bottle. I think it's really hard on her to go to sleep when the sun is still shining in her room. Then, she was up at 1:15, Davis was awake at 3:45. We got them both back to bed at those times. Grace came to our bed again at 6, and Davis got his pacifier then, too. In some ways, I think Grace might be ready to give up her afternoon nap. Then we go a day without it and she's a terror. So I just don't know.
Anyway, after Jasen and Grace had breakfast this morning, they went fishing. Grace loves to go fishing with her dad and even has her own Barbie fishing pole. They are so cute leaving together! They didn't have much luck today, though. Last time, they caught three fish together. Today, they had lots of bites but not catches. Grace told me she thinks you only catch fish the first time you go. Oh, and she said someone was in their original spot and he caught two fish. You could tell she thought that man got fish that were meant for her and Jasen!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Vacation continues
Jasen is still off and it's funny how it feels like a vacation for the whole family when he's home. I guess Grace and I have finally gotten used to him being around more. It's only taken us a year plus!! But the idea of him going back to work makes Jasen's girls very sad. I wish there was something he could do where he could go to work when he wanted, but be home with us when he wanted! Does that exist? He's playing golf right now with some friends from church.
Grace did well at her first swim lesson yesterday. They learned nothing new. To my chagrin, most of the half hour lesson was eaten up with kids coming in late. UGH!! Ellin Heidgerken, daughter of our friends, Sean and Chris, is in Grace's class and is in her small group, too. The 'Gerks, as they are lovingly called by our OCS/OBC crowd, will be leaving on the 23rd. Chris, Ellin, and Natalie leave to go to Iowa. Sean must stay longer to continue to help the general to whom he is the aide, then they'll all head to Fort Bragg in North Carolina.
Davis has been a challenge for me the last few days. I know I mentioned he's been fussy; that's hard when you are used to an extremely easygoing baby. I think it's a combination of many factors: getting off schedule due to vacation, teething, gas, too much riding in the car, growth spurt, etc. I am pretty sure he's going through a growth spurt. At dinner time, he usually goes through two and a half baby food containers, which is a lot of food, I think, for a six month old. Because he started waking at 4:30 the preceeding nights, we added a 10:00 feeding, giving him 6 oz. of formula. That helped because this morning, he didn't scream for me until 6:00. He's also not napping as well. Hopefully, this will pass. Even if it doesn't, Davis is still an exceptional baby. I've been really, really blessed as far as babies go.
Not much else going on around here. Jasen and I worked on getting our garage organized. We just have so much junk!!! And our laundry room has continued to be a junk attraction, too. So we'll work through that today. Fun times for Jasen's vacation, huh?
Grace did well at her first swim lesson yesterday. They learned nothing new. To my chagrin, most of the half hour lesson was eaten up with kids coming in late. UGH!! Ellin Heidgerken, daughter of our friends, Sean and Chris, is in Grace's class and is in her small group, too. The 'Gerks, as they are lovingly called by our OCS/OBC crowd, will be leaving on the 23rd. Chris, Ellin, and Natalie leave to go to Iowa. Sean must stay longer to continue to help the general to whom he is the aide, then they'll all head to Fort Bragg in North Carolina.
Davis has been a challenge for me the last few days. I know I mentioned he's been fussy; that's hard when you are used to an extremely easygoing baby. I think it's a combination of many factors: getting off schedule due to vacation, teething, gas, too much riding in the car, growth spurt, etc. I am pretty sure he's going through a growth spurt. At dinner time, he usually goes through two and a half baby food containers, which is a lot of food, I think, for a six month old. Because he started waking at 4:30 the preceeding nights, we added a 10:00 feeding, giving him 6 oz. of formula. That helped because this morning, he didn't scream for me until 6:00. He's also not napping as well. Hopefully, this will pass. Even if it doesn't, Davis is still an exceptional baby. I've been really, really blessed as far as babies go.
Not much else going on around here. Jasen and I worked on getting our garage organized. We just have so much junk!!! And our laundry room has continued to be a junk attraction, too. So we'll work through that today. Fun times for Jasen's vacation, huh?
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Home again, Home again
We made it home yesterday. The trip from St. Louis was uneventful. We stopped at McDonalds (gag!) because Grace had been promised that she could choose a restaurant at least once. Then we stopped again in Topeka to stretch our legs. We got some good food, On the Border, then headed for home. Davis was sleeping until Grace woke him up. She had been warned not to bother him while he was asleep (we had an issue with that earlier) so we had to pull over to deliver her punishment. For the rest of the drive home, which was 30 minutes, Grace learned why we don't mess with Brother when he's asleep. He screamed the whole way home. What a joyous end to our vacation!
Once we were home, Jasen unloaded the whole car and I began the task of laundry. That task is ongoing! We went to breakfast at our favorite spot, Early Edition in Manhattan. It was delish, as usual.
On the way there, I asked everyone what their favorite part of our vacation was. Here are close-to-direct quotes for you:
Grace: driving there (???), sleeping in the hotel, sleeping at Jakie and Natalie's and getting to play with them.
Jasen: riding the roller coasters with Grace (then Grace said "Yea, that too!")
Davis: we all decided his favorite part was whenever we got out of the car which meant he could get out of that car seat. After we said that, he kind of moaned so we'll take that as agreement!
Sara: playing cards with Kim and Derek until late, late, late.
We had a great vacation but are so glad to be home. Davis won't nap this afternoon and we don't know what the problem is. He's showing us all what a crying baby is like.
This week, Grace begins swim lessons. Jasen is off, too, so we'll try to do more fun things.
Once we were home, Jasen unloaded the whole car and I began the task of laundry. That task is ongoing! We went to breakfast at our favorite spot, Early Edition in Manhattan. It was delish, as usual.
On the way there, I asked everyone what their favorite part of our vacation was. Here are close-to-direct quotes for you:
Grace: driving there (???), sleeping in the hotel, sleeping at Jakie and Natalie's and getting to play with them.
Jasen: riding the roller coasters with Grace (then Grace said "Yea, that too!")
Davis: we all decided his favorite part was whenever we got out of the car which meant he could get out of that car seat. After we said that, he kind of moaned so we'll take that as agreement!
Sara: playing cards with Kim and Derek until late, late, late.
We had a great vacation but are so glad to be home. Davis won't nap this afternoon and we don't know what the problem is. He's showing us all what a crying baby is like.
This week, Grace begins swim lessons. Jasen is off, too, so we'll try to do more fun things.
Friday, July 07, 2006
St. Louis visit
I am writing to you guys from the lobby of the Embassy Suites in St. Louis, Missouri. Our family vacation is winding down. We arrived here yesterday evening, walked to the Gateway Arch, then came back for dinner and an early bedtime. The kids were in bed by 7:30. It was fabulous.
Anyway, when we went to the Arch yesterday, we didn't go up because we would have had to wait over an hour. We did go through the museum that is at the Arch (which is the Jefferson Expansion Memorial) and that was neat. There were mechanical "people" that Grace could listen to and she enjoyed that. We got her picture in front of a longhorn, with the appropriate hand signal pointing down! Then we saw a real teepee. You know, she has no problem with the idea that animals are used for their meat or skins.
Anyway, I thought the teepee would be her favorite part, but she looked over and saw a buffalo which just thrilled her. There is a buffalo farm between Manhattan and Fort Riley and we always point them out to her. I think she was excited to see one up close.
This morning, Davis decided to wake up at 5:30! That was fun because he was one unhappy baby. Screamed and cried until I nursed him. I don't know what the problem was, as he acted like his tummy hurt but I haven't eaten anything "suspect" for a few days. Oh well. Then he went back to sleep but the rest of us never did. Evidently, Jasen and Grace got our money's worth out of the free breakfast buffet while I got ready. Then Grace ate more with me when she joined me for the buffet! That girl must be growing!
Then we made our way back to the Arch. We all crammed into the tiny pods that take you up. They said it's like a combination elevator, tram, and amusement ride. I believe it!! It was hot and stuffy in that pod and really, really small, but I am glad I went up. I am a wee bit claustrophobic, for those of you who didn't know! Anyway, once at the top, We came back down on the next tram. I was afraid Jasen was leaving because of the kids, but he said all he really cared about was what the ride up was like. After that, he was done. I think Grace would have stayed longer, but I was glad we came down.
We ventured to the zoo after that. It's in a great part of St. Louis, Forest Park, which is gorgeous. It's got everything, zoo, golf, museums, you name it. The zoo was free, but was so nice! We were only there for about two and a half hours. Grace said she had had enough and that was enough for me!!! She told Jasen today, while she was riding on his shoulders, that she was really glad she had a dad to visit the zoo with. I am pretty sure that made Jasen's day! We headed back and put the babies down for a nap. Jasen's upstairs with them now. Let's hope their asleep!
We'll leave in the morning for home. I was wanting to stay in KC tomorrow night, but Jasen wants to go all the way home. There are lots of outlet shops between here and home so I am hoping for a little stop! We'll write more when we get home!
Anyway, when we went to the Arch yesterday, we didn't go up because we would have had to wait over an hour. We did go through the museum that is at the Arch (which is the Jefferson Expansion Memorial) and that was neat. There were mechanical "people" that Grace could listen to and she enjoyed that. We got her picture in front of a longhorn, with the appropriate hand signal pointing down! Then we saw a real teepee. You know, she has no problem with the idea that animals are used for their meat or skins.
Anyway, I thought the teepee would be her favorite part, but she looked over and saw a buffalo which just thrilled her. There is a buffalo farm between Manhattan and Fort Riley and we always point them out to her. I think she was excited to see one up close.
This morning, Davis decided to wake up at 5:30! That was fun because he was one unhappy baby. Screamed and cried until I nursed him. I don't know what the problem was, as he acted like his tummy hurt but I haven't eaten anything "suspect" for a few days. Oh well. Then he went back to sleep but the rest of us never did. Evidently, Jasen and Grace got our money's worth out of the free breakfast buffet while I got ready. Then Grace ate more with me when she joined me for the buffet! That girl must be growing!
Then we made our way back to the Arch. We all crammed into the tiny pods that take you up. They said it's like a combination elevator, tram, and amusement ride. I believe it!! It was hot and stuffy in that pod and really, really small, but I am glad I went up. I am a wee bit claustrophobic, for those of you who didn't know! Anyway, once at the top, We came back down on the next tram. I was afraid Jasen was leaving because of the kids, but he said all he really cared about was what the ride up was like. After that, he was done. I think Grace would have stayed longer, but I was glad we came down.
We ventured to the zoo after that. It's in a great part of St. Louis, Forest Park, which is gorgeous. It's got everything, zoo, golf, museums, you name it. The zoo was free, but was so nice! We were only there for about two and a half hours. Grace said she had had enough and that was enough for me!!! She told Jasen today, while she was riding on his shoulders, that she was really glad she had a dad to visit the zoo with. I am pretty sure that made Jasen's day! We headed back and put the babies down for a nap. Jasen's upstairs with them now. Let's hope their asleep!
We'll leave in the morning for home. I was wanting to stay in KC tomorrow night, but Jasen wants to go all the way home. There are lots of outlet shops between here and home so I am hoping for a little stop! We'll write more when we get home!
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Grace said something funny this morning I thought you might get a kick out of. Jake has a Dallas Cowboys helmet (Derek, although from Maine, is a HUGE Cowboys fan) and he's been sharing it with Grace. Grace went to put it on this morning and said that all "football teamers," which is Grace-speak for football players, must love God. I asked her why and she said because they have a cross on their helmet. Knowing the Dallas helmet well, I wasn't sure what she meant and I asked her to explain. She took the helmet off and showed me where the inside pads made a cross. I guess she was right there was a cross inside!
We're off to ride go-carts today and eat at Carraba's. Should be fun!
We're off to ride go-carts today and eat at Carraba's. Should be fun!
Monday, July 03, 2006
Well, forget that other blog! I am sorry if you have tried with no success to log onto that other blog. This one should be much easier. I'll try to copy those other blogs I did (it was only two!) and add them here at a later date.
So, Jasen and I have thought about doing a blog for a long time, but always thought better of it. However, every night before we went to bed, we had a couple of things the kids did during the day that we thought you all might enjoy hearing about. Now, we've decided we'd do the blog and see how it goes. I don't know that we'll be able to blog all that often, but we'll try.
I don't know if you all knew this or not, but we are currently in Kentucky! Our dear friends, Kim and Derek Christensen and their kids, Jake and Natalie, live here at Fort Knox. Since Jasen wanted to get back to see what Knox looked like these days (he has been in training here a total of three times, once when he was only 17!) , we decided it was a good destination for our family vacation. We drove here part of the way on Friday, then got here around dinner on Saturday.
We've been having a great time. It's just so nice to be back with some of our "Germany" friends. Derek and Jasen were in the same unit just prior to deployment (HHB Divarty for those of you who are interested), then were in the same division (that would be the Big Red One!) when they went to Iraq. Kim and I were very, very close while the guys were gone; our kids were like siblings in some way. Of course, now Jake and Grace say they are going to marry each other. Yikes!! Anyway, we share a history with them and you know how nice it is to reconnect with people you have shared tough times with. Of course, last night we talked about how the Iraq deployment was the best of times and the worst of times. God used that desert to bless us all. You've just got to be faithful and hang on, I guess.
Anyway, we went to a national treasure yesterday: Churchill Downs! It was beautiful and made Trinity Meadows (I know it no longer exists!) and Lone Star Park look like wannabes! Sadly, we had a trauma as we were just getting to our seats. Long story and I don't want to relive it, but Davis fell out of his stroller. Let's just say I had nightmares about it and am thankful God protected him. It could have been very, very bad. He's just fine now and was fine within a few minutes of the whole thing. What's that they say? Babies/children are resilient? Well, Davis proves that every few weeks.
Today, we went to the water park on post here at Fort Riley. It was great! It's only a couple of minutes from Kim and Derek's. Two water slides, a great walk-in pool, life jackets for kids who can't swim. Kim and I could barely get the guys off the slides so we could give them a try! Davis and I left early. You can imagine the kids are suffering from lack of sleep! Anyway, I decided to give him a good nap today. I bet he sleeps forever! The adults are also sleep-deficient, but we're doing it to ourselves: late nights playing Mexican Train dominoes! I think this evening we might try Hand and Foot.
Tomorrow, I think we are going to go go-cart racing. Then on Wednesday, we're going to Six Flags in Louisville. We'll leave on Thursday for St. Louis, where we'll spend two nights and do some sightseeing there. I think it's safe to say we are having a great vacation.
Before I close, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that today is a special birthday for the very first important man in my life. Today is my dad's birthday. I wish I could be there with him because, as I said, it's a special one: he's turning 30 years older than me. Some of you know how old that makes him. We'll be calling him shortly to sing! :)
Now, no promises on how often I will blog, everyone. I'll do my best.
So, Jasen and I have thought about doing a blog for a long time, but always thought better of it. However, every night before we went to bed, we had a couple of things the kids did during the day that we thought you all might enjoy hearing about. Now, we've decided we'd do the blog and see how it goes. I don't know that we'll be able to blog all that often, but we'll try.
I don't know if you all knew this or not, but we are currently in Kentucky! Our dear friends, Kim and Derek Christensen and their kids, Jake and Natalie, live here at Fort Knox. Since Jasen wanted to get back to see what Knox looked like these days (he has been in training here a total of three times, once when he was only 17!) , we decided it was a good destination for our family vacation. We drove here part of the way on Friday, then got here around dinner on Saturday.
We've been having a great time. It's just so nice to be back with some of our "Germany" friends. Derek and Jasen were in the same unit just prior to deployment (HHB Divarty for those of you who are interested), then were in the same division (that would be the Big Red One!) when they went to Iraq. Kim and I were very, very close while the guys were gone; our kids were like siblings in some way. Of course, now Jake and Grace say they are going to marry each other. Yikes!! Anyway, we share a history with them and you know how nice it is to reconnect with people you have shared tough times with. Of course, last night we talked about how the Iraq deployment was the best of times and the worst of times. God used that desert to bless us all. You've just got to be faithful and hang on, I guess.
Anyway, we went to a national treasure yesterday: Churchill Downs! It was beautiful and made Trinity Meadows (I know it no longer exists!) and Lone Star Park look like wannabes! Sadly, we had a trauma as we were just getting to our seats. Long story and I don't want to relive it, but Davis fell out of his stroller. Let's just say I had nightmares about it and am thankful God protected him. It could have been very, very bad. He's just fine now and was fine within a few minutes of the whole thing. What's that they say? Babies/children are resilient? Well, Davis proves that every few weeks.
Today, we went to the water park on post here at Fort Riley. It was great! It's only a couple of minutes from Kim and Derek's. Two water slides, a great walk-in pool, life jackets for kids who can't swim. Kim and I could barely get the guys off the slides so we could give them a try! Davis and I left early. You can imagine the kids are suffering from lack of sleep! Anyway, I decided to give him a good nap today. I bet he sleeps forever! The adults are also sleep-deficient, but we're doing it to ourselves: late nights playing Mexican Train dominoes! I think this evening we might try Hand and Foot.
Tomorrow, I think we are going to go go-cart racing. Then on Wednesday, we're going to Six Flags in Louisville. We'll leave on Thursday for St. Louis, where we'll spend two nights and do some sightseeing there. I think it's safe to say we are having a great vacation.
Before I close, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that today is a special birthday for the very first important man in my life. Today is my dad's birthday. I wish I could be there with him because, as I said, it's a special one: he's turning 30 years older than me. Some of you know how old that makes him. We'll be calling him shortly to sing! :)
Now, no promises on how often I will blog, everyone. I'll do my best.
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