PA 2009

We just got back from a wonderful trip to PA to visit and spend some much needed time with Grandma and Gail. I have FINALLY figured out how to put my pics on here, in a slideshow, but not in the right spot...anyway...thought I'd share what we did on our little "vacation"...

We left Wednesday August 12, had our traditional breakfast on the way, at Cracker Barrel. Got into PA about 4:30, everyone was getting hungry, so we decided to eat at UNO's. It was good, Evan got to make his own pizza and of course had alot of fun making it!! Then it was on to Grandma's...it was so good to see her...even after 22 years, it is strange to me that I still get "homesick" and always look forward to getting there, and absolutely hate leaving!! I love spending time with Grandma and never get tired of hearing her stories of the past (even if it is the same stories over and over!), and talking to Gail in a weird way, I feel like I am talking to mom. The interest in the kids, and advice she gives me, I treasure every conversation we have.

Anyway, we just hung out at Gram's Wednesday night and most of the day Thursday. We sat around and talked, caught up on the latest gossip. I took the kids to the lake and let Evan play, the girls skipped rocks, and Emileigh chased a butterfly for about 30 minutes, but finally caught it...only to have it fly away almost as soon as she caught it!! We drove around the lake, laughed alot, and had a great time...

Friday afternoon, we went to Gail's to visit, Evan made fast friends with Dave. He got to go on the four-wheeler, and pick blackberries in their backyard...we were invited to Shelley's to celebrate Zach's 13th birthday with them...it was alot of fun! Paul & Sarah were there with their daughter, Rachel. She is adorable! She hasn't quite figured out walking yet, but is almost there. Paul took her into the pool, and she absolutely loved it! Evan and Shelley's youngest son Hunter get along really well, so they jumped on the trampoline, went swimming, then it was off to play the newest X-Box games...they had a ball!!

Saturday, I took the kids school shopping (there is no tax on clothes in PA!!) at the mall, we had such a good time! The girls each got much needed jeans, and some shirts, Evan picked out his own jeans, and couple of shirts. We went to Panera Bread to have lunch, which was yummy! Then on to Kohl's, Bed Bath & Beyond, Petco, and several other stores to pick up odds and ends. We finished about 5pm, and met Dave, Gail, Zach, and Hunter at a Japanese steakhouse for a wonderful dinner!!

Then it was time for our trip home. Got up early this morning, and started the jouney, we got as far as Altoona and everyone decided they were starving! We stopped and had a great breakfast at Cracker Barrel (another tradition!), then it was off for the other 7 hours of riding in the car..Evan did really well for the first 6 1/2 hours, then he lost his mind and started taking crazy pictures, and just acting really silly!!

It was a wonderful trip, I love spending time with my kids. I know they get bored while we are there, but our time with Gram is getting shorter and shorter I guess I feel like we need to take advantage of it while we can. As much as I enjoy our time together, I think she enjoys it more!!

Update 2009

Well, no pictures with this blog...just a quick update...

The kids are great! Brittany has adjusted to college life very well...I think she is having alot of fun, which is fine with me...so long as she is keeping up with her classes...and she is...she had a 3.7 GPA and that was with one class that she had some trouble with...she probably would have made the Dean's list, if that class would have worked out...her softball season has finally gotten into full swing...I would say she is "over the moon"...me not being an athlete, I can't understand completely, but she LOVES softball...eats, sleeps, breathes, softball...I have finally associated it with music to me...it is her "out"..it makes everything better, it is something she excels at...She makes me so proud to watch her...she has become a beautiful, funny, caring, and talented young woman...
Emileigh is busy planning her "Sweet 16" birthday..after some discussion we have decided to have it here at home...she wants to rent a WII (yes!), have pineapple pizza and virgin drinks..you know, daquiries, pina coladas, and margaritas (?)...she had 15 people on her list, not sure how many we will end up with, but she is SO excited...it is so hard to believe she is going to be 16...where does time go? I am getting so old!! And if I am, you know you all are too!!! She went job hunting yesterday and came home with an application for Ham's restaurant, and tried to apply for PetSmart...had some trouble with that one, but I think it is great she is really excited about working and making her own money...since I never seem to have any to give her!!
Evan is growing up so fast too...he is doing great at piano...his teacher says he will be a student that can read music, but can play by ear also..he can hear a song and within a few minutes can figure out the basic melody...that is something I was not blessed with...he is also taking dance lessons and absolutely LOVES it! He comes home tapping all over the living room, and is constantly practicing his tumbling, and foot moves!! It is hilarious at times! He is doing wonderful in school...his teacher sent home a note with his report card that he is a very sweet student and a joy to teach (I'm sure they say that alot, but still good to hear about your own child!)...he is getting excited about his birthday too...he asked me this morning if I would "give him an early dismissal for his birthday...how cute, already looking for ways to get out of school early! I probably willl, but I told him we would see...
I think that is all the updates for now...will post pictures next..with Emileigh's birthday, I'm sure I'll have some good ones!!

***Fruits of my labor..Part2..."

Well we are officially finished decorating..inside and out!! Everything turned out beautiful, if I do say so myself...lol...Brittany stayed Sunday, long enough to help me set up the tree, make a couple of light-runs, and put on the decorations...it was fun!! We have decided that when the kids all move out they can take their ornaments with them...on one condition...they have to replace EVERY one taken with a snowman,snowflake, or something red, white or silver!! Should be interesting....

"Fruits of my labor..Part 1...

Well..here are some pics of the "Winter Wonderland so far...Em took pics of the outside too, I'll post them with the tree, which we are putting up Sunday evening..all the kids will be here...until then...Happy Turkey Day!!

Thanksgiving Break..2008

I have had the BEST week!! I was off work (first time in 10 years...I am not complaining, mind you..just very strange!)...so I have gotten all of my Christmas decorations put out...worked inside Monday, and outside today..then to make it better, I was just finishing up, when Brittany pulled in!! She came to visit and is actually spending the night!! We had a very nice afternoon..she went with me to run some errands, and with me to get Evan (who was ecstatic to see her!)...we had a couple of VERY interesting conversations, one which surprised her ALOT...it was very nice...I miss her being here so much...she was such a big help...but even more so, it was just nice to be silly or serious, or whatever...just hearing her and Emileigh fuss and argue...they have gotten much closer since Brittany left for college..they made "puppy chow" this evening, and just had alot of fun together...I think of all the things I am so thankful for this year, Brittany coming into her own person (and a good one at that!)..and being such a joy, would be at the top...Happy Thanksgiving!!!!