Friday, November 04, 2011
Homecoming, Cousins, Pumpkins, Wagon Ride, and Great Grandparents
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| Geneva room mates Reunited! |
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| Heather, Lori and the Kids ~~~~ |
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| With 3 of the Foraker Cousins at Pap's |
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| Visiting Great Grandma and Grandpa before their trip south |
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| weigh station |
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| Grandma Sandra and the kids |
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| Tyler took this photo of my mom and I! |
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| Daddy giving the kids a ride in the wagon |
A Day at the Park and a Lost Tooth
October 8, 2011
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| The Kids with a fossil! |
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| Rock Climbing |
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| Esther, Daddy, Tyler |
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Sister Love
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Tuesday, August 30, 2011
July and August= travel
It does not appear that life will be slowing down any in the near future! For my own memory I want to record all of our many travels the past couple months. My last lengthy blog was 4th of July Weekend which was amazing!
The following weekend we went to the Cleveland Science Center with Grandma and Pops Bush. We got to enjoy the Steamship William G. Mather as well as an Omnimax film Born to be Wild. The website quotes: "This film documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them—saving endangered species one life at a time." It was really interesting and a great learning experience. The kids enjoyed every part of the science center.
The following Saturday Pops celebrated his 60th Birthday with us, and 20 of his closest friends at Texas Roadhouse.
Sunday we had our annual Church picnic at the park.
Then Friday the 22 we celebrated our 11 year anniversary by driving 6+ hours into the forests of Pennsylvania where we stayed at Little Pine State Park. Some of our friends from college go camping every year at a state park in the Ohio/West Virginia/Pennsylvania area. In fact I think even New York too! We try to go every other year or so. The kids had a blast playing with rocks with their friends Baden and Corbin, we also enjoyed the lake, campfires, an outdoor church service, and of course, the fellowship of friends. It was extremely hot that weekend and thankfully we'd taken a window air conditioner for our camping cottage! I think everyone enjoyed the cool, at some point, and if not the cool air, the escape from hundreds of biting flies!!! Some of the group went on a hike where they got close (too close in my opinion) to a baby black bear! It was a beautiful state park, and we had a wonderful time.
We returned on Monday and Wednesday I packed up the kids early in the morning, along with beds, suitcases, toys, books, schoolwork, food, and bikes to head north to stay with my grandma. My grandfather was away on a week-long bike ride, and my mom was away at the ODCS band camp. We thought it would be nice to go see Grandma and stay with her for a night so she would not be completely alone. She had other visitors as well during the week and though I'm sure she didn't like the idea of being taken care of, I know she enjoyed having company, and felt better not being alone every night for a full week. Wednesday we drove up, had lunch, and then headed to my dad's to enjoy the beach (he lives on Lake Erie) while Grandma napped. The kids had a blast and Esther showed NO fear of the water as she ran straight into it twice going under. She came up sputtering and smiling in my arms both times. While she thought it was fun, I did not!! Grace also overcame her fears after the fun in the lake the weekend before in PA so the kids and Papa and Laurie had a blast. While it was a short visit, we all managed to get very burned, and tired! We headed back to Grandma's for dinner, and some bike riding in her large driveway and some exploring in the garden. While we were there some farmers came to get their hay from the field behind the garage which was an unexpected highlight to the day. A beautiful summer rain came just in time to get our beds made, and watch a Thomas movie before bed. I enjoyed a quiet evening watching cooking shows with grandma and listening to the rain outside. It took me back to my childhood when summers meant lots of time with Grandma, but lots of work to do too. This time, we had nothing to do but enjoy each other's company. Thursday we went out to lunch, went to a park, came home for naps, enjoyed dinner together and then I loaded the kids back up and we went home.
Troyer with generous hearts. They found Gary and I pj's, toothbrushes for all of us, made us a snack, and gave us their bedroom, as well as a bed for Tyler, and sleeping bag and blankets for Grace. We had a wonderful time visiting with and fellow-shipping with them and it was a restful evening. Early in the morning Gary drove his parents car to the van (we'd taken it down the road to a repair store and left it the evening before after the Bush's left with Josh and Lia- it's all very confusing) to get it looked at. It was determined that the repair done Friday was not done 100% correctly and the loose axle nut caused all sorts of trouble! The mechanic there tightened it so that it would be safe to drive, but we'd have to have the wheel bearing replaced (again) on Monday. People make mistakes and it was not the end of the world. The mechanic helped us for free, our friends let us stay for free so we did not have to get a hotel, and the new bearing was replaced on Monday for free. We were just so thankful that God orchestrated all of it so that we were safe and taken care of and he provided greatly for us. It was also an opportunity to show the kids how to have a right response in a very stressful situation. We were all tired, and wanted to see family and disappointed. We were worried, stressed and could have been angry- however we chose to see it as a series of blessings. After the axle was tightened we drove both vehicles down to Salt Fork and enjoyed a wonderful day with family. We ate breakfast at the lodge with the Bush's and Josh and Lia before they headed to a wedding. Sad to not have gotten to spend time with them the night before, we still enjoyed catching up and just loving them. Then we hung out at the hotel trying to rest! We quickly realized we were fighting a losing battle so we headed to the party.
The 6 Kandray children did a wonderful job of contacting extended family and friends and I would guess there were over 70 people there celebrating Pap and his 85 years. His cake had a John Deere tractor on it, and when one of the candles broke, we quickly fixed it with pap's favorite tool- duct tape. If any cake could fit him better, I can't imagine it! Seeing Pap enjoy his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends was something I'll never forget. I hope to be half that loved if God blesses me with 85 years! The kids enjoyed their cousins, the nature center, the lake, and the food!! We went back to the hotel early in the evening so the kids could swim at the indoor pool and we could get out of the sun and heat. Pops swam with them and at one point had all three- floats, inner tubes and all- hanging lovingly onto his neck! I'm not so sure he enjoyed that particular moment, but he always chooses to see the blessing, and having three grand kids who love you to bits is certainly a blessing! We then joined the cousins in the outdoor pool and then had to leave for home. Our drive home was over an hour and we were very weary! We stopped at Walmart (all three kids were sleeping so only Gary ran in) to get a bag of chips for the worship team planning meeting we had the next day after church. When we got home late that night and I was so thankful! We were safe, we were together and God had once again showed His great love for us in countless blessings of friends, family and even strangers!
Sunday morning we got ourselves out the door, probably not in a very Christ-like manner, and made it to church. For all the traveling we did in July we did manage to get to church 3 of the 5 Sundays which was very important to the kids and their summer program! We enjoyed the planning meeting but it was very clear about a half hour before it ended, that there would be mandatory nap time at our house that afternoon no matter how late we got home! That week the kids and I jumped back into our schoolwork and spent the day Tuesday at the dentist office. I went first, followed by Grace and finally Tyler. No cavities!! I would make an appointment to have my wisdom tooth out the next week, and we'd hope that daddy would have no cavities either the next day at his appointment. (He didn't!) He purchased supplemental dental for only himself so the kids and I only go once a year and we hope to keep it that way for awhile, and avoid cavities. Getting the bill made me grateful for our excellent insurance in other areas. What we have to pay in dental, we more than make up in savings with our regular insurance... nobody likes to dive into the savings for a bill, but that's what it is there for and I"m thankful Gary sets aside money each moth so it's taken care of.
After a couple more days of unpacking, school, laundry, and re-packing we found ourselves up early Saturday morning getting ready to head with the Bush's for Presque Isle!! We were running late, of course, so we didn't leave on time but the kids sure did enjoy the sugar (donuts) Grandma and Pops brought for breakfast! I love that donuts are made with, filled with, coated with, and sprinkled with sugar. Yum! After not too many stops we made it to the beach and it was a beautiful day. We had a picnic lunch and the the mermaids and merboy spent the rest of the afternoon in the water or in the sand happily swimming and splashing and, yes, hanging on to Pops' neck! We faced west and waved towards where Papa was undoubtedly out on his own area of Lake Erie beach. Gary's cousin Nate and his girlfriend Mallory came to join us. Late in the afternoon we headed to our beautiful hotel (Thanks Bush's!) got changed and enjoyed a picnic of McDonalds, then we loaded up the cars and headed to Waldameer park. The admission is free and you pay for an arm band to ride the rides unlimited, or buy individual tickets. We didn't know what Esther would ride so we got her a couple tickets, and the older kids got bands. They rode every ride they wanted to at least twice, Tyler was great about staying with his sister when she wanted him to, and loved going on the bigger kid rides himself. He rode a roller coaster and a boat that went in circles as well as back and forth! Mommy got seasick just watching him on that one! In a few years daddy will have his roller coaster buddy he's been patiently waiting his whole life for! Nate and Mallory joined us here too and the kids loved having even MORE people to wave at! It was cute to see young love enjoying the day but not having the responsibility of little ones. Sometimes it seems like so long ago that Gary and I had that life, other times it feels like yesterday we were beginning to wonder if maybe God would allow us to be parents. I'm so glad he did! Gary took Grace and Tyler on the sky ride and the train, I took all three on the carosel, and we didn't leave until closing time at 10!! They were SO well behaved waiting in lines and holding gates for other kids, riding together and not fighting. It was a very fun evening. Sunday we had no plans so we thought we might head to a museum and ship in Erie for a good learning experience, then head home. We asked the Bush's to join us and though I know they wanted to go home and just nap, they came along. The ship was out sailing the great lakes somewhere and since the museum was not yet open we went to the observation tower next door. It was very downcast and windy but it was neat to see Presque Isle from there and Erie on the other side. We went into the little store/concession stand to check it out and got an unexpected gift. The first Sunday of the month is FREE to go to the top of the tower! Yay!! We could see so much more up there and with the weather being bad is was more fun for us adults than the kids, but it was a great learning experience and we enjoyed it very much! We enjoyed a late lunch at a very good Mexican Restaurant Pops knew of from when he goes to Erie for work. Then we finally headed home.
Another week of- you guessed it- unpacking, school, laundry and repacking! The curve ball was having my wisdom tooth removed Tuesday afternoon which left me feeling a bit groggy the rest of the day. And then the kids got sick Wednesday! Friday found us traveling an hour south for a speech evaluation for Esther early in the morning and then home to load up and two hours north-west back to Lake Erie- this time at Papa Tim's house! We had wanted to get up there since the beginning of summer, but as you have read (if you are miraculously still reading) we were a little busy this summer! The kid and I had been for a couple hours when we were up to see Grandma Cline, but this time we came as a family and to stay a night. The kids decided on Wednesday night to get fevers, stop eating, and sleep/lay around so by the time we got to my dad's house Friday afternoon, they were still not feeling well. We enjoyed our time at the lake, at the beach, eating together and hanging out. Even with the fevers and being "cold" in spite of 90 degree temperatures, the kids had a wonderful time. Grace didn't do much in the water but Esther loved it again, we made sand castles, and Tyler acted as though he was born with fins. We traveled Saturday to my moms for a brief 30 minute visit, and then to the Glynn home to meet baby Addison!! Gary and I had seen her earlier in July, but the kids had not, and it was an open house to see the home they purchased right after her birth! It was VERY nice! Finally we headed home to Tylenol and bed!! Sunday I had to be in nursery so I took Esther and left Gary with the sick ones. I feared if they really had something hanging on, it could be contagious and by this time they were sick and crabby and tired. Their wonderful summer program teacher did not need to crabbies with fevers. I found out when I got home that the kids had made cards for our friend Connie's birthday party and gotten to watch the service live online! I had no idea they did that! Made me wish I could have stayed home too since I went but didn't get to hear the service! :) Gary said the kids had rested and seemed healthy enough for us to travel an hour south to Connie's birthday party. Of course they were fine until we actually got there, then the fevers returned, and the coughing started. I"m pretty sure Tyler is allergic to cats. We had a great time fellowshipping with Connie's friends and family and celebrating her. The kids played well and Grace especially bonded with Connie's niece Alyssa- the girls are the same age. After fellowship, food, pie, a pinata, and some fun with the Wii, we had to head home again. Now it was time to commit to spending a couple days HOME to catch up on sleep, and yes, tackle some more laundry!
The following weekend we went to the Cleveland Science Center with Grandma and Pops Bush. We got to enjoy the Steamship William G. Mather as well as an Omnimax film Born to be Wild. The website quotes: "This film documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them—saving endangered species one life at a time." It was really interesting and a great learning experience. The kids enjoyed every part of the science center.
The following Saturday Pops celebrated his 60th Birthday with us, and 20 of his closest friends at Texas Roadhouse.
Sunday we had our annual Church picnic at the park.
Then Friday the 22 we celebrated our 11 year anniversary by driving 6+ hours into the forests of Pennsylvania where we stayed at Little Pine State Park. Some of our friends from college go camping every year at a state park in the Ohio/West Virginia/Pennsylvania area. In fact I think even New York too! We try to go every other year or so. The kids had a blast playing with rocks with their friends Baden and Corbin, we also enjoyed the lake, campfires, an outdoor church service, and of course, the fellowship of friends. It was extremely hot that weekend and thankfully we'd taken a window air conditioner for our camping cottage! I think everyone enjoyed the cool, at some point, and if not the cool air, the escape from hundreds of biting flies!!! Some of the group went on a hike where they got close (too close in my opinion) to a baby black bear! It was a beautiful state park, and we had a wonderful time.
We returned on Monday and Wednesday I packed up the kids early in the morning, along with beds, suitcases, toys, books, schoolwork, food, and bikes to head north to stay with my grandma. My grandfather was away on a week-long bike ride, and my mom was away at the ODCS band camp. We thought it would be nice to go see Grandma and stay with her for a night so she would not be completely alone. She had other visitors as well during the week and though I'm sure she didn't like the idea of being taken care of, I know she enjoyed having company, and felt better not being alone every night for a full week. Wednesday we drove up, had lunch, and then headed to my dad's to enjoy the beach (he lives on Lake Erie) while Grandma napped. The kids had a blast and Esther showed NO fear of the water as she ran straight into it twice going under. She came up sputtering and smiling in my arms both times. While she thought it was fun, I did not!! Grace also overcame her fears after the fun in the lake the weekend before in PA so the kids and Papa and Laurie had a blast. While it was a short visit, we all managed to get very burned, and tired! We headed back to Grandma's for dinner, and some bike riding in her large driveway and some exploring in the garden. While we were there some farmers came to get their hay from the field behind the garage which was an unexpected highlight to the day. A beautiful summer rain came just in time to get our beds made, and watch a Thomas movie before bed. I enjoyed a quiet evening watching cooking shows with grandma and listening to the rain outside. It took me back to my childhood when summers meant lots of time with Grandma, but lots of work to do too. This time, we had nothing to do but enjoy each other's company. Thursday we went out to lunch, went to a park, came home for naps, enjoyed dinner together and then I loaded the kids back up and we went home.
Troyer with generous hearts. They found Gary and I pj's, toothbrushes for all of us, made us a snack, and gave us their bedroom, as well as a bed for Tyler, and sleeping bag and blankets for Grace. We had a wonderful time visiting with and fellow-shipping with them and it was a restful evening. Early in the morning Gary drove his parents car to the van (we'd taken it down the road to a repair store and left it the evening before after the Bush's left with Josh and Lia- it's all very confusing) to get it looked at. It was determined that the repair done Friday was not done 100% correctly and the loose axle nut caused all sorts of trouble! The mechanic there tightened it so that it would be safe to drive, but we'd have to have the wheel bearing replaced (again) on Monday. People make mistakes and it was not the end of the world. The mechanic helped us for free, our friends let us stay for free so we did not have to get a hotel, and the new bearing was replaced on Monday for free. We were just so thankful that God orchestrated all of it so that we were safe and taken care of and he provided greatly for us. It was also an opportunity to show the kids how to have a right response in a very stressful situation. We were all tired, and wanted to see family and disappointed. We were worried, stressed and could have been angry- however we chose to see it as a series of blessings. After the axle was tightened we drove both vehicles down to Salt Fork and enjoyed a wonderful day with family. We ate breakfast at the lodge with the Bush's and Josh and Lia before they headed to a wedding. Sad to not have gotten to spend time with them the night before, we still enjoyed catching up and just loving them. Then we hung out at the hotel trying to rest! We quickly realized we were fighting a losing battle so we headed to the party.
The 6 Kandray children did a wonderful job of contacting extended family and friends and I would guess there were over 70 people there celebrating Pap and his 85 years. His cake had a John Deere tractor on it, and when one of the candles broke, we quickly fixed it with pap's favorite tool- duct tape. If any cake could fit him better, I can't imagine it! Seeing Pap enjoy his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends was something I'll never forget. I hope to be half that loved if God blesses me with 85 years! The kids enjoyed their cousins, the nature center, the lake, and the food!! We went back to the hotel early in the evening so the kids could swim at the indoor pool and we could get out of the sun and heat. Pops swam with them and at one point had all three- floats, inner tubes and all- hanging lovingly onto his neck! I'm not so sure he enjoyed that particular moment, but he always chooses to see the blessing, and having three grand kids who love you to bits is certainly a blessing! We then joined the cousins in the outdoor pool and then had to leave for home. Our drive home was over an hour and we were very weary! We stopped at Walmart (all three kids were sleeping so only Gary ran in) to get a bag of chips for the worship team planning meeting we had the next day after church. When we got home late that night and I was so thankful! We were safe, we were together and God had once again showed His great love for us in countless blessings of friends, family and even strangers!
Sunday morning we got ourselves out the door, probably not in a very Christ-like manner, and made it to church. For all the traveling we did in July we did manage to get to church 3 of the 5 Sundays which was very important to the kids and their summer program! We enjoyed the planning meeting but it was very clear about a half hour before it ended, that there would be mandatory nap time at our house that afternoon no matter how late we got home! That week the kids and I jumped back into our schoolwork and spent the day Tuesday at the dentist office. I went first, followed by Grace and finally Tyler. No cavities!! I would make an appointment to have my wisdom tooth out the next week, and we'd hope that daddy would have no cavities either the next day at his appointment. (He didn't!) He purchased supplemental dental for only himself so the kids and I only go once a year and we hope to keep it that way for awhile, and avoid cavities. Getting the bill made me grateful for our excellent insurance in other areas. What we have to pay in dental, we more than make up in savings with our regular insurance... nobody likes to dive into the savings for a bill, but that's what it is there for and I"m thankful Gary sets aside money each moth so it's taken care of.
After a couple more days of unpacking, school, laundry, and re-packing we found ourselves up early Saturday morning getting ready to head with the Bush's for Presque Isle!! We were running late, of course, so we didn't leave on time but the kids sure did enjoy the sugar (donuts) Grandma and Pops brought for breakfast! I love that donuts are made with, filled with, coated with, and sprinkled with sugar. Yum! After not too many stops we made it to the beach and it was a beautiful day. We had a picnic lunch and the the mermaids and merboy spent the rest of the afternoon in the water or in the sand happily swimming and splashing and, yes, hanging on to Pops' neck! We faced west and waved towards where Papa was undoubtedly out on his own area of Lake Erie beach. Gary's cousin Nate and his girlfriend Mallory came to join us. Late in the afternoon we headed to our beautiful hotel (Thanks Bush's!) got changed and enjoyed a picnic of McDonalds, then we loaded up the cars and headed to Waldameer park. The admission is free and you pay for an arm band to ride the rides unlimited, or buy individual tickets. We didn't know what Esther would ride so we got her a couple tickets, and the older kids got bands. They rode every ride they wanted to at least twice, Tyler was great about staying with his sister when she wanted him to, and loved going on the bigger kid rides himself. He rode a roller coaster and a boat that went in circles as well as back and forth! Mommy got seasick just watching him on that one! In a few years daddy will have his roller coaster buddy he's been patiently waiting his whole life for! Nate and Mallory joined us here too and the kids loved having even MORE people to wave at! It was cute to see young love enjoying the day but not having the responsibility of little ones. Sometimes it seems like so long ago that Gary and I had that life, other times it feels like yesterday we were beginning to wonder if maybe God would allow us to be parents. I'm so glad he did! Gary took Grace and Tyler on the sky ride and the train, I took all three on the carosel, and we didn't leave until closing time at 10!! They were SO well behaved waiting in lines and holding gates for other kids, riding together and not fighting. It was a very fun evening. Sunday we had no plans so we thought we might head to a museum and ship in Erie for a good learning experience, then head home. We asked the Bush's to join us and though I know they wanted to go home and just nap, they came along. The ship was out sailing the great lakes somewhere and since the museum was not yet open we went to the observation tower next door. It was very downcast and windy but it was neat to see Presque Isle from there and Erie on the other side. We went into the little store/concession stand to check it out and got an unexpected gift. The first Sunday of the month is FREE to go to the top of the tower! Yay!! We could see so much more up there and with the weather being bad is was more fun for us adults than the kids, but it was a great learning experience and we enjoyed it very much! We enjoyed a late lunch at a very good Mexican Restaurant Pops knew of from when he goes to Erie for work. Then we finally headed home.
Another week of- you guessed it- unpacking, school, laundry and repacking! The curve ball was having my wisdom tooth removed Tuesday afternoon which left me feeling a bit groggy the rest of the day. And then the kids got sick Wednesday! Friday found us traveling an hour south for a speech evaluation for Esther early in the morning and then home to load up and two hours north-west back to Lake Erie- this time at Papa Tim's house! We had wanted to get up there since the beginning of summer, but as you have read (if you are miraculously still reading) we were a little busy this summer! The kid and I had been for a couple hours when we were up to see Grandma Cline, but this time we came as a family and to stay a night. The kids decided on Wednesday night to get fevers, stop eating, and sleep/lay around so by the time we got to my dad's house Friday afternoon, they were still not feeling well. We enjoyed our time at the lake, at the beach, eating together and hanging out. Even with the fevers and being "cold" in spite of 90 degree temperatures, the kids had a wonderful time. Grace didn't do much in the water but Esther loved it again, we made sand castles, and Tyler acted as though he was born with fins. We traveled Saturday to my moms for a brief 30 minute visit, and then to the Glynn home to meet baby Addison!! Gary and I had seen her earlier in July, but the kids had not, and it was an open house to see the home they purchased right after her birth! It was VERY nice! Finally we headed home to Tylenol and bed!! Sunday I had to be in nursery so I took Esther and left Gary with the sick ones. I feared if they really had something hanging on, it could be contagious and by this time they were sick and crabby and tired. Their wonderful summer program teacher did not need to crabbies with fevers. I found out when I got home that the kids had made cards for our friend Connie's birthday party and gotten to watch the service live online! I had no idea they did that! Made me wish I could have stayed home too since I went but didn't get to hear the service! :) Gary said the kids had rested and seemed healthy enough for us to travel an hour south to Connie's birthday party. Of course they were fine until we actually got there, then the fevers returned, and the coughing started. I"m pretty sure Tyler is allergic to cats. We had a great time fellowshipping with Connie's friends and family and celebrating her. The kids played well and Grace especially bonded with Connie's niece Alyssa- the girls are the same age. After fellowship, food, pie, a pinata, and some fun with the Wii, we had to head home again. Now it was time to commit to spending a couple days HOME to catch up on sleep, and yes, tackle some more laundry!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Box Day
Today was a big day at our house. Tyler's new 1st grade curriculum arrived. Grace also got to open her new her preschool curriculum. This day is officially called 'Box Day' as each child of school age gets to open their new Box of Books. The children were very excited to say the least. I think Mommy may have been equally excited with all the new books. This is kind of like our first day of school as the kids get to see what they will be learning over the next year. Home schooling is definately a family event as Esther and Daddy helped open the boxes and get the books out as we read the title of each one. Tyler did a good job reading the titles for most of the books this year. Another sign he is growing up! Enjoy the pictures below.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Connie's Birthday
We had a great time at Connie Troyer's birthday party this past Sunday. Here is a link to a couple quick youtube videos.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Faith, Family, Fun, Food, FREEDOM!! ~Happy 4th of July~
I want to pause in the eternal past-photo downloading and write a current blog.
Since we moved in Gary has been wanting a fire ring in the back for making smores and hot dogs and just spending time as a family. We had agreed he could get it for his Father's Day gift (since he was in Indiana for Father's Day we didn't get to do much celebrating!) Finally awhile back Amazon had the one he wanted on a special with FREE shipping so he ordered it. Last week it came the day after Gary's dad gave us his riding lawn mower and wagon. What a fun night grilling hot dogs, sitting around the fire (Gary playing in it), and rides on the tractor! The kids are still talking about it!
That night we made our plans for Fourth Of July Weekend. Gary took Friday OFF and had Monday off and we decided to cram as much as we could in!!
For Christmas we had purchased the Science Center membership and on Friday we headed to Pittsburgh to the Carnegie Science Center. It was a blast! I had not been there for a long time, once for a field trip when I taught 3rd grade, and several times for the Pirates event held there Lori was a big part of. It was really weird being there without her! The kids loved the Submarine and I wished I'd have taken the time to teach them about submarines before we went so they could better understand what they were seeing. The train area was another highlight. I think we could have spent hours in that room alone. The robotics exhibit was fascinating, the kids liked the basketball shooting robot, and Gary liked seeing CP3O and R2D2. He even had a photo taken with one that they emailed him. From there we went up to the show in the kitchen and saw how flambe (caramel sauce with peaches) was made. It was very well done but the kids had a hard time understanding the lady's accent. We got to sample it with ice cream at the end! We then looked at the aquarium exhibit and the kids loved the fish. From there we went upstairs to the hands-on kids area.
They had a section with a high up plexi-glass bucket, and lots of plastic balls on the floor. There were many ways to get the balls up into the bucket and you only had a short amount of time before lights flash, sirens scream and the bucket opens pouring them down on your head! The kids loved this and it was something all 5 of us could play together. By this time all of the summer camp groups had left so the areas were much less crowded. From there we went to the sports works building where Gary, Tyler and Grace took a tour of the inside of the body, played an extra large Operation game, shot baskets, raced, threw baseballs and tested reaction time at a hockey exhibit.
We left at closing time and headed across the street to see and take pictures of Heinz Field. We thought about walking around the building but we didn't. The kids were very tired and ready to eat. I wish we'd have walked over to where you can see inside to show the kids the yellow seats. There were tents and trucks everywhere beginning preparation for the Kenny Chesney concert which I think was Saturday. Due to traffic we took a scenic route through the city which was really nice, we were in no hurry so it was nice to just take our time. We ended up at a King's restaurant for dinner where the kids wolfed down sugary pancakes and Gary and I exceeded our beef intake for the day with burgers. Gary and I went on LOTS of dates at Kings "back in the day" so it was neat to share the experience with our THREE children! I, of course, was nostalgic thinking back over the years. It's been almost 14 years since we met! WOW! What a cool reminder that no matter what we desire or plan, God has it figured out! When we choose to see the good and the blessings, they are more than we can count!
From there we headed to the Kellogg's and literally invaded them! Thank you Kellogg's for your gracious hospitality and making us feel at home and welcome! We helped get a few ready for the party the next day, put the kids to bed, and made birthday cake! It was nice to be helping a little and get to visit. Saturday was the party and it was a gorgeous day. Rain threatened, but never came and Faith Kristina Kellogg had a beautiful Care Bear themed Fourth Birthday Party! She was pretty as a princess and we are so thankful to get to be there to see her celebrated by friends and family. We stayed another night so that evening we truly enjoyed some wonderful fellowship with Josh and Jackie.
Sunday morning we hit the road late in the morning to head to my mom's. She'd asked us to spend some of Memorial Day weekend with her to see the fireworks up by her and Gary agreed so we added that into the plan. Little did I know the REAL plan was for mom to watch the kids and Gary and I enjoy a whole night's getaway!! We had one last free Marriott night and it could not have been used at a better time! The kids napped, played, ate, played, saw fireworks, slept, ate, played and went to the park. Gary and I enjoyed 21 hours of peace and quiet! It was wonderful to spend time together just the two of us! Thanks Mom and Gary for hatching a wonderful plan! We also stopped by to see the Glynn's and I got to hold Baby Addison! She's such a precious little girl and it was so nice to get to see and talk to Melissa even though they are very busy being new parents an MOVING! It's been a long time since I held a baby that was one week old, but I put her right to sleep! Unfortunately, it was during her "awake" time. :(
Monday we headed back towards home and to the Bush's for a bacon roast, hours of squirt gun fun, dinner, smores, and later fireworks. Last night at 11:30 I turned my light out, back home in my own bed, my children and husband (finally) soundly sleeping around me, listening to the cars drive by and distant booms of fireworks going off... no matter how much fun you have, there is no place like home.
Since we moved in Gary has been wanting a fire ring in the back for making smores and hot dogs and just spending time as a family. We had agreed he could get it for his Father's Day gift (since he was in Indiana for Father's Day we didn't get to do much celebrating!) Finally awhile back Amazon had the one he wanted on a special with FREE shipping so he ordered it. Last week it came the day after Gary's dad gave us his riding lawn mower and wagon. What a fun night grilling hot dogs, sitting around the fire (Gary playing in it), and rides on the tractor! The kids are still talking about it!That night we made our plans for Fourth Of July Weekend. Gary took Friday OFF and had Monday off and we decided to cram as much as we could in!!
For Christmas we had purchased the Science Center membership and on Friday we headed to Pittsburgh to the Carnegie Science Center. It was a blast! I had not been there for a long time, once for a field trip when I taught 3rd grade, and several times for the Pirates event held there Lori was a big part of. It was really weird being there without her! The kids loved the Submarine and I wished I'd have taken the time to teach them about submarines before we went so they could better understand what they were seeing. The train area was another highlight. I think we could have spent hours in that room alone. The robotics exhibit was fascinating, the kids liked the basketball shooting robot, and Gary liked seeing CP3O and R2D2. He even had a photo taken with one that they emailed him. From there we went up to the show in the kitchen and saw how flambe (caramel sauce with peaches) was made. It was very well done but the kids had a hard time understanding the lady's accent. We got to sample it with ice cream at the end! We then looked at the aquarium exhibit and the kids loved the fish. From there we went upstairs to the hands-on kids area.
They had a section with a high up plexi-glass bucket, and lots of plastic balls on the floor. There were many ways to get the balls up into the bucket and you only had a short amount of time before lights flash, sirens scream and the bucket opens pouring them down on your head! The kids loved this and it was something all 5 of us could play together. By this time all of the summer camp groups had left so the areas were much less crowded. From there we went to the sports works building where Gary, Tyler and Grace took a tour of the inside of the body, played an extra large Operation game, shot baskets, raced, threw baseballs and tested reaction time at a hockey exhibit.
We left at closing time and headed across the street to see and take pictures of Heinz Field. We thought about walking around the building but we didn't. The kids were very tired and ready to eat. I wish we'd have walked over to where you can see inside to show the kids the yellow seats. There were tents and trucks everywhere beginning preparation for the Kenny Chesney concert which I think was Saturday. Due to traffic we took a scenic route through the city which was really nice, we were in no hurry so it was nice to just take our time. We ended up at a King's restaurant for dinner where the kids wolfed down sugary pancakes and Gary and I exceeded our beef intake for the day with burgers. Gary and I went on LOTS of dates at Kings "back in the day" so it was neat to share the experience with our THREE children! I, of course, was nostalgic thinking back over the years. It's been almost 14 years since we met! WOW! What a cool reminder that no matter what we desire or plan, God has it figured out! When we choose to see the good and the blessings, they are more than we can count!
From there we headed to the Kellogg's and literally invaded them! Thank you Kellogg's for your gracious hospitality and making us feel at home and welcome! We helped get a few ready for the party the next day, put the kids to bed, and made birthday cake! It was nice to be helping a little and get to visit. Saturday was the party and it was a gorgeous day. Rain threatened, but never came and Faith Kristina Kellogg had a beautiful Care Bear themed Fourth Birthday Party! She was pretty as a princess and we are so thankful to get to be there to see her celebrated by friends and family. We stayed another night so that evening we truly enjoyed some wonderful fellowship with Josh and Jackie.
Sunday morning we hit the road late in the morning to head to my mom's. She'd asked us to spend some of Memorial Day weekend with her to see the fireworks up by her and Gary agreed so we added that into the plan. Little did I know the REAL plan was for mom to watch the kids and Gary and I enjoy a whole night's getaway!! We had one last free Marriott night and it could not have been used at a better time! The kids napped, played, ate, played, saw fireworks, slept, ate, played and went to the park. Gary and I enjoyed 21 hours of peace and quiet! It was wonderful to spend time together just the two of us! Thanks Mom and Gary for hatching a wonderful plan! We also stopped by to see the Glynn's and I got to hold Baby Addison! She's such a precious little girl and it was so nice to get to see and talk to Melissa even though they are very busy being new parents an MOVING! It's been a long time since I held a baby that was one week old, but I put her right to sleep! Unfortunately, it was during her "awake" time. :(
Monday we headed back towards home and to the Bush's for a bacon roast, hours of squirt gun fun, dinner, smores, and later fireworks. Last night at 11:30 I turned my light out, back home in my own bed, my children and husband (finally) soundly sleeping around me, listening to the cars drive by and distant booms of fireworks going off... no matter how much fun you have, there is no place like home.
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