New Discoveries in the Animal Kingdom
7 hours ago
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Our summer vacation 2009
View from our condo in Orange Beach, AL
For vacation this year, Brad, Jason, Alec and I went to Gulf Shores, Alabama. We shared a condo with Brad's sister Tami, her husband Shawn, their boys Ryne and Seth and Brad's parents. Here are some highlights of the trip.
- We flew into New Orleans on Sunday 8/9
- We rented a car and drove to the French Quarter
- We ate beignets at Cafe DuMonde. Jason had heard of them on the food channel and really wanted to go there.
- It was pouring rain in New Orleans so we did not stay long and headed toward Alabama (after we returned to the airport to retrieve Jason's cell phone he left on the plane)
- There are still many abandoned buildings that no one ever returned to after Hurricane Katrina
- We drove to Gulf Port, Mississippi and spent the night at a Quality Inn.
- On Monday we drove on to Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama - stopping at Lambert's Cafe - the home of 'throwed rolls' on the way.
- We were the first to reach the condo so we checked on in.
- The condo was wonderful. 7th floor - 2500 square feet - 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths - awesome view
- The rest of the week consisted of lots of swimming (in the ocean as well as the lazy river and pools), walks on the beach, reading, relaxing and many trips to the grocery store and souvenir shops
- Jason and Ryne were both stung by jellyfish but recovered quickly
- Seth caught a blue crab with a fishing net
- Two laptops, our Ipods and a big screen TV kept us in touch with the world and gave us our electronic and Facebook fix
- Tami and I took the 4 boys to Pensacola, FL on Thursday. We visited Big Lagoon State Park and Pensacola Beach and the boys all parasailed.
- Shawn did all the cooking (with some help from Maxine and Charles). It was wonderful to have someone else cook for a change :) and to have the coffee already made when I got up in the mornings.
- Our five night stay ended much too quickly and on Saturday we checked out and headed back to New Orleans for our flight home.
Pensacola Beach
Parasailing
Big Lagoon State Park in Florida
Thursday, July 30, 2009
almost August (already?)
The scout
I sent Alec off to Webelo's camp this morning. He will be there Thursday and Friday nights and then we will pick him up Saturday evening. It is his first camp without Mom or Dad there. He will be fine. Not sure about his mom. :0)
July has been pretty quiet around here. Michael moved back to South Dakota a few weeks ago. He plans to go back to school and is currently living with friends.
Crime entered our lives a couple of nights ago when my sister was car-jacked. They approached her in her carport and demanded her keys. They slapped her once in the face but luckily she is fine. She gave them her keys and screamed. They ran when she screamed and she called 911. Unfortunately, they came back and took the car a few minutes later. It has not yet been found. The police took 1 hour to show up and will probably never catch the guys. I personally would like to catch them and beat them up side the head. Don't be messing with my sis! If you see this car - let us know
My nephew is having knee surgery tomorrow for a torn ACL and meniscus. Please keep him in your thoughts.
I sent Alec off to Webelo's camp this morning. He will be there Thursday and Friday nights and then we will pick him up Saturday evening. It is his first camp without Mom or Dad there. He will be fine. Not sure about his mom. :0)
July has been pretty quiet around here. Michael moved back to South Dakota a few weeks ago. He plans to go back to school and is currently living with friends.
Crime entered our lives a couple of nights ago when my sister was car-jacked. They approached her in her carport and demanded her keys. They slapped her once in the face but luckily she is fine. She gave them her keys and screamed. They ran when she screamed and she called 911. Unfortunately, they came back and took the car a few minutes later. It has not yet been found. The police took 1 hour to show up and will probably never catch the guys. I personally would like to catch them and beat them up side the head. Don't be messing with my sis! If you see this car - let us know
My nephew is having knee surgery tomorrow for a torn ACL and meniscus. Please keep him in your thoughts.
Friday, July 10, 2009
It's been awhile....
I looked back over my blog and realized I haven't actually 'written' anything since Hunter's graduation weekend.
Autumn was here from May 17 through July 2. We didn't do anything real exciting while she was here - but I think she had a good time. We went swimming a few times, went to Bass Pro Shop, went to Crown Center and the Liberty Memorial. Most of time we just hung out at home. She discovered Facebook and played on the computer quite a bit. Michael worked a lot so she spent most of her time here with us.
On June 6 I went to Chicago and Milwaukee with two old friends of mine. Kathy Q lives here and I have known her for 23 years. She and I went to visit Kathi Mc who lives in Chicago. We have both known her for 20 years. The 3 of us drove up to Milwaukee for one night. We stayed at the Pfister in downtown Milwaukee, went to the art museum and to the Third Ward shopping district. We took the 'scenic' route back to Chicago along Lake Michigan. It took us most of the afternoon - but was a nice drive. It was about the journey - not the destination. We didn't really get to see Chicago as we had planned - but that's okay. It will still be there next time :)
Taryn and Hunter came down for Father's Day weekend - so all Brad's kids were with him this year. Probably for the first time in years.
My summer class was canceled due to lack interest. Only 4 people signed up. So I am just spending the summer with the kids. I waste a lot of time on the computer but I have also been working on photography some. I took pictures of my Milwaukee trip and Jake's baseball team. I added the baseball team pictures to a Shutterfly share site - leishajdg.shutterfly.com. I also came up with a name for my photo biz - It's All About the Image.
Michael took Autumn back to SD on July 2. We had our cul-de-sac '4th of July' shindig on the 3rd of July - due to other commitments for the neighbors. On the 4th we went to watch Independence fireworks show with Mom, Dad, Nan, Trent, Michelle, Jake and mom's friend Debbie. It was a nice evening.
I think that is about it.
Jason on the last day of 8th grade. That means he is now a high school student!
Alec and Marissa on the last day of 3rd grade
Autumn deep in thought
Autumn at the Liberty Memorial
Autumn with a loose tooth
Autumn was here from May 17 through July 2. We didn't do anything real exciting while she was here - but I think she had a good time. We went swimming a few times, went to Bass Pro Shop, went to Crown Center and the Liberty Memorial. Most of time we just hung out at home. She discovered Facebook and played on the computer quite a bit. Michael worked a lot so she spent most of her time here with us.
On June 6 I went to Chicago and Milwaukee with two old friends of mine. Kathy Q lives here and I have known her for 23 years. She and I went to visit Kathi Mc who lives in Chicago. We have both known her for 20 years. The 3 of us drove up to Milwaukee for one night. We stayed at the Pfister in downtown Milwaukee, went to the art museum and to the Third Ward shopping district. We took the 'scenic' route back to Chicago along Lake Michigan. It took us most of the afternoon - but was a nice drive. It was about the journey - not the destination. We didn't really get to see Chicago as we had planned - but that's okay. It will still be there next time :)
Taryn and Hunter came down for Father's Day weekend - so all Brad's kids were with him this year. Probably for the first time in years.
My summer class was canceled due to lack interest. Only 4 people signed up. So I am just spending the summer with the kids. I waste a lot of time on the computer but I have also been working on photography some. I took pictures of my Milwaukee trip and Jake's baseball team. I added the baseball team pictures to a Shutterfly share site - leishajdg.shutterfly.com. I also came up with a name for my photo biz - It's All About the Image.
Michael took Autumn back to SD on July 2. We had our cul-de-sac '4th of July' shindig on the 3rd of July - due to other commitments for the neighbors. On the 4th we went to watch Independence fireworks show with Mom, Dad, Nan, Trent, Michelle, Jake and mom's friend Debbie. It was a nice evening.
I think that is about it.
Jason on the last day of 8th grade. That means he is now a high school student!
Alec and Marissa on the last day of 3rd grade
Autumn deep in thought
Autumn at the Liberty Memorial
Autumn with a loose tooth
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Hunter's graduation
The newest member of our household - for the next 6 weeks anyway!
Graduation weekend
Friday afternoon we drove through major thunderstorms to Beresford, SD for Hunter's high school graduation. We stayed at the Super 8 in Beresford. We used to always stay there when we were in Beresford - but haven't stayed there for awhile. We probably won't stay there again. It was ok - but not that great anymore. Alec and Jason were very disappointed that the pool was closed. It would have been nice if they had told us when we made the reservation - but they didn't. Poor Alec had on his trunks and goggles and was all ready to jump in, when he opened the door and found nothing but a dry, empty hole in the ground. He was very disappointed. So anyway - we didn't do much Friday night. Just ate at Subway and hung around the motel. Hunter, Taryn and Brady came by for awhile and visited.
Saturday at 2:00 was the graduation. After that there was a party at the Orr's house. (The Orr's are the family that Hunter has been living with for his senior year.) The party was for both Zach Orr and Hunter and was very nice.
After that party we drove to Sioux Falls to look for a bicycle rack. We determined they were much to expensive and that we could tie Autumn's bike on the roof rack. Once we were done there it was time to head to Barb's house for a BBQ and graduation celebration. The honoree was too busy with his friends to make to the party - but we still had a nice time. They served burgers and brats and had a fire in the outdoor fire pit. All the kids (young and old) had a lot of fun playing in the backyard. We headed back to our motel around 10:30. It had been a long day. Brad, Michael and Autumn dropped off me and boys and then went to gather Autumn's things from her mom's house.
We all got some sleep and then packed up everything to head back to KC. We were going to leave at 9:00 but were slow moving and did not get gone until 10:00. Hunter came over at 8:30 to visit a little and say goodbye. He stayed until we left. We made good time and were home by 3:30. Good thing - because Michael had to be at work at 4:30. It was a tiring but nice weekend. It went fast!
The graduate
with 2 of his brothers
with his big sis and bro
with his 'adopted' family, the Orrs
Graduation weekend
Friday afternoon we drove through major thunderstorms to Beresford, SD for Hunter's high school graduation. We stayed at the Super 8 in Beresford. We used to always stay there when we were in Beresford - but haven't stayed there for awhile. We probably won't stay there again. It was ok - but not that great anymore. Alec and Jason were very disappointed that the pool was closed. It would have been nice if they had told us when we made the reservation - but they didn't. Poor Alec had on his trunks and goggles and was all ready to jump in, when he opened the door and found nothing but a dry, empty hole in the ground. He was very disappointed. So anyway - we didn't do much Friday night. Just ate at Subway and hung around the motel. Hunter, Taryn and Brady came by for awhile and visited.
Saturday at 2:00 was the graduation. After that there was a party at the Orr's house. (The Orr's are the family that Hunter has been living with for his senior year.) The party was for both Zach Orr and Hunter and was very nice.
After that party we drove to Sioux Falls to look for a bicycle rack. We determined they were much to expensive and that we could tie Autumn's bike on the roof rack. Once we were done there it was time to head to Barb's house for a BBQ and graduation celebration. The honoree was too busy with his friends to make to the party - but we still had a nice time. They served burgers and brats and had a fire in the outdoor fire pit. All the kids (young and old) had a lot of fun playing in the backyard. We headed back to our motel around 10:30. It had been a long day. Brad, Michael and Autumn dropped off me and boys and then went to gather Autumn's things from her mom's house.
We all got some sleep and then packed up everything to head back to KC. We were going to leave at 9:00 but were slow moving and did not get gone until 10:00. Hunter came over at 8:30 to visit a little and say goodbye. He stayed until we left. We made good time and were home by 3:30. Good thing - because Michael had to be at work at 4:30. It was a tiring but nice weekend. It went fast!
The graduate
with 2 of his brothers
with his big sis and bro
with his 'adopted' family, the Orrs
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Happy May!
It looks like today is turning out to be a beautiful spring day. Everything is nice a green due to the recent deluge of rain. But today the sun is shining. I should be probably be out enjoying it instead of sitting at the computer :)
Taryn left this morning after spending a few days with us. It was really nice to see her. I wish she lived closer. I guess we will see her and everyone else in just two weeks when we go up for Hunter's graduation.
My school got out Friday. I don't go back until my summer class starts in 6 weeks. Jason and Alec do not get out until May 29.
Autumn is coming back with us from Hunter's Graduation and staying until July 2. That will be fun. I know she will enjoy spending time with her daddy. Michael is doing pretty good. He's working a lot at Applebee's. I know he wants to go back to SD to be closer to his band. Maybe he can soon.
We had a Cub Scout cookout at Lake Jacomo last night. It was supposed to be a campout but it ended up being to muddy and wet. The cookout was nice though and it turned out to be a really nice evening.
That's about it for now - I think.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
update - sort of
I haven't actually 'written' anything for awhile - just posted pictures. So, I thought I would write something today......
March was busy with activities and spring break.
Alec has now switched from piano to drum lessons. His teacher kept cancelling on us and I figured why waste money on piano when what he really wants is to play the drums. I guess he takes after his big brother Michael, in that way. Alec also graduated to his orange belt in TaeKwonDo in March.
There have been lots of birthdays. Outside of our family - Alec had two birthday party/sleepovers that he went to this last weekend. Needless to say, on Sunday he was a tired little boy. Inside our family - we had Taryn, Charles and my birthdays in March. And in April we have Jason's, Ryne's and Tami's.
Brad and I normally go on a trip for our anniversary each year - but so far we have nothing planned for this year. And it's a big one too! 15 years. Maybe later in the year we can go somewhere. He did take our anniversary day off and we spent the day together - for the most part. That's about it.
Jason is going to be 14 in a couple of days. Wow! Where does the time go? My cute, little baby boy is getting to be all grown up. He probably would not appreciate being called that :)
I have been enjoying catching up with a lot of family and friends on Facebook. I think I am addicted to it. I check in several times a day. But I enjoy it - so why not?
School is going good. I am learning a lot in my class and really enjoy the assignments. We only have a couple left! I think May 8 is my last day. I signed up for a 6 week summer class - but currently there are only 2 people in it - so it may get cancelled. - Which actually stinks because it is a pre-req for one of my fall classes - so it will screw everything up.
I guess I have rambled enough for today. I need to get moving and go birthday shopping for Jay!
Until next time..............
March was busy with activities and spring break.
Alec has now switched from piano to drum lessons. His teacher kept cancelling on us and I figured why waste money on piano when what he really wants is to play the drums. I guess he takes after his big brother Michael, in that way. Alec also graduated to his orange belt in TaeKwonDo in March.
There have been lots of birthdays. Outside of our family - Alec had two birthday party/sleepovers that he went to this last weekend. Needless to say, on Sunday he was a tired little boy. Inside our family - we had Taryn, Charles and my birthdays in March. And in April we have Jason's, Ryne's and Tami's.
Brad and I normally go on a trip for our anniversary each year - but so far we have nothing planned for this year. And it's a big one too! 15 years. Maybe later in the year we can go somewhere. He did take our anniversary day off and we spent the day together - for the most part. That's about it.
Jason is going to be 14 in a couple of days. Wow! Where does the time go? My cute, little baby boy is getting to be all grown up. He probably would not appreciate being called that :)
I have been enjoying catching up with a lot of family and friends on Facebook. I think I am addicted to it. I check in several times a day. But I enjoy it - so why not?
School is going good. I am learning a lot in my class and really enjoy the assignments. We only have a couple left! I think May 8 is my last day. I signed up for a 6 week summer class - but currently there are only 2 people in it - so it may get cancelled. - Which actually stinks because it is a pre-req for one of my fall classes - so it will screw everything up.
I guess I have rambled enough for today. I need to get moving and go birthday shopping for Jay!
Until next time..............
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Brrrrr...
It rained, then iced, then snowed. I had to cancel my birthday lunch with friends. :( I hope this is all the ice and snow until fall.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Spring was here - what happened?
It is 32 degrees this morning and is supposed to snow 5 - 8 inches tomorrow. What the heck? Everything had started turning green and looked beautiful. I know I wanted it to snow last time - but this time I am so over it. No more white stuff!
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