Pumpkin Patch '09

Two Saturday's ago we went to the same pumpkin patch that we have gone to for years. We usually go with our wonderful with cousins/Aunt/Uncle. It was the only weekend that worked so we HAD to fit it in. I had my 10 K run that morning in the same area so we though we'd just go from there but Mother Nature had different plans. As soon as my race ended it started pouring rain, lightning, and thunder. Quite the difference from just a few minutes earlier...sunny and warm (thankfully, my race would have been miserable). We then made the decision to go to a pizza and play place until there was a break in the rain. We saw a break in the clouds and went for it. Once again, we lucked out and the rain stopped long enough for us to go on the boat ride with sharks and dragons popping out of the water, pick our pumpkins...

get some faces painted...

then ride the mini train back. It is a great place to go. Beautiful area and fun things to do. Thanks to Ashley all this was possible for our family. Thanks Ashley and Ryan for such a fun day!!!

Payton's day as a Redhawk

Our neighbor is a pilot for the Redhawks and thought Payton could use a special reward for being so brave during his treatments. So, we had the opportunity to go to the Air-force Base to be a special guests at the 123nd squadron, the RedHawks. We toured the facility and saw jets being worked on, where the pilots dress, and what gear they have to wear. Payton and Tate sat in a training cockpit and got to be a pilots for a few minutes. We were also able to see a few different take offs. They were loud but amazing. The F15's were off to do some "dog fight" training. There was another take off we saw (can't remember the name) that the pilot went straight up in the air, you can even see his after burners (movie below). Payton was glowing; smile from ear to ear. It is all he talked about on the way to chemo and told the nurses all about it. He had the time of his life thanks to wonderful friends.

Tater's ready!

Captain Rico (Aaron) going over all the gauges, switches, dials, knobs, and of coarse...how to fire all the guns!

For the take off's we had earplugs but every time we went outside Tate had to be sure his ears were covered.

Payton and one of his hero's, Captain Rico (Aaron).

Utah Trip '09

We had a wonderful time in Southern Utah visiting my parents. My Mom flew up to help me drive down. It was 7 hours to Meridian, ID where we stayed the night at my sister's house. Then we continued on for 12 more hours to Escalante, Utah (by Bryce Canyon). The kids we all amazing and VERY well behaved.

When we arrived everyone got colds and the babies didn't sleep at all. We planned on staying a week and a half but I was only able to take a week of no sleep. We headed home early. We could have spent months going to all the amazing places my Dad has discovered. Another time.

I had to make a slide show because there were too many pictures to choose from. I am so glad we were given this opportunity by my parents. I love them and thank them for putting up with us.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Back in School

Tate's first day of Preschool at Little Lambs.

Payton's 1st day of Kindergarten at Mt. Pleasant.