Ride 'Em, Cowboy!

With four growing children and a limited budget, vacations are anything but easy to plan! For a couple of years, we have been trying to decide what to do to make it easier to travel and accommodate our family. Hotel rooms are anything but comfortable, and reasonably priced condos are only available in limited locations. We had looked into purchasing a travel trailer in the past, but it wasn't really a need because the children were still small, and we could cram ourselves into most places fairly easily. This year, however, all that changed.

In June, thankfully right before church camp, the Lord led us to a little car dealership in a tiny town north of Delaware, OH, and we were able to purchase a nice 5th wheel at a very reasonable price. It was a huge blessing at camp, and then we were able to spend a few days in mid-August at a relatively new and very remote campground just outside Walnut Creek in beautiful Holmes County, Ohio. The camera is largely neglected during these times of camping, but we did capture a few pics of the kids in their new cowboy hats. We attended a horse auction (very interesting), and visited lots of quaint shops and markets. We had planned to go to a rodeo in Sugarcreek on Saturday night, but it was raining and we didn't feel like being soaked and muddy, so that was a little disappointing. Maybe next time! Sunday morning we worshipped at a very beautiful Mennonite church, and wrapped up camp and headed home later in the afternoon. Although a Holmes County vacation isn't for everyone, we love being part of the "simple life" for a couple of days, anyway!

Summer Catch-Up!

This blog's photographer has practically taken a leave of absence this summer. Here are a few shots she did remember to capture...

Happy Father's Day!

Breakfast time at church camp

I seriously think that Frankfort has something against me. After all, it picks the year that I am, for the first time, alone in our camper to whip up some vicious winds, lightening, and tornadoes...night after night! Fortunately, our friend Denny was completely prepared (as usual) with his weather radio, gigantic old flashlight, maps, and a working knowledge of all surrounding towns and counties.

A couple of exhausted boys after spending quite a bit of time in the basement of the Lodge. My first thought was that if a tornado demolished the campground, there would be a serious skirt shortage at every department store within a 100 mile radius. Anyway, not to worry, we were fine, and all of our skirts remained on their respective hangers in our closets.

We were finally able to celebrate Wendy's birthday, although it was late and we were all exhausted. She's such an angel...

The girls enjoying their new shower house...

After camp, we had the itch to go...camping. So here we are at Easy's Campground...

And then it was off to Grand Lake to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks...

Illinois Road Trip

In mid-June our family, along with Granny Nichols, loaded up and headed west. The boys caught up with us in Illinois, coming a little later with Mama and Papa, because of their two-week, fun-filled vacation in Michigan (I don't have digital pics of their trip, but Grandma Burley made them a pretty cool scrapbook of their travels to Mackinaw and the sand dunes). We were able to attend my cousin's wedding, and a family reunion all in one day, so it was a pretty productive trip! Thanks, Melissa and Ray, for hosting us and making us so comfortable! We certainly enjoyed being together (for the first time in forever!).
Check out the little blondies...Emily and Kaitlynn...boy, did they have some fun!

And then there is AJ and Alli...they had their own share of a good time!




Uncle Jerry and Aunt Donna (Donna is perhaps my most faithful blog checker...she's so patient!)...
Brian Nichols and his beautiful bride, Megan...
Visited Grandpa Nichols' grave
And took a drive to the Nichols' family farm...

Then on to the reunion...

Great Aunt Roberta, Great Uncle Rick, and my Granny...
Melissa, my dear cuz, and myself...this girl is a riot!
Melissa and her sweet hubby, Pastor Ray...
The end...

Friday Funnies

This summer isn't exactly as calm as we had earlier envisioned, in fact, it's outright crazy busy! We have done a lot of things that weren't in the original plan (if there is such a thing), so things have been pretty exciting. Since this is going to be another 'no blogging' weekend (10-12 hours of driving with a wedding in the middle) we thought we'd share a couple of this week's best conversations:

Overheard between Bryan and Devan (names have been changed to protect the innocent...lol) and their dad, Gweg:

Bryan: Dad, I know what a French kiss is.
Devan: Yeah! Me too!
Dad: What is it?
Devan: (Gives description that is slimy and gross)
Bryan: Is that what the French do, cause if it is, I'M NEVER GOING TO FRANCE!!!


Ahhh...the next few years are going to be fun!

This morning Allison came in to mommy's bed...

Alli: Mommy, I have a headache.
Mommy: Show me where it hurts.
Alli: Right here in my belly!

Have a great weekend!!!

Kaitlynn's Kindergarten Graduation

Graduation day 2010 was perfectly beautiful! Kaitlynn's grandparents on both sides were able to celebrate with her, as well as Uncle Adam, Aunt Valerie, Uncle Eric, Aunt Megan, and the cousins. Because of sickness and work schedules, we didn't know if Uncle Eric and his family would be able to be there, and when we took pictures I think they were somewhere else! Anyway, we are happy for all who could attend, and proud of our 3 high school, 1 eighth grade, and 2 kindergarten graduates!
The morning of graduation (which was also picnic day-the last day of school), Kaitlynn woke up with a weird stomach bug. She was so nauseated that it seemed she would spend the day in bed. I was bummed - kindergarten graduation only happens once - but felt even worse for her. She missed graduation practice, but by noon she was feeling a little better. She wanted to go to the picnic, so we cautiously packed up and drove to the park. Things seemed to be ok there, and after a nice nap, she was able to go to the graduation. She cried like crazy before the ceremony (I didn't bother to take pictures), but by the time it started she was excited and had a good night from there on out.

If you click on this pic, you will think that Mrs. Pouzar and her husband need marriage counseling, but in reality she tripped on the deck at school and slammed her face into the corner of the brick. This little accident resulted in a trip to the doctor, stitches in her face, and lots of bruising. Thank goodness for Photoshop, since her daughter was one of the high school grads and they had lots of family pics taken!