Vacation Wrap Up and Catch Up

We've been home from our road trip for almost a month now, so I figured it was about time I just buckled down and got the job done. Most pictures do not need any explaining, so I will try to refrain from explaining every boring detail of the drive home and what we've done since. I don't know why I didn't get more pictures while we are Ross and Julie's, except that we were having too much fun to take time out for photos. We're already planning our next road trip. It was that fun!

Ten extra points if you know where this guy is from!

Did you know Will finally joined us in Salt Lake City for the rest of the drive home?

Using seat belts to entertain Walter for the last couple hours.

Yes, we really did ride on sleds while being pulled behind Rob's truck. Snow in the face, flying through snow drifts, getting air over bumps and screaming our heads off. It was awesome!!!!

I took the kids out for a late night romp in the snow. We ran up and down the street, sliding, falling and making snow angels. I love quiet snowy nights!

Homeschooling at its best!

Hank can't wait to go back for his next cap because he gets to play video games in the waiting room and watch cartoons during the procedure. Lucky guy!

Afternoon church definitely has it's benefits.

We cherish the warmer days around here. Popcorn, apples and cheese in the backyard.

Lately we've had nothing but snow, freezing temps and more snow. Today we went and looked at a house with six bedrooms, five baths and ten acres. I was dreaming of all the space we'd ahve with a barn out back and room to roam. Too bad someone let their FARM ANIMALS live INSIDE the house! Wow, it smelled like a barn...cause that's what it was used for. Cigarette butts everywhere, no flooring, no kitchen, no working bathrooms or running water. What a shame to have a brand new house get so trashed. Even worse, I'm pretty sure a family was living there too. So sad.

California Adventure Part 2 and A Good Samaritan

Today at Aldi after homeschool co-op I piled vegetables, milk, eggs, fruit, canned soup, diapers, cereal and two frozen pizzas into my cart. The kids helped me push the cart along and load everything onto the moving conveyor belt. I'm sure we were quite the sight. Everyone in line stared as I directed the circus act and made sure squishables were loaded last and gallons of milk went on first. At Aldi, they just throw everything in your cart and you bag or box them yourself. Kind of like at WinCo except there are no free bags and you pack on a common counter with everyone else. The total just happened to be $2.00 over what cash I had in my pocket. I put back one frozen cardboard pizza without batting an eye, paid my money and began the packing process. A woman came to the counter, packed her few items and handed me a frozen pizza. I tried to refuse it as she said, "It's what Jesus would do honey. I've been there before." I began to explain that I didn't really need the pizza and that I did have the money just not with me, but decided instead to thank her and let her feel that warm fuzzy inside for helping a seemingly overburdened mother with five crazy kids who couldn't afford the groceries in her own cart. She quickly walked out of the store, an angel in disguise.

What a sweet lady. What a wonderful example of looking for ways to serve and help our fellow men...or women. Now, it's my turn to pay it forward. This week I will open my eyes to the ways I can serve those around me.

For now, here are a few more pics from our trip.

So fun to see cousins! The boys....



And the Gals...can you spy the one boy?



Aunt Betsy's birthday on New Year's Eve!


Where did all these crazy kids come from?


Okay, maybe I see a resemblance.


They're not TOO crazy...are they?


Aw, sweet cousins.


Aw, even sweeter cousins...bonding over the DS.


Sweet Sisters.


The best aunt ever!.... and her husband. I really do love him.


The next Olympic gold medalist...in training. (in the pink)


pushing her lazy brother around who is hoping couch potato will become an Olympic sport by the time he is 16. Claire showing Aunt Betsy some of her awesome moves.


In & Out with Grandma and Grandpa Medlar and cousin Rachel.




Four generations...right here!
And Walter Russell is named after his great grandpa Harry Russell.


When did we all grow up?

Leaving California we went over the Donner Pass and stopped at he Pioneer monument. So glad we had a van with a heater and lots of snacks and blankets. I know I always say I wish I was a pioneer, but our modern day conveniences are really nice to have.


The drive home was a whole other adventure with more cousins and fun. I'll save that for another day. Goodnight!

California Pictures

You didn't think I'd forgotten, did you? Here's the pictures I promised.

Wait.

First, look who got a haircut. Such a big boy!


The Four Day Drive


Kelly and I with our TEN kids.


Breakfast at Ali's.....delicious Hootenannies (German Pancakes, Puffed Oven Pancakes).


The Lovely Bride and Groom JUST MARRIED!
So happy.


Ali's Brother's and me at the wedding reception for Allen and Megan. The one in the yellow is single ladies! He's kind, hilarious and adventurous. I'll set you up.


Where Walter slept during the entire reception while I partied.


Where Kate slept at the end of the reception when her cousins had left and she was done.


That's all for now...more later!