Sunday, June 14, 2009

We are home!

Hello everyone! Sorry I didn't post after Day 2, but the hotels we stayed in either didn't have internet or the internet connection was crap..so I just decided I would have to wait until we got home... So I'll give the details of our trip Day by Day.. I'm sorry if it's boring to you, but it was fun for us: )

Day 3
On Day 3 we rodefrom Harriman, TN to Concord, North Carolina. The mountains were gorgeous. We had to drivet through South Carolina as well to get there. I think this was the most beautiful of the places that we drove through. For all of you racing fans, you know that this is the Mecca of Nascar. We arrived there around 1pm and decided.. heck we're already here, let's see the race track and tour Hendrick Motor Sports. At the Race Track we took a tour there. They take you around in this van and describe the seats, the track, the pit, the winners circle... etc.... That was cool. Did you know the seats are multi-colored at that track because it makes it look like there are people sitting in the stands? They have filmed movies like Days of Thunder and Ricky Bobby there and I guess it really makes a difference! The tour lady drove us around the track 2 times at about 75 miles/hr. That was awesome. She then stopped on a turn at a bank of 45 degrees. She literally sat there and stopped and it felt as if the van were to fall over, but it doesn't. She said that if we were in a van bigger than the one we were in, it would have fallen over. I'll post pics on facebook. Posting pics here is a pain sometimes. We also got to stand in the winner circle and take pics. After we left the race track we went to Hendrick Motor Sports. That place was huge. I loved Junior's building. You could see all the cars getting built and of course a ton of memorabilia. After the tours, we were wiped so we went out for dinner at Texas Roadhouse, then went to bed, for it would be an early ride again, to chase the rain the next morning.

Day 4
We had to leave super early this morning. We found out about a cool website called www.intellicast.com. This website breaks down the weather for you into hours, and we used it and for the most part it was pretty accurate. So we found out that the rain that the midwest was having was finally creeping East, and we we would have to drive before it hit us. So we checked out the map and chose to driven to Marriman, OH. We had to travel through VA, WV to get there. What we didn't know was that ALL OF WV IS MOUNTAINS :) . It was beautiful, but a little stressful on the motorcycle. We had one man who got on the ramp and didn't even look to see if there were cars,and well, he almost hit us. That was 1 of 2 scary incidents we had, but it just makes you more on your toes. Thank goodness the guy heard me scream and Ryan swear (it's nerve racking) and of course apologized, but it was definitely a scary moment at 70 mph on a mountain road!! We arrived in Marriman and we didn't do a whole lot. We had to do laundry because we only had about 2 changes of clothes with us (you can only pack so much!). Then we went to dinner. After the stressful day, we went back to the hotel and just watched TV.

Day 5
We again had to get up and chase ahead of the rain. Our destination was Sandusky, OH this time. So about 187 miles. This was probably the shortest ride we took all week. That ride actually went super smooth except fot the fog. It was super foggy in the valleys, so we just had to be on our toes and watch for deer. We arrived in Cedar Point only to find that it would rain. We were looking forward to going to the amusement park. Check out www.cedarpoint.com. We went back and forth a few times to try to decide if we should go to the park today or tomorrow. So, we decided we would wait because the weather was SUPPOSSED to be nice the next day. We discovered that it was Ohio Bike Week, so we went and visited some of the things that were going out with that, but weren't very inspired by any of the events going on, especially in the rain. So, we had a relaxing day and hoped for the better.

Day 6
We stayed in Sandusky, OH again for the day, but this time we went to Cedar Point. We were disappointed in the weather at first. We had to stand in line in the rain, but as the day went on it ended up to be beautiful, not sunny, but the temperature was perfect. Here, we went on 2 of the best roller coasters ever. One was called the Millenium and the other was the Dragster. They are fun, fast, and thrilling. They both had 300-400 foot drops and all you had on you was a seat belt and lap belt. I posted pics of those on Facebook already. I wish the boys were more into roller coasters because I would take them back there in a second, but they're not quite ready for something that intense. They are beginning to enjoy them a little more, but I think Cedar Point for the boys will have to wait until they are a little older. A lot of the rides are similar to the Six Flags Theme Parks, but there are a few that are different and a lot of fun.. So if you have kids that like that sort of thing.. TAKE THEM THERE:) After our day at Cedar Point, we grabbed a bite to eat and decided that the next morning we would leave for home.

Day 7
We arrived at home at about 12:30 pm. We went to pick up the dogs, and then to see the boys for a few minutes. Benjamin was with my brother. I asked him if he wanted to come home, but apparently he wasn't done with his vaccation yet and was enjoying the time with my brother and was looking forward to spending the night with my mom that night, so I gave him a big hug and let him go. I could tell he missed me, but didn't want to miss out on his visit with Nana. He is now at his Dad's house until later tonight! Caden was at Ryan's mom's so we stopped there and saw him. His mom was picking him up and he wanted to spend more time with Grandma so he stayed there until his mom came and got him. He too will be home tonight!


So, 1937 miles, traveling through and to 9 states, and seeing 1 (MI), we had an awesome time and are going to plan another trip for next year!! Our vacation has been awesome, but I miss the boys a ton. Today we are headed to a Milwaukee Brewers game and get to sit on the Harley Deck there. Then, we'll go home to meet and greet to meet the boys and hear about their vacations with Grandmas, Aunts, Uncles, and friends!!! I hope everyone else had an awesome week :)

Sunday, June 7, 2009

The Unkown Destinations

So, Ryan and I began our motorcycle trip yesterday. I wanted to post from my phone, but apparently, they won't let me :) ...

So
Day 1: We left Woodstock, IL at approximately 6am. This was to beat the rain that was coming and thank goodness.. WE BEAT THE RAIN!! :) We drove through Illinois, Indiana and into Louisville, KY. We arrived at about 3pm. The ride was honestly quite boring, but we totaled 405 miles for the day. THAT IS A LOT.. and we are not planning on doing that again. We at dinner at a local restaurant and went to bed.

Day 2: Today's ride was beautiful. We left around 7am and headed toward Cave City, KY. We forgot that the time changes when you drive back and forth in KY, so we could have slept a little later.. BUT OH WELL! :) .. We arrived in Cave City at about 8:15am. We drove through Mammoth Cave National Park and found the tourist center. It was beautiful..and also smelled really great too!! We then took the historic 2mile, 2 hour tour of the caves. It was absolutely amazing!! We literally had to duck walk through some parts of it because it was so small in some parts! I can't wait to take the boys there! Ryan and I are planning to do that next summer. I would do it later this summer but the boys are already taking a trip to Florida with my mom (THANKS MOM) and they are super excited about that!! A trip with NANA.. no parents :)!! We were also quite amazed that a blind man chose to take the tour through the caves as well! I thought that was pretty cool to watch. He did really well!! It's too bad he couldn't see some of the awesome sights that were there!! I will post pics on my facebook and here when I get home!! Did you know that the Mammoth Caves sometimes flood?? Well, now you do :)
We got back on the motorcycle after the 2 mile hike and rode about 200 miles here, to Harriman, TN. We are on our way to Charlotte, NC tomorrow to take a tour of Lowe's Motor Speedway and Hendrick Motorsports!

Well, that's it for now!! If I don't check in tomorrow I will try to do it every few days!!!

The boys are with Ryan's mom currently. They were in the pool out in Woodstock where it was 71 degrees!! Oh To be a kid again!!! :) Oh.. by the way.. it's 90 degrees and sunny here :)

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Cheking In

Hi Y'all!!

I hope all is going well for everyone. I haven't had much to say at all lately. I'll just give some quick updates.

Benjamin - He is doing great!! He is excited that his fourth grade year is almost over.. and I'm in tears because my little guy is growing up :(. He had a love/hate relationship with his teacher. She was very structured which was very good for Benjamin but had extremely HIGH expectations.. .which again, not a horrible thing.. but it was a lot of stress on Benjamin throughout the year. He is much more relaxed lately as his teacher has all of a sudden stopped assigning homework EVERY DAY... Yay!! :) He is now a Yellow Belt in karate!! He is soooo proud of himself and loves breaking the boards. I guess he does more Tae Kwan Do than it is Karate. He is also taking Abbi (Our puppy) to dog training classes through 4-H and he enjoys doing that as well. Abbi is a bit on the stubborn side, but she is definitely learning some good things!! Now....only if she would stop going potty in her cage at night.. :) .. ANYBODY HAVE ANY SUGGESSTIONS??!


Caden - Caden is also very excited that 3rd Grade is over. As much as he loved his teacher, he benefits from a more structured one, so parts of the year were tough. Unfortunately, his class tends to be a handful and I believe Caden is a "good" kid so attention given to him is few and far between because the teacher's attention is constantly on the kids who can't sit still!! :) He is very into art (drawing and writing). He hasn't done any sports this year, but he has taken some art classes. He will take the art camp in the summer as well as attend the Playground Program that the Park District Offers. He has grown so much.. and in case I don't get on here again before Saturday (that's his birthday)......HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY CADEN!!

Ryan - Ryan is doing well. He is working hard!! He is loving the motorcycle and I love riding it with him!! Our bicycles have actually sat around this year. Can you believe Ryan hasn't ridden any sort of bicycle this year yet???? Only the MOTORcycle :)

Me - I am doing well. I LOVE MY JOB now. I love working with the younger kids!! We laugh and have fun all day.. THEY LOVE TO LEARN... which is my favorite part of being with the young kids. Benjamin and Caden say they like me better when I teach the little kids!! LOL!! I am currently just trying to stay with my work out program because it is a huge stress relief. I actually can't wait to get out on my bicycle when my hours are cut back for summer and I have time to ride after school!! Ryan and I are hopefully taking a motorcycle trip starting next weekend!! IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE WEATHER.. so cross your fingers for good weather!! Thank you!!!


I hope everyone else is doing well!! Sorry it's taken me 5 weeks to check in!!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Nothing like a Baby's Giggle

My brother called me last night and asked if I could help watch Lucas today... well.. hmmm..I was going to clean my house.. Let me think about it for a minute .... ummmmmm.. yeah... duhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... Of course I picked Lucas!! :) He is such an awesome baby. He barely cries and I got to hear him giggle today!! There is just nothing like a baby's laugh or giggle to make your day.....

It also made me miss the boys. They are at their "other halves" for another hour anyway... I needed this much needed adult weekend.. We get spoiled with these because of our situation...and when I don't get them for a long time.. it's nice to have one to myself.. but I do miss my kids dearly when they are gone.. Everyone asks me how I do it.. and sadly to say, you don't get used to your kids having to go.. you never stop missing them.. NOT FOR ONE MINUTE!!

I'm a big believer in making time for yourself too.. It's important for your emotional health as well as your kids.. so I don't mind getting "breaks" from them. (I am still a parent 24/7.. if they need me I would be there in a flash).but I am always afraid that I'm going to miss something really cool that they get to do or be a part of!!

The best advice my mom ever gave me was to make sure I don't forget about myself of my relationship with my husband because your kids get up and leave your house someday(not that you ever forget them or not take care of them.. but they move on).. but your relationship and yourself stay forever.. so take sometime for yourself.. and yes, you will feel guilty, but it's important stay healthy (both physically and mentally)!!!

.. Love your kids as much as you can.. but don't forget about yourself and the dreams you have too... sometimes your dreams involve your kids.. and sometimes they don't... but be careful.. because your kids grow up sooooo fast!!!! Benjamin is 10... and there is so much more I want to do for him.......

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Checking In

So, My brother emailed me today and asked what happened to my blog. I replied.. I just haven't had much to say.. and really that's the truth. I have not had much to say. Nothing great to report. Of course I could report on B and C.. but really.. nothing is new with them either!!! :)

We are just living our daily lives, same old schedule, same old schools, same old job, etc.

I, as you know, have always loved my job, but I am much happier now that I am teaching 2 & 3rd graders. They are much more my style and happening!! They love earning prizes and going on field trips..and believe it or not ... THEY APPRECIATE YOU (or I should say my current students do)....So, I am very happy with my job and I'm glad to know that I still have a job because I know many people out there are struggling. I consider myself pretty darn lucky!

Lucas is doing really well!! He's two months old already!! He is the most precious thing ever ... of course!! I just love holding him and I got to see him smile too!! He really looks like his mom but he makes the facial expressions of my brother!! I love seeing my brother with Lucas too! He is an OUTSTANDING father!!

Benjamin is still doing karate and loving it. He is a little bored with the class he is currently in because it is his 3rd time in this class. The first time he took karate he didn't want to test for the first belt, so he's behind one class. He is a little upset with himself for that (secretly I am happy because he saved me $$.. when he moves up to the next class it costs another $100 because he goes twice a week!!)....

Caden is doing good. He took another art class, and is currently just waiting for another art class to roll around. He loves doing that kind of stuff! Other than that Caden loves helping out around the house and playing board games lately!!

Ryan is working on getting the Harley all ready for well.. Summer. We have gotten out on it a few times... .which is awesome!!! I love our Harley :)!!

Well.. I hope everyone else is doing well. I will try to get better at updating...but I guess this is it for now!!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

horrible

I have become very horrible at updating my blog. there is really no reason other than I don't have much to say lately.. I have no fun things to say.. no great important news except my nephew and I have had very little time to visit with him but I will get there this week sometime again.. even if I only have 15 minutes to hold him because I have to get to the next place.. I WILL DO IT!! ;)...

I'm very thankful to my mom and dad for helping me... and well.. R is going out of town again.... (at least we know he has a job)... He just got put in charge of a big account..so we know, for now, that he is safe in his job......

Friday, January 23, 2009

Lucas Matthew


Welcome Lucas Matthew!! He was born on 1/23/09 @ 12:18pm. He was 7lbs 13oz and 20 inches long!! It was a long wait SO we are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO glad he's here and healthy!! He looks a lot like his mom in this picture!!


It's so awesome to see my brother a dad and be so happy about it. He is so careful and so kind!! I love you Matt, Andrea, and Lucas!!