For the peanut gallery

The boys FINALLY got a hair cut...a MAJOR hair cut! They could have had some pretty sweet mullets but they didn't think it was as funny as I did. Tyler and Lucas were happy to see it go, but Joey wants his long hair back.

Can you hear it?

The silence....it's almost deafening! The boys and I walked to school today, I signed them in, we found their coat hooks and that was it, they were off. All these other moms had their kids hanging out with them as they looked around the room but I couldn't find even one of them to give me a hug and they barely had time to say good-bye. Each time we've gone to school this week they kept asking when I would leave them there. Well, boys, today was your day. (And yes, Mother, I realize they do need haircuts) :)So you're probably wondering what I'm doing with my whole 3 hours alone. Actually, I made dinner and then went running. I still can't believe that's what I decided to do but I did. I think after my brother called me to tell me someone from his office was going to call and harass me every 20 minutes I thought I wouldn't stay around to find out if he was kidding. Thanks, Dave! Now, I better go bake some cookies so they all know how much I missed them today...

2 down, 3 to go

The girls had a great 1st day back to school, getting to know their new teachers and classes and being with their friends again! Here's to tomorrow.... :)

Big kids need birthday parties, too

Janelle is turning 30 (so she's finally in the same decade as most of us at least!) :) and is one of the worlds greatest and most faithful Mariner fans. All she wanted was to go to a game with some of her friends.

A couple of little ones snuck along. We never heard a peep out of them. We had a GREAT time hanging out, chatting, eating, and I do think some of us watched the game (they did lose but that wasn't what mattered) a little bit. Happy Birthday, Janelle! And thanks guys for a great night.

One Hundred and Fourty Six

That's how many hours I have until I will be home ALONE!

Not that I'm counting down or anything, I just thought you'd all like to know that's when PRESCHOOL STARTS!

Back in the swing of things

We're slowly getting back to "normal" life at home. The neighborhood is definitely a little louder again. One evening, after witnessing some disastrous behavior from our kids, one of our neighbors labeled our kids as "vacation brats." I would have to say I agreed with her! It's been HOT the last few days. Kinda like Michigan hot but definitely not Arkansas HOT! :) So yesterday we headed to the bay for a little cooling off. It was a great night with a threat of thunderstorms looming in the distance but it never came and we enjoyed a great night collecting rocks, playing football, playing with one of our very favorite babies and roasting marshmallows.

Home Sweet Home!

38 days ago we started this great summer adventure together and tonight we've come full circle (all 7,000+ miles)!!! A few days ago after leaving Rehoboth we visited the Grand Canyon. It's an amazing site to behold to say the least! The boys loved the condors and weren't as impressed with "the big hole".

We then headed into Utah to Bryce Canyon. What an awesome spot. This was our favorite National Park this trip. We hiked into the canyon one day and it was amazing to see the size of the Hoodoo's from down below...WOW!
The last 2 days brought LOTS and LOTS of driving but we made it home this afternoon. We did a group shot in the back of the Suburban today but I'm noticing that Alexa is missing...so sorry, Alexa, not sure where you were hiding out. Alexa, Adrianna and Emmalee thanks for the sign that we were warmly greeted home by! Everyone loved it. We've missed you all and can't wait to see everyone soon. And the picture of Mia with the bead....that's the last bead of the trip. We kept track of hours driving in the car. It was the last one of 119!!! Oh, yeah...we're glad to be home.Thanks for stickin' with us this summer. It's been so much fun. We've made many memories along the way and saw so many amazing sites and had a great time hanging out with so much family and friends. And to our dear Flat Friends....thanks for joining us on this journey. You traveled well and we were honored to have you along!

Rehoboth, New Mexico

After a couple of good days of driving we arrived in Gallup, New Mexico yesterday afternoon...more specifically, Rehoboth. There we found our dear friends, Ron and Colleen. We've been enjoying just relaxing and seeing some of the major changes going on here. One of the major changes since I was last here was the addition of a beautiful new sports complex including a turf soccer field (where we found Flat Jude hanging out). We also took Flat Libby and Flat Emma over to the Rehoboth sign at the entrance. They had been here before with us a few years ago. The kids have loved just hanging out of the playground and trying to spot lizards wherever we go. There's just something about this place that makes you slow down. Amy, you should have been along for the ride. I don't think you'd recognize half of it!

On the road home

We spent a few days in Nashville this week and had a great time with Aunt Chris, Uncle Joe and crew. We arrived to our campground Tuesday evening with Grandma and Grandpa so we had to wait until Wednesday to head over to their house. It was very loud as we set up and the boys were busy looking for the source. It was the sound of more cicada's than I'd ever heard at one time, it was pretty unbelievable (Holly decided that Sam wanted to taste one). We headed to Chris' house in the morning and once we were there the kids had a ball exploring all the new things. Especially the tree house and the pool (Mia found it cool that she and Ellie had the same colored tube to float around in). They really couldn't get enough of it so we spent a fair amount of time in it. Eric came in Wednesday night so we left their house for the airport and picked him up, all went well and we were so thankful because we drove to the campground in a major thunder and lightning storm. Thursday morning started out with a trip to the Opryland Hotel (this is where Lauri and Emily decided they had enough camping and spent a night at the hotel being pampered, and also where Libby found a horse to hang out with, also Lucas wanted to pose with Dylan in the car just because!). Then it was back to Chris' house for more time playing with the cousins. By the way, Dave, tell Butch that Matilda says "hi"! :) In the morning we had to pack up and say good by to everyone, including Grandpa and Grandma. Thanks, everyone, for a great time! We had so much fun spending so much time with all of you!!!

Now we're off on the last leg of our journey. We're sorry we couldn't meet up with the Rozeboom gang in Arkansas. We enjoyed our short stay in your wonderful state although the temps were a little hot and humid for us! We're hanging in Texas tonight with our sites set on New Mexico tomorrow. Thanks for continuing to check in on us this summer. It's been a great journey, a long one, but a great one so far!!