I'll go south and you go souther...

Roger had a work trip to Brazil and so the kids and I flew down to Orlando to see my folks. We had a great time and it is always so interesting to see how your parents have changed. They fed the kids lots of sugar. ;o) Roger's trip went well and he brought Aiden back a soccer ball and Olivia and I their famous flip flops. The kids loved being with Mimi and Papaw. Since we have been back Olivia has been asking for them....especially if she isn't getting her way. We had a wonderful time, but it was great to get back to home and Roger.

ALOHA!

Roger had a "work" trip to Hawaii, so I felt that I must help him. My mother-in-law, Harriett, was gracious enough to keep our kids so we had a nice 2nd honeymoon. We loved it. It was absolutely beautiful. Highlights of the trip were: snorkeling, swimming with sharks, visiting the set of the TV show LOST(see photo gallery), the beaches of Waikiki and Waimeia Bay. It was so relaxing. The water is so blue. Swimming with sharks was incredible. I didn't want to do it, but I LOVED it. They take you 3 miles out, "bait/chum" for the sharks, put you in the shark cage and then with your snorkel and mask you view the inhabitants. We saw 2 tiger sharks, one of which was over 10 feet, and about 15 galapagos sharks that ranged in size from 6 to 10 feet. Talk about a rush. They swam close enough to touch. We were warned not to and I didn' mind complying since I am fond of my limbs and digits. We were sad to leave the island life, but were happy to see Aiden and Olivia.

Dinner is served

I am so excited. We purchased a new dining room set. I had looked for months and then found this one in a store that I should have gone to first because it is right in town. I love it. It has a lighted china and expands with 2 leaves to seat 12. I can't wait to serve up dinner.

Go West

Roger had 2 back to back business trips so the kids and I decided to head for Kansas to see Rachel and my 2 nieces. Now mind you this is driving from Tennessee to Kansas. We headed out on Tuesday, May 15th at around 2:30. By 3:30 we were already stopping for potty, diaper change and a drink for Mommy. I am so thankful that Target has put in a family restroom. It is very convenient when there are 3 of you. Back on the road about 4:15, and then onward and northward. Our next stop was Metropolis, Illinois. I knew they had a McDonalds with a large play area. Also, it was pouring rain so I hoped it would ease. This would be our last official stop before bunking for the evening. I have to say, driving with the kids is fine, but the stops are the only tricky part for me. We drove through St. Louis and got a great close up view of the arch, but I was the only one awake to appreciate it. With Roger's help (aren't cell phones great?) we got a room and stayed about 30 minutes out of St. Louis. To say it was a ratty hotel was putting it nicely. Olivia's PJs got dirty from the floor and the bed was like a hammock. But the kids didn't care. We were up bright and early and I got out of there quickly. I hate yucky hotel rooms, I am bit nuts about them. Then on to Kansas. We took our time, saw Truman's house, tried to see Col. Custer's barracks and finally made it to Rachel's house about 5pm.

Settling In

Roger and I are really enjoying our new home and hometown. The best change has been the traffic and the thing we miss the most .... other than our wonderful friends ... would be Target. I could go for a red bull's eye fix. We are still church hunting, but have narrowed it to three great ones. We regularly attend all three in rotation. The biggest transition is Roger now travels, as you will see in the postings. But we are thankful for the opportunity to be closer to family and enjoying settling in.