Just Remembering...

Today I have been thinking a bit about my Dad since it is the 2nd anniversary of his passing through the mortal veil.  I know that he is happy, healthy and busy which is just that way he liked it.  Angels are busy and I'm sure he is one of the busiest.  Thanks to my Dad for his legacy of faithfulness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Then Came The Rain...

Friday was downright cold, low 40's and rainy and Thomas had no pre-school.  Thomas and I quietly hung out at home, reading and doing laundry and computer work.  He was very happy when we picked up Jessica and Cameron.  Even though it was cold, we stopped by a different park on our way to the store and the kids played off some of their pent up energy.  Once we got back home,  we read some more and baked oatmeal raisin chocolate chip cookies  That warmed and cheered us all up.We made enough cookies to share a plate with Jessica's activity day leader who's father just passed away.

Fortunately Saturday's weather was much improved because we had planned a trip to the local zoo.  It was Farm Day so in addition to seeing all of the animals, playing on the playground for over an hour and eating our super lunch, the kids got free chocolate milk and ice cream cups.  They loved that!

By the time we got back from the zoo, the weather was really nice so the kids played in the yard until the sun went down.  We finished the day with a trip to Little Caesar's.  I think we got a lot of play into one day.  Someone is tired tonight.  I'm not the only one either.

The Bulldog Experience

 Yesterday afternoon, we took Jessica and Cameron out of school for an adventure to the Mack Truck Museum.  The trucks are built in Pennsylvania but they no longer have plant tours. However their museum is very interesting and the kids got to climb up in some of the real trucks.  I believe their favorite was the military truck that was like a tank on the top. The vintage trucks were beautifully restored.  Steve LOVED the outing and I think the kids enjoyed it too.  They all have their bulldog posters on the walls of the bedrooms.  The bulldog is the hood ornament and mascot for the Mack Trucks. 

 This is the shop where they actually customize the trucks after they are built.  I believe that there were 10 or 12 trucks being customized when we were there.  Our tour guide offered to take a photo of all of us so I took him up on it.

 Since the museum was totally FREE--Yes I said FREE--we stopped off at Mickey D's playland on the way home.  That way the  kids could run off some energy out of the rain and get a little ice cream treat too.  Our total afternoon cost around $5.  That's a great value!

 I forgot to mention that handy Steve replaced the entire burner on the damaged stove on Tuesday.  It is better than new now.  Their landlord should thank me for messing it up on Sunday.

 Today I took Steve to the local airport to fly to S. Carolina for Zander's baby blessing on Sunday. Thomas and I were really missing him today.  Tonight Thomas helped me make homemade macaroni and cheese which he doesn't like but the other kids do.  He does love to help cook.  He did a fine job as chef until he got a little heavy handed with the pepper on top.

 Nevertheless, Jessica had about 4 helpings and convinced Chef Thomas to try his own masterpiece.  Vwalla!  He liked it.  He had several helpings after I was able to pick out sections with NO PEPPER.

 Cameron likes it too which is good since we will be having it again tomorrow night. This new recipe from one of Tricia's books makes a big batch.

Our Babysitting Advenure Begins

 The Monday after General Conference Steve took Tricia and McKay to the airport to begin their trip to Hawaii.  Tif and I stayed behind so we could pick up Thomas from pre-school.  After running a few errands in the morning, Abigail was happy to play with Thomas in the afternoon.  The weather was superb so most of the afternoon was spent OUTSIDE!  Yahoo!

 When Cameron and Jessica got home from school we took them to a huge, new playground.  It was awesome but took all of our concentration and efforts just to keep track of the kids.  Tiffany watched the Jessica and Abigail since they wanted to be together every minute.  Steve took Thomas and I took Cameron, then we switched.  It was all we could do to keep them in our sight for the next hour or so. 

 The kids really got along well together and enjoyed playing, reading and showing off their piano playing skills.  Abigail said that she and Jessica are like sisters.  Indeed they are--except that they didn't fight.  Of course, since neither of them have a sister, they don't know that sisters sometimes disagree so that is great!

 Tuesday, Steve drove Tiffany and Abigail to a different airport for their trip back to Texas.  We sure loved having a visit with them and we were sad to see them go.  I think they took the good weather back with them.  It cooled right down yesterday afternoon.

General Conference

 I love General Conference!  I loved hearing the counsel of our prophet, Pres. Thomas S. Monson on being obedient.  I loved their words of wisdom as we were counseled to be not afraid as we strive to follow our Savior and Redeemer.  Their words prompt contemplation and self-evaluation. They encourage us to have hope and to remember our divine potential.

 It was delightful being surrounded by children and grandchildren as we shared this special day.

 Since we are on the east coast and the meetings didn't begin until noon, I planned a nice breakfast of homemade buttermilk pancakes with buttermilk syrup.  Tricia and McKay were happy to have me cooking.  That is until I burned up the warming tray on their griddle and ruined one of the burners on the stove.  They were gracious and said "No problem."  We aired out the house of the burning smell and proceeded to have our homemade pancake breakfast.  I felt so badly.  Good thing the food was yummy!  I decided not to let this incident ruin my day.  But it didn't start out the best.  Fortunately the weather was mild, so it wasn't too bad having all the windows open for awhile.