Lynn Bunch

Birthday Cake

2012-02-14T21:23:00.003-06:00

I decided to make my own birthday cake this year. It is a big hockey puck with the Saint Louis Blues logo on it. -Eric

Michigan trip

2011-07-26T18:42:00.000-05:00

Riley working on lowering the jack for the camper.

Brody threw a fit the first time we visited the beach. This is his second time at the beach and he decided he liked it.

All of us in front of the lighthouse at South Haven, MI. Some nice fisherman offered to take a picture for us.

A "pirate" boat we saw heading out into the lake.

Riley, Brody & Eric with a sheep at St Joseph, MI. They have a public art display every year. This year it was Barnyard at the Beach. Brody really loved all the animals painted & decorated on the sidewalks.

Riley, Audrey & Brody at the lighthouse in St Joseph, MI.

Eric's "blue moon" ice cream in a waffle cone from Kilwin's of St Joseph. I had the turtle cheesecake ice cream. Both were okay, but we'd try a different flavor next time..... if there is a next time. The ice cream was a tad expensive!

Chocolate truffles that I bought from The Chocolate Garden. I had another two-pack that Eric and I shared while camping. It was the Lago Rosso truffles. So far we've only tried the white chocolate. Honestly, it isn't too spectacular. For more pictures of our trip, visit my facebook page.

St Louis trip

2011-05-30T08:43:00.001-05:00

Riley & Brody at the St Louis Zoo

Brody & Eric checking out the baby elephant.

Brody & Riley in front of the zebras.

Riley, Brody & Eric going for a train ride at the zoo.

Brody, Riley & Eric going through the maze at the botanical gardens.

Brody, Riley & Brandon at the botanical gardens.

Riley climbing in the tree at the wedding reception.

Brody's blanket

2011-04-11T19:54:00.000-05:00

Brody with the rag quilt that I made him.

The front is a pattern with turtles, bees, frogs, etc.

The back is a dragonfly pattern.

Easter flowers

2011-03-23T20:36:00.000-05:00

Every year I get the pleasure of seeing this on my way to work. Someone took the time to plant their Easter flowers this way. The Smiley face is before the H, but I couldn't stand back far enough to fit it all in the picture.

Riley's 7th Birthday

2011-02-27T16:10:00.001-06:00

Riley celebrated his 7th birthday today. He had to have an Oreo blizzard ice cream cake. We had friends & family over to help him celebrate. He got several nice gifts!

Riley and his friend Conner playing a racing game on the Wii. These boys sure have lots of fun together!!

Happy 99th Birthday!!

2011-02-26T18:06:00.000-06:00

Today was Arthur's 99th Birthday. We went and had lunch with him. Charlotte fixed him a chocolate pie.

The whole gang minus Mary Lou (photographer) and Eric. He was sick.

Lynn Family Reunion

2010-08-28T17:33:00.000-05:00

Riley, Brody & Savannah

Brody sitting in the tree.

Riley

Nolen, Riley & Brody

All the kids seemed to want to play in the back of Eric's truck.

1st grade & 1st plane ride

2010-08-24T20:09:00.000-05:00

Riley waiting for the school bus to pick him up for his first day of 1st grade.

Brody & Riley taking a plane ride. This was Brody's first time up in the plane.

Brody looking out the window.

Riley & Brody with Grandpa after the flight. Looks like everyone had a good time!!

Camping

2010-08-08T14:52:00.002-05:00

The boys wanted to go camping for vacation this year. So we loaded up and went camping at Harmonie. Where else would we go camping?!?!

We went to the Labyrinth one morning. There were guys trimming the shrubs towards the end of the trail. We ended up taking a short-cut through the gates to the center building. Here are the boys inside of the building at the Labyrinth.

Then, we took them to the park in town. I think they both had a blast. Here is my monkey playing on the monkey bars.

I think Brody really liked this slide. Check out that smile!

Back at the campgrounds, Brody liked to hang out at these trees with his tricycle.

Riley had a blast riding his bike. I'm not sure how many miles he rode in just a few days.

I learned how to cook over an open fire. Anyone want to guess what I was cooking here?

I had to fix a few of these s'mores while camping. They sure were yummy!

Summer Fun

2010-07-24T16:48:00.000-05:00

Riley enjoying the water slide.

Brody NOT enjoying the water slide. He wasn't big enough to climb the ladder. Mom & Dad had to put him on. This was his first trip down. Dad tricked him into going a second time.

Notice Brody standing off to the side?!

He did NOT want to go back on the slide. He stood far away from it and started whining when someone took him even remotely close to the slide.

All-American Picnic

2010-07-17T18:02:00.000-05:00

Well, we made it back from Cincinnati in time for the guys to go kayaking on East Fork at the All-American Picnic.

Randy and Eric before the games.

Brandon before the games.

Randy and Eric goofing off for the camera.

On your mark. Get set. Go!!!!!!

The winners by a long shot were Randy and Eric.

10 year wedding anniversary

2010-07-17T17:55:00.000-05:00

Since we've been married 10 years, Eric decided we ought to take a trip by ourselves for a few days. We went out to Cincinnati. We went to several stores and ate way too much food. Our first night there, we decided to hit this putt putt place. It was quite interesting. You worked your way up and then down the mountain. As you will see, it was complete with a water obstacle.

Here I am attempting to putt my ball down the narrow green. Unfortunately, my ball went in to the water.

See my purple ball in the water?!

Thankfully, it kept floating down and towards the hole. Nope, didn't get a hole in one. :(

The next day, Eric decided we should check out Newport Aquarium. Here he is with an ugly looking fish. Don't ask me what it is!

Jellyfish

Shark

Brody's Birthday

2010-07-11T19:48:00.000-05:00

The birthday cake.

The birthday boy with his cake. He made Mommy blow out the candles for him. I think he had a good time playing with his cousins & friends.

Cory's Recital

2010-05-01T22:55:00.001-05:00

Here is a YouTube link from Cory's piano recital today. He played by memory as his teacher knows Cory would rather play like that then read. He had a few hiccups, but I think he did great. Of course I am partial to him. Ya'll enjoy....

Chad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ptdp0ewOSQg

Happy 6th Birthday Riley

2010-02-28T20:03:00.002-06:00

Riley's 1st birthday. I made him a frog cake. Thought this was a good picture of him tho.

2nd Birthday. Grandma made him a John Deere cake. Unfortunately, this was the best picture I could find. Anyone else have a good one of this year?

3rd Birthday.... Tractor tipping, anyone?

4th Birthday. Grandma made this Mickey Mouse cake.

5th Birthday. My friend Sarah made this Superman cake.

6th Birthday. Riley helped me decorate this train cake. He told me it was the best train cake.

Fly-in Breakfast trip

2010-02-14T15:11:00.002-06:00

Grandpa attempting to take a picture of himself & Riley.

Flying above the clouds.

Pilot Riley. He sure was excited to get to sit in the front seat of the airplane. Even more so that he got a chance to fly the plane.

New Shirt

2010-01-01T18:22:00.003-06:00

I saw this shirt at Kohl's while Christmas shopping and just had to get it. On the front, it looks like he's got his binoculars all ready to go. On the back, it looks like he's wearing a backpack.

Christmas

2009-12-26T17:05:00.002-06:00

Riley helping Brody with the new airplane he got. Airplanes were the theme this year for Christmas at Grandma & Grandpa Lynn's house.
Riley showing Aunt Jennifer his new train track.

Brody opening his gifts at Great-Grandpa & Grandma's house with some assistance from Mom.
Of course, Christmas isn't complete without the story of Jesus' birth. Brody got to play baby Jesus again this year. Riley didn't want to be a shepherd this year. Sarah & Nathan were Mary & Joseph. Kyle, Blake & Katie were the Shepherds.

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-24T08:53:00.001-06:00

Hope everyone has a very Merry CHRISTmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Black Friday

2009-11-27T18:29:00.003-06:00

You thought Black Friday was for shopping, right? Well not when you have a little boy and his Grandpa that are itching to fly.

Riley has been ready to go flying for a while now. He just loves to take plane rides. Grandpa decided the weather was just right today.

Hmmmm, was it a bad take off? Or was it a bumpy ride? No, I think it was just Eric goofing off with the camera.

Just before sunset

Eric and Ray so serious in this picture.

Geocaching Flash Mob

2009-11-14T21:37:00.002-06:00

Headed to Evansville today to do a little geocaching plus a flash mob event. This was a bring your own umbrella type of thing. The more zany, the better. So guess which umbrella Eric chose.

Yep, that's right. He's got the umbrella for our patio table. Several people snickered.... alright, they laughed quite loudly. He didn't win the "best umbrella" prize tho. :(

Eric & I with our umbrella. Mine was a borrowed Hannah Montana umbrella from a co-worker. I was going to make Eric use it, but I didn't want to lug around that huge patio umbrella.

Group photo of all the geocachers at the riverfront for our flash mob event. Gee, who is that with the huge umbrella in the back?!

Fall

2009-10-24T21:42:00.002-05:00

Family picture taken at Red Hill State Park. We weren't the only ones with this idea today. There were 2 professional photographers taking pictures of families there as well.

Brody & Riley. This was the best picture I could get of them. Brody kept trying to come towards me.

Isn't Brody cute?!

Riley wanted to stop and see Alexis' new glasses today. Nolen & Brody

Cache Slash Fest 2009

2009-10-17T20:41:00.003-05:00

This ultralight dropped off our coordinates. Probably too cold to be up there today, but they did it anyways.
Here is what was dropped. It was a big tootsie roll wrapped with the coordinates. Then it was wrapped in aluminum foil & held together with rubber bands.This is one of the geocaches. Eric thought it was pretty interesting.
Sarah moved before I got a picture of her on the railing. Eric & Sarah were looking for a geocache at this bridge.
Sarah & I eating our supper. She had to have hot chocolate. I wouldn't let her have coffee. Might turn her feet black :) We had a really good time. Too bad it was cold outside!! This was the last time for this event. The hosts sure do an awesome job tho!!

New Trick

2009-09-19T10:09:00.003-05:00

I got to the sitters Wednesday to pick up the boys and she told Riley to tell me what he'd done. Of course, I asked her what he was in trouble for now. She then told me he rode the bicycle without training wheels. He was so proud of himself. I was too! This morning I finally took the training wheels off his bicycle. Here he is showing off his bike riding skills. Now to work on how to use the brakes. :)

Wynoose chowder

2009-09-12T19:47:00.002-05:00

Eric is stirring the chowder.

The Air-Evac helicopter was there for a while. One of the medics is waving goodbye (if you look closely)

Eric & Ashley serving ice cream. I believe we've got her trained now :)

Mom (Debbie), Brody, Grandpa Kenny & Grandma June

Gray Chowder

2009-09-06T21:07:00.002-05:00

Cooking the chowder

Riley balancing on the teeter totter
Brody swinging on the helicopter
Riley on the tractor.

Moonshine '09

2009-09-05T15:29:00.002-05:00

We had to make a stop at the Mug Tree to get a picture. Plus Randy & Kevin hadn't found this geocache yet.

Here is everyone at Moonshine. We had a good time. Not sure everyone knew what to expect but me & Eric. There was quite the crowd. We didn't break the record, but the final count was 1049 burgers.
Brandon & Riley in front of Sitty Hall. :)

Mmmmmm bacon cheeseburgers!!!!

Here we are finishing up our moonburgers.

First Day of School

2009-08-18T17:45:00.002-05:00

Today was Riley's first day of Kindergarten. He says he had a good time and is ready to go back tomorrow.

Corn on the cob

2009-08-08T20:50:00.002-05:00

We had corn on the cob for lunch today. Brody had already eaten all of his ravioli but was still hungry. I didn't think he'd like my hamburger. So I held my corn up for him to try.

And he sure did like it!!! Thanks Grandma for the corn!!! It was good.

Camping

2009-07-22T15:29:00.002-05:00

Here we are geocaching on Old Plank Road in Southern Indiana. We introduced Katie & Sarah to this sport. Sarah really loved it. She was always ready for more geocaching after this.

Nice rattlesnake trap. It was above a geocache we stopped at. Doesn't that just sound encouraging? It just happened that my grandparents were camping at the same time with 3 of their grandkids. Had to take a group photo. Left to right: Blake, Riley, Grandma June, Katie, Grandpa Kenny, Brody & Sarah.

Family picture while camping. We got to try out Ray & Charlotte's new camper. Thanks for letting us borrow it!!!
If you want to see more pictures, check out my facebook profile.

Starlight Festival

2009-07-18T22:10:00.002-05:00

Nolen & Alexis trying out the kayak.
Eric & Riley getting the kayak in the lake.
Eric & Riley playing one of the games. Unfortunately, Riley lost his glasses during the first game. Some guy threw a sponge at the kayak and hit his glasses and knocked them off. The sponge throwing was part of the game, losing the glasses wasn't :( FYI, Olney doesn't have a dive team anymore. Guess we need to call and order new glasses in the morning. Maybe we should get 2 pairs this time in case of another accident.

Brody's First Haircut

2009-07-18T14:23:00.002-05:00

Brody got his first haircut today. He did an excellent job sitting still. He sure was happy too. If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend going to Sweet & Sassy Hair & Tanning in Clay City. ;)

Koertge Reunion

2009-07-12T19:49:00.002-05:00

Eric took Katelyn for a kayak ride before the rain hit. He also took Riley for a ride first, but I didn't get a picture of it.

This is most of the people that were at the reunion. We had a good time despite the rain that hit right before eating. Thankfully, they got the shed cleared out and we ate in there. Some of us were a tad wetter than others. FYI, the Garmin Oregon GPS does NOT float!!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Brody

2009-07-08T05:29:00.002-05:00

Here's Brody being cute for Mommy. He's a year old today.

Brody's Party

2009-07-05T16:30:00.002-05:00

Brody eating a cupcake. He wasn't too interested in it since he was sleepy. Great Grandma ended up feeding it to him.

Brody playing with one of his gifts. It was pre-tested by cousin Nolen. Apparently, it passed the test. Thanks everyone for all the gifts and coming to the party!!

Building the Shed

2009-06-28T07:20:00.002-05:00

Riley & Brody in the shed after we got the walls up.

Eric working on getting the trusses installed.

The building after working on it all day Saturday. A lot more to do still. Some of us are a little sunburnt now. Anyone want to come help?

Fly-In Breakfast

2009-06-07T12:01:00.002-05:00

This morning was the fly-in breakfast at the Olney-Noble Airport. Had to go out and see the planes :) Here are Riley & Alexis posing with one.

Even a helicopter was there. Here are Randy, Riley & Eric.

Brody & Riley posing with what we dubbed the Red Baron.

Kayaking

2009-05-24T14:50:00.004-05:00

Leroy wanted to try out the kayak. So despite the rainy conditions, Leroy and Eric took it out on a pond.

Ray couldn't let Leroy out-do him. So he had to try it out as well.

Goats & Walking

2009-05-23T20:59:00.005-05:00

Brody is walking!! Finally got a good picture of him walking, but he's in his jammies.

Riley in the tree at his Great-Grandma's house.

Riley feeding the goats graham crackers at Great-Grandma's house. He also got to drive the golf cart while we were there. He's not too bad of a driver for only being 5 years old.

Goin' Camping

2009-05-19T20:23:00.002-05:00

Ray and Charlotte are movin' on up! Cue the The Jefferson's music here. They are the proud owners of a new camper. Riley is ready to go on a camping trip now! He was super excited about the new camper. I'm sure he can twist Grandpa's arm to go. :)

Preschool Graduation

2009-05-19T20:15:00.002-05:00

Riley was supposed to be singing with the rest of his class in this picture. This is how he stood the whole time.

Until his teacher called his name to get his diploma. Then he ran off the risers and into his teacher.

Thankfully, he posed with Ms Kara & Ms Ashley after everything was over!!

More Kayaking

2009-05-17T16:46:00.002-05:00

Today was Riley's first outing in the kayak. Yes, he did have a life jacket on! I think he had a good time. Of course, Dad did all of the rowing. Riley insisted on having an oar even tho he wasn't rowing.

Havin' Fun

2009-05-08T21:14:00.001-05:00

Brody & Riley had fun playing on the four-wheeler last night. Thankfully, Riley doesn't know how to drive it yet. Otherwise we'd be in some serious trouble. Brody is 10 months old today!!

New Glasses

2009-05-04T19:18:00.002-05:00

Riley got his new glasses tonight. He says he can see things much better. His prescription is pretty strong. Hopefully, they will help him do better in school!!

Antique Quick Meal jar

2009-05-03T18:48:00.002-05:00

After talking with Grandpa Rule this afternoon, we've discovered this jar was used to hold kerosene/cooking oil. It was used with the Quick Meal cook stove. Amazing that a 97 year old man can remember that far back!! Now I'm trying to find what this stove looked like or how it all worked. Be nice to know if this is worth something :)

And the walls came tumblin' down......

2009-05-02T21:20:00.005-05:00

Okay, the walls aren't down yet, but they will be soon. The roof is pretty much off. Eric's working on tearing the old shed down.

Here he is posing for a pic for me.

We found this jar in the shed. It says "Quick Meal Patented December 28, 1909. Pat. Applied For." So far no one knows what this jar is for. We're going to ask Eric's Grandpa Rule if he remembers what it was used for. Does anyone have any ideas? We're guessing it was used to feed the chickens.

Maiden Voyage

2009-04-22T17:40:00.008-05:00

April 19 2009 became the first trip (maiden voyage for boaters) in a kayak in the top secret testing grounds in a undisclosed area.

Randy and Eric heading off on SS Lynn or is that SOS Help.

It was a success and Brandon even had a chance to take a turn.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Oh and of course the only way back to this top secret place is ...

Carnival

2009-04-21T20:48:00.002-05:00

Riley's preschool had a carnival tonight. They had some games for the kids to play, but you can tell what Riley liked. It wasn't very big either. I think he had fun once he let go of my leg!

Goofing Off

2009-04-19T12:31:00.001-05:00

Brandon & Eric must think they are going somewhere in that kayak. Unfortunately, I don't think there is much of a current in the parking lot. :)

Easter

2009-04-12T15:46:00.003-05:00

Brandon goofing off for the camera, which is normal.

Is this Easter or Thanksgiving?? Brody, Riley, Brandon & Alexis are posing with the turkey and the eggs they found.

Brody hunting for eggs with some assistance from Mom.

Riley looking for eggs. I think Brody got about as many as Riley did. Granted, Brody had quite a bit of help. ;)

Yummy Cookies

2009-04-10T15:21:00.002-05:00

Brody is now 9 months old. He's getting so big. He really likes walking around, but he can't walk on his own yet.

Riley wanted to make cookies today. He loves using the cookie cutters. We used our easter cookie cutters & made sugar cookies.

He thought he should help me ice them. After seeing the first one he'd iced, I took over this job.Of course, you've got to have sprinkles on the icing. The cookies turned out good too!

Chickenpox

2009-03-28T13:56:00.002-05:00

Poor little Brody has the chickenpox. I'm not 100% sure on how he got them, but I've got a very good guess. I'll spare you the rest of the pictures, but he's got a really big patch of spots in his diaper area.
Riley got to go see Peter Pan last night. I think he had a really good time. He went with Grandpa, Grandma & Brandon. They must've been brave to take both Brandon & Riley to see a musical. Don't think Grandpa likes musicals either.

Sickness & Contest

2009-03-21T17:48:00.003-05:00

Riley and Brody have been sick the past 2 weeks off and on. Eric had it last week too. Thankfully, I've managed to avoid it. I think they've spent more time with Great-Grandma than the babysitter.
I've been practicing with junior high kids this past month. I accompanied their solos for contest. Started out with 4 kids. One boy chickened out. Today was contest. I had 3 girls to play for and all of them got firsts. Granted, I think one of them should've got a second. Her counting was way off. I lost her for a few measures. Somehow she seemed to think waltzes were in 4/4 time. WRONG!! Anyway, we made it thru it.

Redneck Campaign Sign

2009-03-15T17:38:00.002-05:00

Both sides of this semi-trailer have the same message on it. Yes, there is a misspelling on it. No, I'm not advertising for this candidate. Plus I cannot vote for this person as they live across the county line. Just thought this was a different campaign sign that I had to pass along!!

Go fly a kite

2009-03-07T16:18:00.002-06:00

Eric decided to fly his kite this afternoon since it is so windy. This is his new airplane kite. The propeller didn't survive. After a few nose dives, the propeller fell out. It is fixable tho.

Brody is playing with his new doll. Still don't have a name for it. Anyone have a good idea for a name?? Poor Riley's on the couch with the flu. Hope he gets better soon!

Happy 5th Birthday Riley

2009-02-28T16:23:00.003-06:00

My friend Sarah made this cake for Riley's birthday. I thought she did an excellent job!! Especially considering there is no way I could've done it.

Here is Riley blowing out his candles. I cannot believe he is 5 years old today! Seems like just yesterday we were flying to the hospital after my water broke.

Brody didn't get left out on all the fun. Great Grandma brought him this doll that she made for him. Not sure on a name yet, but Riley's doll is named Jakey. See a pattern here?? Riley, Jakey, Brody.... All in all, everyone had a wonderful time.

Giraffe

2009-02-18T21:48:00.003-06:00

Riley wants a giraffe. He couldn't just ask for a dog or cat or pony. No, he wants a giraffe. So if anyone needs any ideas for his birthday, he'll take a giraffe. Only catch is, it has to live at your house! :)

Grandpa Lynn

2009-02-17T21:34:00.003-06:00

Grandpa Lynn passed away on Monday. Here he is with the rest of the guys at Thanksgiving in 2007.

Wii Birthday Party

2009-02-15T19:38:00.003-06:00

Billy, Steven & Eric playing Rock Band. Riley & Brandon had fun playing mario kart. Everyone had a good time. The ice cream cake was delicious as always!

Happy Birthday

2009-02-14T10:36:00.001-06:00

Happy 30th Birthday Eric!!!!
He's snuggled up with his buddy Signal the Frog.

R & B

2009-02-08T18:26:00.002-06:00

Riley had fun shooting this gun at his cousin's house today. The birthday party for Alexis was today.

Of course, Brody had a good time. He is now 7 months old and has 2 teeth. He's working on crawling but seems to only have reverse.

More snow and blowing

2009-02-03T06:59:00.002-06:00

Look at all that blowing snow...just what we needed more snow...NOT!

Ending of the day.

2009-01-31T20:41:00.004-06:00

What a view to end the day.

Snow Day

2009-01-28T13:07:00.002-06:00

Riley & Brody on the sled. Brody didn't stay out too long. His snow suit is too small and it was too cold for him.

Then Riley decided he wanted to make a snow angel.

Finally, Eric and Riley played on the 4-wheeler in the snow. They were attempting to pack down the driveway so we can get out tomorrow for work.

Pics

2009-01-25T17:23:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone,

Just trying to see if I can post some pictures. Amanda

Saturday fun

2009-01-24T17:22:00.005-06:00

Eric went in to check on Riley earlier and this is what he found. Riley was sitting in his barn. Thankfully Eric made him get out before he broke it. I'm not sure if he thought he was an animal or was just being his usual self.
We've had an uneventful Saturday. Riley and I did however make cookies. I've got alot to learn about using my new cookie press. The cookies we made look nothing like snowflakes! They sure taste good tho.
We did get a decent snow last Sunday night. Since we have real jobs tho, we had to go to work and couldn't play in it. :(

Snow

2009-01-18T17:11:00.003-06:00

We got some snow today and it is sticking. Hey, at least it's better than ice!! Unfortunately, we probably won't get enough tonight to make a snowman or go sledding.

Owl

2009-01-17T18:51:00.002-06:00

Eric came home from his parents tonight and thought somebody had put something in the dumpster that was sticking up. So he went out to investigate with his spotlight and rifle. He took the rifle cause he thought it could also be a varmint. He came back inside saying it's a baby owl. Put up the gun and went back out with the camera. This is the owl he was referring to. He said it's only about 6 or 7 inches tall.

Six Months Old

2009-01-08T19:48:00.001-06:00

Brody is six months old today. Riley took this picture of him the other night in the bathtub.

Geocaching..... on New Years Day

2009-01-01T21:56:00.001-06:00

Riley and Eric at a geocache somewhere in Lawrence County. Does anyone see a pattern here?

Geocaching..... on Christmas

2008-12-25T20:34:00.002-06:00

Eric had a little trouble with this one. It required Riley's assistance to retrieve so Eric could sign the log. Rule one of geocaching: carry a step ladder or always take a kid with you. :)

Eric and Riley at the point where the earthquake struck in April. Yes, it's a geocache, called an Earth Cache. Had to do a few caches with Eric's new gps. Plus, he got a Signal the Frog toy. He's either been really good this year or somehow fooled Santa.

Birthday Fun

2008-12-21T13:07:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was Nolen's birthday party. Here he is playing basketball with Grandpa. I'm not sure who had more fun.

In case anyone needs any last minute gift ideas, Riley and Alexis seem to really like playing with baby toys. They were playing with some of the toys that Nolen received.

Church Christmas Play

2008-12-21T13:00:00.003-06:00

Today was the Christmas play at church. Brody had the honor of playing baby Jesus. Here he is with Mary (aka Sarah) and Joseph (aka Ray). The kids all did a wonderful job!!

Riley's Christmas Program

2008-12-11T20:59:00.002-06:00

Riley is the kid with his hands over his eyes.

Riley is to the right of the girl in the yellow shirt.

Santa showed up after the kids had their program. This is as close to Santa as he would get. It's alot better than most years. Each year we take him to see Santa and he cries and won't even come near him. He even got a present, a book. As we were leaving, he asked me "where's the reindeer & sleigh at?" I'm thinking where'd this come from? So I tell him that they are out back hiding from everyone. We repeat this process and he finally accepts my answer.

Remembering the 80's

2008-11-27T09:56:00.004-06:00

The boys are playing with construx this morning. Yes, the construx in the cooler are Eric's from back in the day. The two smaller boxes came in the mail this week. Guess someone wants to relive their childhood. :)

Motivational Posters

2008-11-26T18:20:00.004-06:00

Thanks to my friend Heidi who posted this site on her blog today. So I went there and found a few that I really liked. I invite you all to go visit them and see what you find.

Pumpkin Cake

2008-11-23T18:36:00.005-06:00

For those that are still looking for something to make for Thanksgiving.... This cake is delicious. I just made this yesterday for a church meal today. Here's the recipe:

2 c sugar
1 c vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
2 c flour
2 c pumpkin
1/2 c chopped nuts (optional)
Mix all ingredients together and pour into a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until done.

Icing
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 stick butter, softened
1 lb powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
Mix cream cheese, butter and vanilla together. Gradually add powdered sugar. Spread icing over cool cake.
Keep refrigerated.

Say What?

2008-11-22T18:07:00.003-06:00

I was going to get supper last night on the way home. Riley wanted McD's. So we headed there and the drive thru was backed up to the road. Me, being the impatient type, didn't want to wait. Riley suggested we go to the "other McDonald's." I'm like what? There's not 2 McD's in Olney. I decided to go to BK and pick up supper. Riley informs me that this is the other McD's. Ohhhh I get it now!
He also said today that ice cream is "kind of cold." What will he come up with next?!

Bored....

2008-11-16T20:18:00.004-06:00

Okay, I'm bored this afternoon. I took a few pics of the boys. Here is one of Brody. He's been rolling from his belly to his back. Hasn't figured out how to go back to his belly yet though!
Oh yeah, we are pet-less again.

Four Months

2008-11-08T18:53:00.002-06:00

Brody loves his cartoons. He was watching TV this afternoon in his big brother's chair. I'm surprised Brody watches TV. Riley didn't like TV much when he was a baby.
Riley was out building a dog house with Dad this afternoon. We're having a hard time keeping Jack (the dog) at home. Jack keeps wandering off to the neighbors house. Once we get a collar that fits, we ought to be able to keep Jack at home.

Riley's dog

2008-11-02T18:00:00.003-06:00

Riley is the proud owner of a dog. He promptly named it Jack. Not sure where that came from, but it's better than calling it dog. (Our cat is named Kitty.) It showed up at a neighbors house a while back. They didn't want to have 2 dogs and asked if we wanted it. Of course, Riley had to have him. So this is Riley and his dog Jack. We'll see how long he sticks around.

Halloween

2008-10-31T22:33:00.003-05:00

Brody was a horse & Riley was a transformer.

Brody, Riley, Brandon the prison inmate (or escapee), Alexis the cheerleader & Nolen as Blue from Blue's Clues. Everyone had a good time trick or treating. I'm sure they all got way too much candy!

Cache Slash Fest 2008

2008-10-18T20:29:00.003-05:00

Riley with Signal the Frog Travel Bug.

Eric with Signal the Frog Travel Bug. There were several cachers at this event today. Some from Kentucky, Wisconsin, Indiana and Missouri as well as Illinois, of course. It was Survivor themed. They had some interesting games. Audrey and Riley's team were eliminated after the first game. Eric's team lasted a little longer, but didn't make it to the final round. We all had a good time!

Our Trip

2008-10-12T18:52:00.004-05:00

We left Riley and Brody with my grandparents. Here they are ready for bed. Grandma seemed to have more pictures of Brody. This is the only one she took of them together.

Eric is at where Moses struck the rock. Okay, this may not be the exact location, but it is a geocache with that name.
And to prove that I was really in Cape Girardeau, here I am in front of Fort D. We spent most of our time geocaching. Finally broke the 200 mark too!

Three Months Old

2008-10-08T20:57:00.002-05:00

Brody is 3 months old. Everyone loves his dimples! He had fun at Family Fun Night too. He got to laugh at the Dr. that delivered him.

Family Fun Night

2008-10-08T20:47:00.004-05:00

Tonight was Family Fun Night for the kids at Riley's preschool. Here he is painting a pumpkin.

They also had a petting zoo. He got to pet a pony & a rabbit. They also had chickens, dogs & a kitty.

Boys

2008-10-03T20:41:00.002-05:00

Riley and Brody posed for a pic last Sunday. Riley really likes helping take care of Brody.

Two Months Old

2008-09-09T19:16:00.002-05:00

Brody was two months old yesterday. No, this picture was not staged.

Future Farmer

2008-09-06T20:45:00.003-05:00

Riley had fun driving the tractor this evening with Great-Grandpa Mewes. Thankfully this tractor is customized! Grandpa does the driving, while Riley thinks he's driving. :)

Moonshine, IL

2008-08-30T15:07:00.006-05:00

The Moonshine Store. Come early if you want a Moonburger because Helen shuts the grill off at 12:30. There was a geocaching event and a motorcycle event going on. Oh yeah, and we shattered the old record of 712 burgers. There was 858 burgers sold today.

Check out these lovely pink ammo boxes. Eric was lucky enough to win a regular green ammo box. Riley won a prize too. He has even tore it up already.

Mug Tree

2008-08-30T15:00:00.001-05:00

On the way to the Moonshine event today, we had to make a stop to get a picture. Riley and Eric posed with the Mug Tree.

Update

2008-08-27T12:17:00.000-05:00

Hopefully I am doing this right. I guess we will see soon enough.

The family is doing good here. Donnie and Autumn are back to school. Autumn seems to be adjusting a bit better. She really loves her teacher! Donnie is still getting used to his class but is doing great. I think it is because Donnie's class size is bigger than Autumn's. Not to mention the fact that Autumn is in preschool 1/2 day and Donnie is all day first grade. Donnie has started soccer. He is so good at it and loves to play! Autumn will be able to play in the Spring. Donnie is in a more competitive group this year and they travel in the fall. I wasn't sure how it would work out with 2 kids in soccer since they would be in 2 different age groups. They don't travel in the Spring so it will be easier for me to have them both in soccer. I am still looking for an activity that Autumn absolutely loves. I may take her to the music store and she if she is more musical than athletic. She didn't want to do ballet again.

John is busy working as always. He is also taking classes so he can get his bachelors degree. I am so glad that the guard pays for that! Poor guy is always going. Whenever he gets free time he goes riding on his motorcycle with my Dad. I try not to nag him about all the unfinished projects he has at home. It's really hard at times.

I have been enjoying a bit of free time the last couple of days. I have 2 1/2 hours of peace and quiet while the kids are both at school. It makes it nice to get cleaning done in the house or to enjoy a good book. I love to read!! I have really been enjoying the Summer Olympics. I am still pretty behind in watching them but they are all recorded so I can fast forward thru anything I don't really want to watch. Well, I have probably bored you guys enough. Have a great day!! Amanda

Swimming Party

2008-08-17T21:27:00.003-05:00

Riley went to a swimming party this evening. He liked playing in the big mushroom. He also found someone's noodle and had fun with it. Water was too cold to be swimming though.

Wii Party

2008-08-17T21:15:00.002-05:00

Randy, Dale & Eric attempting to play Rock Band.

Randy & Eric playing Rock Band. Riley was having a good time.

We finally got Amy to sing with the band. Now she wants to get Rock Band. She loved singing.

Summer Fun

2008-08-09T10:43:00.004-05:00

This is my photo for the 5 Minutes for Mom Summer Fun Photo Contest. Riley and Alexis had just got done swimming and had to take a ride in the gator. Still in their suits and wrapped up in their beach towels.

Redneck Tailgate Party

2008-08-09T10:35:00.004-05:00

Driving home from church one Sunday, this is what we saw. Two guys eating their lunch on the tailgate of a truck. If you look closely, the truck is sitting on a trailer hooked up to another truck. Sorry for the bug splatters and antenna, but I took the photo from my van in the passenger seat. :)

One Month

2008-08-08T09:25:00.001-05:00

Brody is one month old today. He has his airplane outfit on just for Grandpa.

SMART Cars

2008-07-27T16:21:00.004-05:00

Here we were walking down a street in Paris and I saw this car. I told Brenda to take this picture to show the size of these cars. I have seen two here in Clarksville, TN. You can actually back this car into a parallel spot (Hood of the car facing the road).

In the Black Forest

2008-07-27T16:07:00.001-05:00

Here Cory and Brenda try on some hats after we visited the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany