A Day of Remembrance

Ryan took today and tomorrow off as bereavement leave. He wanted to go out into "nature" to think about Grandma and to spend a day doing things she would like. We called his brother and asked his family to come along also. So our two families drove up north a bit to go to a state park to spend the day together.

Here is everyone looking at the river from a lookout point.

We walked some paths and had fun at the park. The kids loved the nature. I think we walked over 3 miles, which is something for an old gal like me. Did I mention it hit 90 degrees today also. It didn't feel so bad because we were in the shade a lot.

This climb up these stairs kicked my butt, but the kids liked it.

I think this tunnel under the road was the kids' favorite part of the walk.

After our long walk, we went to a 50's type drive in diner. We ate really good burgers and had big malts in our car. The only bummer is that it was a little too hot to eat in the car. We had a lot of fun though. (Should I tell how you cheated Eric by turning on your air conditioner in the car while eating?)

We ended our day with a round of mini-golf. Everyone had a fun day today just hanging out together.

In Loving Memory

Ryan and his Grandma J

Our dear Grandma J. passed away yesterday. She was a wonderful, selfless, caring woman that loved her Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren more than anything. I adopted her as my grandma 12 years ago when we got married and she has loved me just as much as her biological grandchildren. She will be missed by so many people. Nothing I could ever write would do her memory justice.
Please pray for Grandpa, they were married for over 50 years, and he will be lost without her. Please pray for Ryan's dad and uncles as they mourn their mother and for their families.

Grandma J with her great grandchildren

Behind the Times

I have become addicted, but later than everyone that I know. With the movie release of Sex and the City, I found out how many of my close friends watched the show and loved it. I had never seen an episode in my life and imagined it as some hour long drama about loving and losing. Then when Ryan was on a business trip I stayed up late one night and caught a rerun. I never laughed so hard. I thought "wow, I'm really missing out on a good thing here". The entire week he was gone I watched reruns from the middle of the seasons and still loved it even though I didn't know all of the characters. Well, now I began renting the seasons and Ryan is watching the series with me. We are almost done with Season 1 (I'm sure we'll find time to finish it today because I am an addict.) Why didn't anyone force me to watch the series earlier?

The Big 4-0

I know that I just turned 39, but I'm a planner especially when it is planning something fun. I want to do something fun for my 40th birthday with my girlfriends near and far. I thought about going to a spa in Montana or something, but I've decided on a spa vacation in MN. (My out of state friends can still come and stay for the week, that would be fun). My best idea so far is a weekend here, but I am more than willing to take suggestions. So girlfriends, plan on a weekend of pampering somewhere next summer.

Adoption Update

This adoption update is not about our adoption, but it does help us think about the future of ours. My bloggy friends recently got a referral for a cute little boy. We are very happy for them because they are great people and will make wonderful parents.
Besides our happiness for them it does in a way effect our lives. The timespan between their approval of application in the Phillipines and the referral is how this event relates to us. They waited just over nine months. Today is 6 months for us. Although we haven't really kept track of the months because the thought around the virtual water cooler is one to two years between approval and referral. So, if the times are quicker than we realized we need to start thinking differently. This is great news that it could happen sooner, but we have not even started preparing our house for additional children and we are still trying to save the funds. I can't even say it is bittersweet because there is really no bitter. We just had it in our minds that it would be years and it may be sooner and we need to get moving on our projects.

Wordless Wednesday-Back to School Supplies

Back up and running

Today this came in the mail! I am so excited to be back on line again. Needless to say my horrible week a few weeks ago is all better. I have a new computer, Liam got his stitches out, my windshield is fixed and I finished my paper. Now I have to try to figure out the new toy and the boys think that I need to share it ;) I have so much to share with you!