DC Trip Day 2

This was our view for 12 hours today.

Anyway, today we drove across Nebraska, a little bit of Iowa, Missouri, and we are now in Illinois. How can I describe today's travels? The answer: BORING! Which isn't an entirely bad thing. Most exciting things that happen aren't usually good. Well, I guess one thing did happen, the back two vents in the van aren't working properly. Looks like we need to have that checked once we settle in.

Ok, day three starts tomorrow! So glad it will be the last traveling day. I'm really starting to hate the van!

Day 1 of the DC trip

Today was pretty funny. First of all, late last night we were smart enough to try out the converter in the van. It's always worked for us before, but last night it didn't. Steve used the front adapter, to no avail, so he switched to the back one, and again, it didn't work. He tried it in his car, and it worked just fine. So apparently, the fuse broke in the van yesterday! YIKES.

Thanks to the internet, other people said you can buy a replacement fuse easily at any Wal-Mart. So first thing in the morning, Steve ran to the store and bought it. Talk about a narrow escape! I couldn't imagine driving 2,100 miles with the kids and having no way to run their electronics.

The drive was surprisingly easy! We got to North Platte, Nebraska just fine. Our hotel on the other hand was another story. So we unload the van (all the computers, dvd players, our backpacks, pillows etc....). The room was hot and humid, so I tried to turn the the A/C on, and it wouldn't work. But we were all hungry for dinner, so we left and went across the street to Applebee's. When we got back we informed the front desk of the A/C problem.

They sent a guy to the room who kept messing with it, until it started to smoke! Oh yea, that's right, it actually started smoking! So they moved us to another room. They had a hotel employee help us with our stuff. So, we had to bring it all in again. A lady was watching us bring in the computers, and all of our crap, and she stopped me and asked if we are storm chasers!!!! What the....... Well, I guess we do look a little crazy with all of our computers. Then she pointed out several vans pulling up that had antennas and all sorts of odd equipment on them. "The REAL storm chasers" from University of Texas, and several other places showed up. I just had to laugh. But on the other hand, I hope we don't have any problems with tornado's.

I'll post again tomorrow to let you know if anything odd happens then.... :-D

Leaving soon!!!

Wow, I have piles all over the house now. We are leaving in the morning! HOLY COW!!!! I have just been in denial that the time was getting closer and closer. And now I've been packing like crazy!... I'm so glad Steve is coming home tonight to help finish everything up. I'm guessing we will be up late tonight! I'll be posting our adventures in DC... till then...

1 Redeeming Quality of Video Games

Allen, Ryan, Tayson and Luke are all in the computer room right now. And I've been listening to them, and I realized one thing. The games actually teach one thing.... They were discussing which weapon to buy. One was 50 gold, one was 200 and one was 1000. They were trying to figure out which one does the most damage for how much they cost. I was especially impressed with Luke, who is in Kindergarten, because he suggested they spend the 200 now, then upgrade later, because the cheap one wasn't worth it, and the expensive one is just too much. It made me laugh!

Eric's Eagle Project

Eric decided many months ago to do his eagle project with Primary Children's Medical Center. He wanted to make fleece blankets for the children there. Primary Children's gives fleece blankets to children who are staying in the hospital. Then, if they want to keep them, they can. If not, they clean them and give them to the next child.

Eric just didn't seem to be making any progress on his project, so I enlisted the absolute best help I could think of. My mother-in-law, Susie Schultz! I told her that Eric needed help to get the project rolling and boy did she come through! She whipped him right into shape, and helped him understand what to do, and she stood over him till he did it. It was fantastic!

Here are a few pictures along the way.

On May 10th, Susie, Eric and myself drove up to Salt Lake to deliver the blankets. The lady that coordinates Eagle projects (isn't it amazing that they have a position for that!), Maria, said that they had just gotten a call the day before that a department was running out, and needed more of these blankets. It was a very exciting day!

Then, on May 13th, he went to the Eagle Scout Board of Review and passed!!!!! As long as all the paperwork has been done correctly, we should hear back from National in 6-8 weeks. Then he will be an official EAGLE SCOUT! I am so proud of him.

Just FYI, I am planning on doing his Eagle Court of Honor August 21st. I'll let everyone know all the details, as soon as I can get it planned.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was fantastic! It started off with breakfast in bed. Steve made me my favorite pancakes, raspberry and blueberry, with sliced strawberries on top! YUMMMM. And they brought me a glass of milk. Perfect! They gave me this card, and a book.

Allen - Thank you mom for helping me when I got hert (hurt).

Eric - Thanks for being a cool mom.

Ryan - Happy Mother's Day Thank you for everything

I love my BOYS!!!!!!!

Then on Monday I got this card in the mail from my sister Lori. It made me laugh!!! Only because it is so true.

Yummy!

I was talking to Andrea this morning and she wanted me to post this recipe. We had it last night for dessert. And the kids said it was the best dessert we have had in a long time!

WARNING: It's almost impossible to eat only one piece!

Upside Down Berry Cake

1/2 c. chopped nuts (I used pecans, and only put it on half, because the kids don't like nuts)
1 c. fresh or frozen blueberries
1 c. fresh or frozen raspberries
1 c. sliced fresh strawberries
1 pkg (3 oz.) raspberry jello (I only used 1/2 of the pkg and it was wonderful)
1 1/2 c. mini marshmallows
1 pkg yellow cake mix
2 eggs
1 1/4 c. water
2 T. canola oil

In a greased 13"x 9" dish, layer the walnuts and berries: sprinkle with gelatin and marshmallows. In a large bowl combine the cake mix, eggs, water and oil. Mix really well. Pour over top.

Bake at 350 for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes our clean. Cool for 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter. (I used a cookie sheet). ENJOY!