Letterboxing - On the Trail Again!

We've been able to get out and find a few letterboxes this past month.  We drove to a small park in Dewitt, IA to find a new box - the kids loved playing on the playground after Matt stamped in.

Another afternoon we took a bit of a drive to find a mystery box.  It was a great hike!  This bridge was a bit freaky...but we all made it across! 

I guess the kids aren't used to hiking anymore!

While I was in Naperville with my mom & sisters, Matt took the kids to the annual Great Lakes Letterbox Gathering - this year it was held in Blue Mounds State Park, WI.  They camped for the first time!!  Matt & I have camped, but not since the kids were born!  Matt said that the weekend went well and we hope to camp again soon!

Welcoming Home a Hero

The kids & I had the honor of welcoming home a fallen hero a few weeks ago.  We witnessed the procession for Cpl. BJ Luxmore, killed in Afghanistan earlier this month.

 After waiting for over an hour, we saw the first police vehicles coming through.  The Patriot Guard was next - well over a hundred motorcycles!  It was an amazing site to see so many bikes and flags - very emotional.

After all of the motorcycles went through, there was a lull of vehicles for a minute or two.  I don't know if this was intentional or not...but it really brought the moment "home" for me.   After the moment of silence (ie, no vehicles), a small handful of Patriot Guard riders escorted Cpl. Luxmore and his mourning family through the town.  I will never forget the faces of the family members as they drove by.  You could tell that they were moved by the number of people coming out to show their support, as well as the patriotism and so sad over their tremendous loss.  Emotions were high - you could feel the sadness all around you. 

The memory of this will forever be on my heart...I pray that for my kids as well. Freedom is NOT free.

Yard Work

The dreaded housework has started again!  Does it ever end?? 

 
Matt was able to dig up some bush stumps/roots this past weekend - all the while, I painted our garage door.  I am not sure that I like the dark brown, but it is MUCH better than the old chipping white paint! 

Girl's Getaway

 A few weeks ago, my mom and us three girls headed to Naperville, IL to cheer on my baby sister (Debbie) as she ran her first Sprint Triathlon.  It was a wonderful weekend of quality time together.  We enjoyed the beautiful downtown area of Naperville, shopped (IKEA!!!), ate lots of great food and laughed so much that our bodies hurt!  Deb did a great job with her race - we are all so proud of her!  She set a goal for herself and she has accomplished it! 

I love you ladies - SO VERY MUCH! 

Remembering to get a pic of all 4 of us!  Becki, Teri, Debbie & Rose (mom)

Teri & Becki with Deb before race time!

Mom has always been our biggest supporter - no matter what the battle is!

It is hard to see her, but Deb is in the front with both hands waving at us.

All done!  Amazing Deb!!

My Twins are Growing Up!

Every once in a while, I get a reality check in regards to my kids.  This past week was no exception - I have realized that my twins are no longer "my babies"!  In many respects, I am happy and excited by this (who wouldn't be excited that all of their kids can dress themselves, tie their shoes, get ready in the morning and at bedtime, etc!)...but I also mourn the "loss" of my babies.  Here are some pictures to prove my point!

Maddie with her beautiful toothless smile.  The lip gloss was all her idea.

Will - he will forever be my cuddlebug and jokester!

Will & Maddie making their own lunch!  Peanut butter and jelly with "ants on a log"