Splash Down Thanksgiving 2009

For Thanksgiving day we packed in as much as we could fit in the day. We wanted to spend as much time together as we could and have fun activities as well. For the ladies our day started first thing in the morning with a 5k turkey trot.

Laurie talked me into doing the 5k run with her while MarGene and Roxanne did the 2 mile fun walk/run. I think I over estimated my abilities as the course had several steep hills and it was also raining. There were 982 racers out for the trot and it was fun to do something with just the ladies. I didn't do so well as the last hill practically killed me but at least I got out there and did it.

While we were out racing the rest of the families were home preparing for our next activity. Ken arranged for us to visit a shelter and donate sandwiches, socks, hats, and gloves. The kids and Dads stayed behind and got all the packages put together for us to give out.

The ladies came home to get a quick shower and get into our matching sweatshirts supplied by Ken and MarGene. He got each family a different color and had Tammy put a special little logo on them. They say "Splash Down Thanksgiving 2009" It sure helped keeping track of my two little ones as all I needed to do was look for the color blue.

The shelter was a fun service project to help us remember the spirit of giving thanks. It was interesting to watch the little ones and see who understood what we were there for. I think that the poor shelter didn't know what to think of our crew of 17 in their colorful sweatshirts showing up giving out little care packages. I have to say the kids did a great job for the most part and I'm so glad that they can have experiences like that to help teach them.

After the shelter we headed out to Great Wolf Lodge and their indoor water park. The kids were bursting with energy and I don't think any of us could hardly wait for the splashing fun. We got right into the water and all had a blast.

There was something for everyone to do at the water park. There were around 7 or so different slides and they ranged from kiddie ones to adult crazy ones. Megan and Kendra went on every slide that there was and went with whoever would take them. We all took turns watching the little ones while adults took their turn on the bigger attractions.

One of the favorite hot spots was the wave pool. I think we all ended up here from time to time in groups or with a solo child. No matter where you ended up you were usually around family and wet. It was so much fun and the joy on the kids faces was just cute.

We got to stay in kid cabins for the night. I didn't think to get a picture of them but the kids had a little bunk area with their own TV and it was closed off and looked like a mini log cabin. It was super cute. While some of the adults went on a food run I stayed back nursing a soar foot from the 5k and a little Megan that had a bit of a tummy ache. The next thing you know she was out cold from all the activity. Andrew was still in the mix but soon to follow.

Jeff and I had a hard time sleeping and it was just as well since we got up at 4am to hit up a Walmart for Black Friday sales. I limped my way to the store and got most everything I had on my list. We made it back to the lodge by 6:30am and everyone was still asleep. They didn't even miss us being gone. It didn't take long before the first stirrings started and soon we were all awake and ready for day 2. We packed up our stuff and headed out to the water park for the last hoorah. After a few hours Dan and his family departed and headed home for their 14 hour drive. A few hours after that Laurie and her family followed. We hit up a few last slides with Grandma and headed home as well.

It was tons of fun and felt like a whirlwind of activity but I'm sure glad that we got the chance to go. I love the memories we create each year with the VoFo family trip. When I look back at the gathering we've had it warms my heart at all the feelings that flood in from having had the chance to be apart of it. I can't wait till we gather again.

Giving Thanks

There were 27 of us gathered this year for a yummy Ken VoFo style Thanksgiving feast. We all arrived in stages thanks to good 'ol traffic but made it all the same to enjoy the food and company.

It was really nice to get together and visit. It seems like it went by in a flash. We had so much action going on. There was for sure never a dull moment. We were never in short supply on the noise level as the little ones scurried about entertaining themselves.

The kids enjoyed watching a movie, playing the Wii, a little duck duck goose, Grandma's vast toy closet, and running around inside as well as outside. They were so excited to see each other and just play as much as possible. I don't think I heard very much bickering and with 9 cousins that is a miracle.

As time slipped by we enjoyed every minute. Jeff ended up with my flu so he was a bit drained and ready to pack up to go after the meal was concluded. We ended up taking Taylor and Kendra for a girls sleepover and heading home.

The girls were really good and had a great time sleeping together. We were gearing up for more activities to come as the VoFo family gather tradition was not over yet and this was just the start of our fun.

Say Cheese...

I love how deceptive a photo can be. Moments before this picture was taken we were all rushing to get our act together to get out the door to go to church. In the mists of getting us all ready and getting our stuff together my children were not getting along. Andrew wanted to play with Megan and she wanted to sit patiently and not mess up her hair. My children are night and day it is interesting how they mix and don't mix at times. I do love to capture their cuteness whenever I can.

Disney on Ice

We got this flyer in the mail for Disney on Ice and thought it sounded like a fun family adventure. So we purchased tickets and took the kids

We picked Jeff up from work, had a bite to eat, and then headed off to the show. The kids were super excited or I should say Megan was excited and Andrew was just along for the ride. He is pretty much game for anything as long as he gets a toy or is entertained.

The show opened with Mickey and Minnie driving out. As soon as the action started both kids were glued to the arena. Megan was really into the story lines and Andrew got a bit fidgety at times but was really good. We got to see Cars, the Little Mermaid, the Lion King, and Tinker Bell. There was a little mini story about each and action on the ice.

When the cars rolled out Andrew recognized them and was into what he saw but since they just drove around he lost interest quick. Not much action to keep his attention. It was cute to see the characters.

The Little Mermaid played all the good songs that had us all singing along and rockin' out. Megan loved this part as it is one of her favorite princesses.

The Lion King was next and this was Andrew's favorite part of the night. He loved all the animals and fast action on the ice.

They had some really great props and cool skating that kept it all moving and fun. Andrew didn't move much during this whole part of the night as he was really into it.

Last came the Tinker Bell story. Jeff and I aren't really familiar with the story line but it was cute. I'd have to say not as cute as the Little Mermaid but Megan thought it was awesome. She recognized all the fairies and was so excited when she saw Silvermist. It was what she got to be for Halloween so she had a special connection to her.

Those little fairies were skating so fast it was hard to get a really good shot but they were really cute. I loved hearing Megan call out their names as they came out to the arena. I was impressed on her fairy knowledge.

The show ended with all the characters back out on the ice and Mickey and Minnie saying good night.

It was something totally different for our family to get to do and I think we all had a good time. The next morning the kids were both talking about their favorite parts so I know it was fun for them. I love to hear them talk about the things we get to do it brings a smile to my face.

Tears, Laughter, Hurt, and Healing

Another year has past and another Normandy Ladies gathering complete. As I reflect back on this year I wish I could sum up the experience but sometimes you just have to be there to fully understand. This year was a bit more difficult than previous years. We ended up digging up the past and exploring some old wounds among other things. I hope that what was shared brought healing and a different perspective to things. As I've been home I find myself still digesting what happened and just when I think I've got things figured out more thoughts and feelings surface. At this point I'm just trying to see the good and the growth to be made. I have a whole new understanding in looking at things through someone else's eyes and accepting how they see things. I have a greater love for my children and I was refreshed to come home to their innocence and blind love. It felt good to have the love of my family and their acceptance of me and my fault. It has been an interesting year that will take me another full year to comprehend. My main goal is to have the closure and growth which I think I have an understanding of. Let's hope next year has a lot more laughter and fun.

Alex's trip

During my recent trip to California I was able to go to my nephew Alex's Baptism. I was so glad that the timing worked out perfect for me to be able to go. It was nice to see my family again and be there for this special occasion. It amazes me each time I get to see these kids how much they grow. Alex was a cute little gentleman and it looked like he loved having his special day.

School Pics

School pictures are here!! Megan's 2nd grade picture and Andrew's kindergarten picture. It is hard to believe these are my little babies.

We worked really hard getting them all ready for their pictures. Both were very excited when they got to bring them home. I've got a bit of a critical eye when I look at them but really I still think I've got cute kids!!