Fun Summer

Wow, has the summer gone by already? We really had a full, but fun one. The list includes a trip to SL to help out Missy while Clark was gone, a canoe trip down the local river with Bob and family, meeting Bob and family and Debbie and her girls in St. Louis for a 6 Flags adventure, teen week, another trip to SL to help out Missy and Clark with the big move into their new home. Thanks for inviting us to spend some time with each of you - we love it. The pictures will tell it all. River Trip 6 Flags Carousel ride at 6 Flags The pool at the motel Teen week Missy and Clark's new house Samantha and Missy on deck of new house

New House

Well, it's official, we are now the owners of 2 homes. We haven't had a mortgage payment for many years and now we are just like the rest of you, in debt. The signing was Fri., May 29, 2009. We are really excited about it and can't wait to paint it, furnish it and enjoy the great winter weather. We want you all to know that the home is open to any of you at any time (as soon as we get it equipped). We do have a patio set, 4 pillows, a set of pans, glasses and flatware. We also have a couch, love seat, chair and ottoman on order, so we have started. We have found that it isn't easy or cheap to make a home livable, even if just for a few months of the year. How about a shower for an old married couple? It seems strange that after buying a new home, we just up and leave it empty for several months.

Homemade Gifts Giveaway

The first FIVE people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice, for you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!

2. What I create will be just for you.

3. It'll be done this year. (might be a little while)

4. You have no clue what it's going to be. It may a joke book, autographed picture of myself, handmade bag, or a little invention of my own! I may create you a blog header or paint something for you with my food. (That would be scary). I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who Know?

5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. Believe me...it may blow your mind!

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it! Sounds like fun, right? So, let's play!

Australia/New Zealand Trip

I'm kind of slow in getting this up, but better late than never, right?  

We really enjoyed our trip and experiences to the lands down under.  We didn't realize how close to Antarctica we would be when sailing around Tasmania at the southern tip of New Zealand.  We became very familiar with the Hop-on Hop-off buses in each city and were able to see so much, like:  lush vegetation, Pohutukawa Tree, Maori Museum, Sydney Opera House, Queen Victoria Building, Wildlife Museum, Botanical Gardens (in several cities), Rod Laver Tennis Arena (home of Australian Open), Bondi Beach, Cadbury Chocolate Factory (Hobart, Tasmania), Fijordlands, Kiwi Farm, nesting habitat of the Gannet birds of 

New Zealand, sheep shearing, Koala, Kangaroos, and not to mention all the activities on the cruise ship.  Here are just a few pictures, but if you really want to know more, just ask to see our movie.