30 Awesome Years!

Happy 30th Birthday, Jared!

And thank you for the engagement ring.....

Love, Kel

The Trip of a Lifetime

I am not even sure where to begin. We recently returned from a trip that I have dreamed about and longed for from the time I was a small child. I am having a hard time fathoming that I can actually say that I have visited New Jersey, Philadelphia & New York. WOW!

We flew the Babies up to the NorthEast for an exciting and fun filled eight day excursion. Jared's brother and sister-in-law moved to New Jersey over a year ago, and we decided that we had gone long enough without seeing them. We all had a fabulous time eating, visiting, seeing the sights, eating some more, and visiting again. Even during our rest and relaxation time, we still remained busy just catching up.

All of the comforts of home for two first time flyers

We could have not asked for better flights with the Babies. They were wonderful both times.

Getting closer.....

Sherrill, Micah, Amy & Luke on the NJ Transit

The Babies on the NJ Transit headed for the city

Staten Island Ferry

48th Street

Braving the Rain

Hayden enjoying a hot dog at La Vita Pizzaria in Mt. Holly, NJ

This is a welcome sign

For you jazz lovers, I have dreamed all of my life of seeing Birdland.

Dinner with Micah & Sherill at De Rosina in the Theater District

Central Park

Time Square

Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ

Riding the "THOMAS FRAIN" with Grandma & Gene

Jenkinsons Boardwalk, Pt. Pleasent Beach, NJ

Like a turtle to the water.....

The final moments of the days outings

Long Beach Island, NJ

We visited so many attractions and took so many pictures that I could not possibly begin to name them all or post all of the photos. Besides the pictures that I have posted, we enjoyed the Wildlife Safari at 6 Flags where the animals hang out in the middle of the road, and where wildlife is free to approach your vehicle! I wish you could have seen Hayden's eyes! We was in awe. I thought a giraffe was going to step on us as his buddy was licking the jeep behind us. We wove in and out of some form of wild sheep blocking traffic and we saw several bears squabbling.
Hayden rode a pony named "Buddy." Although he had been on equine before, he wasn't particularly fond of the event. "Buddy," on the other hand must have been relaxed because he tinkled all over my pants and shoes.

Several have asked what my favorite part of the trip was. Well, I can't really nail down one. I enjoyed people watching everywhere we went. I loved thinking about these individuals, where they were going, where they had been. There are truly some characters out there. The Statue of Liberty was fabulous and jaw dropping. I can't describe to you how it felt to see it for the first time after wanting to for so long. I had a wonderful time on the 4th of July with our family. We had a spread of food that seemed endless. The conversation was good and the rest and relaxation was needed. I truly enjoyed standing smack dab in the middle of Time Square at night with Jared and the quaint little pizzarias that we kept finding to eat at (Thanks Max!) I enjoyed the beautiful New Jersey countryside that went from old industrial buildings and railyards, to the small, quiet towns surrounded by forests in which Micah & Sherrill live. I absolutely loved, although a little stressful, Manhatten in the rain. I thought it was georgeous and serene. I decided that I could live there forever, if I never had to leave. The Jersey Shore was beautiful. The weather was nice and the boardwalk was very clean and maintained. Overall, every moment was glorious. Probably, more than anything, I enjoyed seeing my childrens faces and reactions to things they had never seen before (Kaylen & Zip.) Even as young as they are, they were both in awe. As their Mom, I could just tell.

Thank you, Micah, Sherrill & Zip for a wonderful time. Oh yea, and Micah, "That's what she said."

8 Hours Until.....

Hello, Friends and Neighbors! As usual, it's been some time since my last post. You know, in between weekend trips, tummy bugs, company, more trips and several more tummy bugs, it's not always easy to sit for any one length of time.....

I managed to find several pictures from recent weeks. There are so many more from the wonderful and exciting events that we have been blessed to attend with many of you, I just can't fit them all in this time.

In the last several weeks, the Babies and I spent time with my Mom, sisters and cousins in San Marcos, attended the CTR 2008 parade, spent time with Alison (one of my favorite people in the whole wide world! Thanks for a great time! I know Hayden loved it because he asked for several days, "Where Al go?") In a weeks time, Kaylen learned to sit up, crawl, reach out for people, and pull up on objects (ALL IN ONE WEEK!) We celebrated 8 great years of marriage; The Babies have also spent some much needed quality time with their Grandparents; Kaylen attended her first VBS at church (Hayden, a seasoned veteran!) We have gone to the Farmer's Market where Hayden picked out his very own tomatoes and we stopped by the very impressive local nursery/miniature train depot, and oh yea, I cut Hayden's hair WAY to short. I cried, he thinks he looks like "Baby." WHEW!

Well, some much needed (and wanted) rest is due. 8 hours until we hop on flight for our "Northern Excursion!" Can't wait! Jersey, here we come!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe July 4th. What an awesome day!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Love,

Kel