0 Fork Marshmallow Roaster

 My dad is good at many things.  One thing he is especially good at is welding.  He has created many unique works of functional art for me over the years.  His latest project was this great "fork marshmallow roaster."

I came to him with this idea a few years ago and last week he surprised me with this finished product.

He did mention that it is hard to weld stainless steel to iron.....but he made it work just fine in the long run. This was so much fun to use.  Thanks DAD!  Everyone will be jealous when we go camping!

Detail: Fork Marshmallow Roaster

0 Road Trip: Homeward Bound to California

Things I have learned on this road trip.

1.  I prefer to vacation in the high mountains with plenty of trees.  Cooler weather and green landscapes ........ those are my absolute favorite.

2.   While on a long road trip I NEED to get enough sleep, time alone, and have good reading material.

3.   I over-packed on the kids clothing and under-packed on socks.

4.    I like to know where I am sleeping for the night, having a plan is a GOOD thing.

5.    I need to have a day by day meal plan.  By day three I am tired of being the maid and personal chef for the family.  Having a plan will help sort things out.

6.   I need to over-pack on diabetic supplies.  Running low on glucose monitor test strips isn’t making for a good vacation. 

7.   Driving for 12 hours straight is TOO long. 

 All in all the family had  a great time.  It was fun to see so many states on this road trip. I appreciate the hospitality of my brother and his wife Chelsea.  I hope this is something my kids will remember for years to come.  I would have to say my favorite state is California, home sweet home. 

 

I love that California grows so many things.  Driving through the fields, and rows of plants and trees makes me feel like I am home.  We live in such a diverse state, deserts, pine forest, high mountains, and green valleys. I feel that I can truly appreciate the beauty of California as I come back into this golden state.

Back at the ranch.........................

When we got home sweet home and settled into our afternoon routine, we noticed that the cats were eating their food happily by the barn.  Upon closer inspection we found that it was actually a group of five skunks fighting over the cat food. 

 I can't hide my hatred for these animals, they don't have any predators, every animal is either afraid of them or repulsed.  GREAT, now we have a skunk family freeloading on the cat-food.  I am going to find some creative way to do away with these pests.......I will let you know how that goes, and if you smell skunk in the midst of a crowd of people, it will probably be me. 

Detail: Road Trip: Homeward Bound to California

0 ROAD TRIP: Colorado/Utah

June 14th 2012

Today we packed up and headed for Colorado.

 The kids had to leave behind their fairy houses that they so carefully made.  Parting is such sweet sorrow.

 Back in the R.V for the drive to Colorado.  Spencer gets right back into his video game while Addison gets serious about her drawing. 

On the road again!

We had a great time at Focus on the Family.  The kids enjoyed Whit's End. Adventures in Odyssey really came alive as the kids played in the miniature houses, and explored all the fun exhibits.

Saying good-bye to family.  We will miss you David and Chelsea!

June 15th 2012

Today we are making our way to Utah.  It looks like it will be around an eight hour drive.  We decided to take-in some local attractions.

 We decided to push this heavy rock off the side of the cliff, we got pretty close.........don't you think?

 For eight days this R.V has been our home sweet home.

 The slight rain storm made for a nice cloud cover for pictures.

 Addison says that she is so hungry.....it looks like she is eating that mountain....lol.

Most of this trip has been spent keeping the kids fed and snack happy.

I just have to leave you with this parting shot for today.  Utah has quite a few of these Truck Trains.  They are crazy long, and everyone moves out of their way.

Thus ends another day on the road of exciting discoveries!

We are going to finish up our trip with one more day of travel.

Detail: ROAD TRIP: Colorado/Utah

0 Childhood Rememberences

There are many things I remember from my childhood.  As I watch another year go by, and propel me towards my 40s, I find myself rememnising.  I have been cleaning out decades worth of things from my parents house.  I keep coming across 1970s and 1980s magazines.  Let's take a walk down memory lane, or introduce you to the 70s and 80s if you are too young for it. 

 There were two choices for the family, the van, or the stationwagon.  I grew up in a van family.

 I remember wearing these fashion statments!

 The scary truth is that, yes we did squirt margarine on our toast and muffins.  We also ate, cooked, and stored food in PLASTIC. 

 I had to put this snack advertizment in.......doesn't this just blast you back to the past.  Morning break in grade school.  You would have a pack of these, or two if you were lucky. 

 Ahhh, yes LEGO.  They have been around FOREVER.  I wish my parents had bought stock in this company. 

I think we had all of these MATTEL toys between my sister, brother, and I.

Gotta love the View-Master!

I wish I had this set now, think of all the places I could go........ I love that there is a huge make-up case to complete this set!

I love this ad just because the boy here is sooooo 1970s.  Did all 1970s kids have to have freckles????? I guess so.

Dude, is that Dennis Quaid?  Maybe he got his start with Lipton!

And where would we be with out Corning Ware......it is still in use today.

Detail: Childhood Rememberences