the HouRgLAss

Whew...life as become a whirlwind. I often think about posting, but am usually too tired and force myself to go to bed. I will try very hard to post pictures from the end of the Missouri River race, and Charlotte's birthday. But since tonight is Friday and I work the weekend, there are no promises. Only a promise that within a couple of days I will post some pictures of our life and times! Everyone, relish in this autumn-like weather. Oh, and I am getting the pumpkin baking fever.

340 Update

Thursday 10:20 am: I just spoke with David. He and Dad are just leaving Cooper's Landing (check point 5) after sleeping for several hours, and are planning to canoe 70 miles today. My Dad has some sore pectoral muscles, but other than that team 10-60 seems in good spirits. Good luck guys, keep your chins up! I hope this is encouraging when you are reading the day after you finish the race, hahaha!

the BIG Muddy

So, one of the few things that our little family has been consumed by is the MR 340. No, the MR 340 is not a form of the flu, although gastrointestinal dysfunction can be a complication of participation in the 340. But the MR 340,also known as the Missouri River 340, is a 340 mile canoe and/or kayak race down the Missouri River. Participants have 88 hours to complete the 340 mile trek.

One year ago, my Dad and David started talking about this adventure, and about how I along with two small children would be the "ground crew". Well, needless to say, I am not crazy enough to take the children on this 4 day adventure, but at the last minute David and my Dad threw their hats into the proverbial ring.

And so here I am, attached to the computer feinding for race updates, and wondering why they are spending so much time in Cooper's Landing. Could it be the Thai Kitchen noodles?

Tuesday, August 4th was gray and stormy. Race organizers delayed the starting time by one and a half hours. Of course, David and my Dad were packed and ready to go by about 06:30 in the morning. The chittlins and I arrived about 07:10, which with the delay, allowed for plenty of time to absorb the atmosphere.

Soaked to the bone, and more than two hours before the race starts. Excited is an understatement.

David hasn't participated in an event like this since I have known him. And after having the two kids, and never taking a vacation, I am really excited for him to do something for himself. Parents need to take time out for themselves, to take better care of their children. I think we are just now starting to realize how important that is.

Of course, at this point my picture taking was becoming annoying. But I really wanted to capture this event. And to stand at Kaw Point looking out across the river in the pouring rain, magnified the enormity of this 340 mile float trip. David, I am just kidding when I call this a float trip. I am really proud of you...

The starting line stow-aways keeping dry in the Suburban.









I want to compete in this event next year so I can have a t-shirt with a skull and paddle cross-bones. Wait, I can just wear David's. Sorry for all of the rain drops on my camera lens.

Patiently, waiting to enter the water.







Last minute organization. Men are funny. I don't know how many times they loaded and re-loaded the canoe.

And they are off. Actually not really, they paddled to the other side, meandered around and floated around the starting line for almost an hour and a half. Talk about anticipation.





Two, good ole' Old Town canoes.

I really like this picture if it weren't for the dad gum rain drops on my camera.

About an hour later, the sun is starting to emerge, and the race start is quickly approaching.




Charlotte is such a good baby. She was content to just be held and watch everyone and everything around her. And oh boy, do I love my little girl.





This has to be one of my favorite pictures. Maybe ten minutes or so before the start. Their team number is 10-60, which in police code means "needs assistance". Those guys are funny!

The national anthem was sung, the countdown complete, and the muskets fired. The 4th annual Missouri River 340 is under way.



Friday, the kids and I are driving to St. Charles to meet team 10-60 at the finish line and to congratulate them.

Preschool Picture

Joe begins preschool and one item to bring the first week is a CURRENT family picture. It practically took the whole summer, but here it is.

Thank Heavens

I have been busy! I have lost 20 lbs. in 5 weeks, and I am training for the KC half marathon.

Dig a Little Deeper

Last Thursday, my Mom and Mike treated Joseph and I to a night at the K. I love the new stadium, and find myself dreaming of making Royals' baseball a summer tradition for Joseph and Charlotte in the coming years.


I love the back of Mike's shirt. In fact, everyone needs a shirt to remind us all to Dig a Little Deeper.

Joe has been to T-Bones games. But he was younger, and this ball field is ginormous compared to Community America ball park. Don't misunderstand, I still love T-Bones' games, but the K carries a whole different nostalgia.

Nothing cuter than a little boy in Converse sneakers!

Glove at the ready?!?

Just like the giant hot dog, egg roll and taquito at T-Bones' games, Joe is not particularly fond of adults in mascot costumes. Total hysterics, even when Slugger was at least 100 feet away.

This picture is not a good indicator, but Joe absolutely devoured his hot dog, and ...

slammed his ice cream.

Proud of his 'stache


Maybe it's the dork in me, but I love Converse sneakers even for myself.




Not sure why he is pointing, but you can start to see the loopy expression on his face.

Whooping and hollerin' even though the Royals lost to the White Sox. Talk about team spirit.

Just keep the mascots far, far away!

THE END

Playing Hookie

Saturday, June 27th I left work early (if you call a 10 hour day early!?!) to make an appearance at my sister's high school graduation party. David also worked that day, but he brought the kids out before work so they could be a part of the festivities.

Here is my youngest, sweet, eternally optimistic sister Mackenzie. Initially, the thought of Mackenzie graduating didn't mean too much to me, but then I realized how much more time I would get to spend with her. She has helped out immensly with the kids, and I love to call her up and invite her over to eat dinner and just hang out. Growing up I lived with my Mom and two sisters, and although we sometimes fought like wild banshees I have missed the times we used to share together. Those are stories for another time.
So before I arrived these pictures of Charlotte and my Mom were taken by my Aunt Sherri. Charlotte's dress is from Target. I hesitated to buy it because, she didn't necessarily need a new dress, but my gut told me I would regret not buying it. Let me rephrase that, I would regret not dressing her in this sweet little ensemble. Some of you may be rolling your eyes right now.

But when I saw these pictures, my heart swelled, burst, and ached all at the same time. I have never seen such a radiant, glowing baby. I just want to hover over and protect her from all of the hurt in the world. Charlotte's personality is adventurous and innocently mischievous at the same time. Yes, I said innocently mischievous. The girl will pull all of my pots and pans out of the cabinet, or dig into the bathroom trash (just once) and look up at you with big blue eyes and smile while crinkling her little nose. In which I respond, "oh you silly little girl" as I scoop her up in my arms and eat her yummy baby cheeks.

I could ramble on and on and on about the joy I derive from watching Charlotte, but I must save some rambling for future posts. I will post pics of Joe at the Royals later today.