Thanksgiving...
We went to Missouri to visit Shannon's parents during our break. Since I had a week off school and Shannon had some vacation days he had to use or lose we were able to go for about a week. We had a great time. Of course one of the highlights of the trip was riding on Grandpa's tractor. It's a MUST DO every time we go visit them.
This year we added Grandpa's new riding lawnmower in the mix.
And also one of Landon's favorite things to do is "fetch the mail" with his Dad and his Grandpa. I took a picture similar to this one years ago and it's one of my favorites. This year of course, Landon ran the whole way, so the picture doesn't have the same feel as the older version, but I still like it.
Here's the photo I took in 2007.
My how he's grown!!
We had a wonderful time with Shannon's parents this past week. We really enjoy just slowing down for a while. Being there really is a vacation. We don't come back home exhausted like we do on most trips.
While I was in Missouri I took the opportunity to visit my friend Lauri. She only lives 3 hours from Shannon's parents in St. Louis. After we arrived at Shannon's parents on Sunday, I drove to St. Louis on Monday evening to spend a few days with Lauri. This was the first time we had seen each other since she left Structure House in June. We've spoken on the phone about 2-3 times a week since then. Although I do talk with her on a regular basis, it was so wonderful to just spend some good quality time together. I know I've said it in the past, but I'll say it again, it's just so amazing how such a strong friendship was created in such a short time. I couldn't imagine not having her a part of my life. We didn't do anything too touristy while I was there, I just wanted to "live life" with her for a few days. She was off work for a few weeks since she had some pretty major surgery about two weeks ago. She's doing great, and I'm glad she was able to have me for a visit. I met her son, Patrick, whom I hear in the background quite often during one of our many phone conversations. He's a pretty amazing young man. At 15 he was well mannered and polite to his mom's visitor. He actually gave me hug when he saw me. It was like meeting a long lost relative. I've heard so much about him in the last 5 months, I honestly felt like I knew him. Lauri and I really only had one full day together and we made the best of it. She treated me to a pedicure and manicure with her "nail lady", Amy. Sweet girl!! We had some meals at home and at some of her favorite little dining spots (structured meals, of course). It was nice to be with someone for a few days who really understands what it takes to be structured during the day. I never had to really worry about where we were going to eat, or what. I just went with the flow, knowing that Lauri would be choosing places that could provide us with structured meals. After my nail appointments and a nice lunch we headed over to her hospital, Ranken Jordan. I was very excited to finally get the chance to see this place first-hand. It's a pretty amazing place. They host some amazing kids and an even more amazing doctors and staff. They do some wonderful work there. Check it out - here is a short video about what RJ does for kids and their families:
I hope to find a way that I can get involved more with that program from so far away. I'll think of something....
While we were there Lauri had her staff photographer take a snapshot of us. We wanted something to compare with the photo we took the day she left the Structure House. I think we look pretty good!!
Here is our BEFORE photo - taken June 27, 2009:
Here we are almost 5 months later, 97 pounds lighter (combined) - taken on November 24, 2009:
I honestly can't imagine taking this journey without her. Love her!!!
On Wednesday morning after breakfast we headed out to a walking/biking trail near Lauri's home. It was like the "old days" when we would walk the Duke Trail together. That trail hold a lot of memories for me, and for Lauri too I suspect. We did the three mile loop and then headed home. It was time for me to go. I really wish Lauri and I lived closer together. I really enjoy living life with her; she's a wonderful friend.
I returned to Springfield on Wednesday afternoon to enjoy the rest of the holiday with my family. Thanksgiving day was a great day with Shannon's parents, one of his brothers and his family. We started the morning off with the traditional Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. We were all talking about the parade before it came on, and were getting around so that we would be ready when it finally began. As I went upstairs to get Landon dressed for the day, he got mad at me. I couldn't figure out why. Then I realized what had him so upset...he thought we were GOING to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. He didn't want to just watch it on TV, he wanted to see it in person. I hated to disappoint, but I tried to explain that it was too far away for us to go see. He pouted at the top of the stairs for a while, but then finally came down and enjoyed the parade via the TV with the rest of the family. Landon and Gunner (his cousin) played so well together all day and kept each other entertained. They boys enjoyed the traditional tractor rides mentioned above.
Since we won't see Shannon's family again before Christmas, we brought along our presents for his family. His brother and his family brought presents for us as well. They bought Landon a "band in a box" that included several small instruments including a "jingle bell", castanets, and the all time favorite, harmonica. Landon proceeded to awaken his Mom and Dad each morning by going downstairs, gathering the harmonica, climbing back up the stairs and getting right behind his Dad's head and "make some music" so that we knew it was time to get up...at 7 AM each day!!!
On Friday we braved the crowds and headed out to Bass Pro Shops. We didn't need to buy anything, we were mainly going so that Landon could visit with Santa. Plus, that place is just so amazing I like going to see all the amazing displays. Every time I go I notice something I'd never noticed before. This time, the one thing that I noticed that I thought was so cool was the ceiling in one area. There is a huge fish tank in this area, so I guess I'm always checking out the fish, and not the ceiling. Check this out...
Isn't that so cool. They painted the ceiling to look like you are under the water. Here you see a little boy's feet hanging over the edge of a dock while he's fishing. The feet are actually hanging from the ceiling. In this same section you see the bottom of a boat and it's trolling motor as well as several fish. There is an actual boat bottom and a motor hanging from the ceiling, and fish suspended from the ceiling as well. Amazing details. I think I ran into about 4 people because I was too busy looking UP and not where I was walking.
Landon did visit with Santa for a while. Shannon and I were both quite amazed at how well he did. He's not a big fan of costumes and the such, so I wasn't real sure what he'd do. He didn't "sit on Santa's lap" last year and the year before that he wasn't too thrilled to be there. He asked Santa for "a guitar, a piano, and a drum set." You think he likes to make music??? Here is a picture taken with a poor quality iPhone camera of a poor quality picture. Not much to look at, but I was excited to finally get a decent photo of Landon with Santa.
We had a great visit with Shannon's family, and look forward to visiting them (or getting them to Texas) real soon.
Moving On....
No real story here, I just love this picture. The other day (about two weeks ago) Shannon and Landon were playing some Mario Cart on the Wii. I just love moments like these. I wish this photo was accompanied by a sound bite. These guys were laughing so hard, especially Landon, I just sat on the hearth and watched them for while (then of course went and grabbed my camera)!
Well, that's about it for now. Sorry for the dry spell. I have a tendency to update Facebook much more frequently. If you read my blog, and you "facebook" send me a friend request, and if I know you, I'll add you. I'm forever putting new pictures up there and making quick updates.
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