A Trip to Missouri

Just before Easter my aunt died and the whole family gathered for a memorial service on the Saturday before Easter. Our family went down and spent a couple of nights in a night hotel in Missouri.

My two sisters came as well as my parents. We all stayed in the same hotel and had a great time together. My other aunt and my cousin stayed there as well and it was good to catch up on their lives.

In between the service and dinner at my cousin's house, we visited a local VFW and looked at this cool helicopter.

All dressed up for the service.

It was a quick trip but a good one for catching up. My other set of cousins from Florida were there as well. It was a surprise to me to see them. I think the last time I had seen them was before my wedding.

Celebrate!

My husband's workplace had a big 20th celebration and we all went, dressed to the teeth. New ties for the boys, new dresses for Deb and me.

The celebration was a big success and my dh's speech was the best. John Stossel also spoke and we got a chance to meet with him. Nathan is asking him why he didn't include homeschooling in Stossel's "Stupid in America" DVD.

We took the plunge

Yes, we pulled the trigger on the old white van and bought a newer used van. It is a Dodge Grand Caravan and seems to have a lot more room, especially in the luggage storage area. The children were very excited about it. They wanted to try all the buttons. So now we've graduated up to the van with TWO side doors and POWER windows. Wow!

And just one more picture of syrup, shining in the sunlight.