A spontaneous trip to "the farm" (Nebraska)

My grandparents have been living in Nebraska for eons. They have lived on "the farm" for almost as long as I have been alive. My family has enjoyed more memories on the farm than I can even begin to share. Scottie and I even used to get to take a week at a time alone with friends in the summers with my grandparents. From six-wheeling to boating to camping to fishing to hide and seek to baking to tickle monster to turning in crushed cans for money, we have had non stop fun. My mom and I made a spontaneous trip this weekend to visit. It was the first week back since Granddad returned from AZ where he had his heart attack. It was such a great weekend. Here are some of our memories from this trip:

Mom showing me this amazing new wine bottle opener that opens a bottle with just the press of a button!

Might I add this wine is from Nebraska!


One of my favorite lamps-a roman soldier of some sort, more than 30 years old.


Sitting out in the sun drinking wine. We tried to get out of the wind, but it was fruitless. Oh well, we were still happy :)




Grandma is a sucker for the tabloids. I had no idea! For the record, she didn't think Katie Holmes was pouty in this picture with Tom Cruise ;)


I got to crash a wedding reception of a best friends sister. Kimberly and I went to college together. We live far away but I will always cherish her friendship. This is her gorgeous daughter Avery, the flower girl.


Kimberly, Anthony and Avery


More of my favorite things around the farm. The clothes line.


The bird houses.


A view from the back.


The thermometer.


The propane tank. (or a horse depending on your age and imagination.)


Birds.





And the love birds :)


A view from the side.


The flowers.


Scrabble!


The rolltop desk complete with a pictures of the twins, Alma and Elma (cousins or aunts of someone...)


The piano.


The picture of Grandma with her 4 brothers.


The kitchen ladies on the wall above the stove.


It really was a wonderful trip. Hopefully Cade, Jeff and I will go back this summer. Two summers ago Cade had a great time catching a turtle, fish, frogs, mice and I believe there is so much more to get!

A Surprise Miracle

This is a wonderful news story on the technology that saved my Granddad. Don't my grandparents look amazing?!

Spring Break

We had a great two weeks of Spring Break with Jeff's and then Cade's. Movies, sledding, building, hiking, games, dinners, Easter egg hunts, grandparents and more! We really appreciated that Patsy and Jim could come hang out with Cade while we worked. It was great seeing them and spending time with Gail and Marc and my Grandparents, too. We also got to have a great dinner with a TON of family in celebration of Granddad's life and heart attack recovery. I wish I would have gotten a picture, but for memory's sake, those in attendance were: Granddad, Grandma, Marc and Gail, Misty and Keith and Jymon and Isaac, Travis and Eva and Brooke, Steve and Donna and Alberto and Sheridan, Mike, me, Jeff and Cade. It was really nice seeing so much family. Here are some pictures to enjoy. I wish I would have captured more of the fun. Only 9 weeks until summer vacation!

Jeff and Cade walking up the hill


Jeff about to fly over the jump.


Cade approaching the jump.


Jeff successfully landing the jump.


Nice air, Cade!


Uh oh, Dad's attempt at the jump. Poor Dad :(


Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!



There goes Mom!


And Jeff!


Cade and Grandpa figuring out a solar power system.


Playing Blurt. See how into it Jeff is?





Cade working with the hand drill to make a laser.




Jeff's new saw!


The final laser project. It even has a moving trigger!


Dying Easter eggs.






Aren't we the smiliest family ever? Yes, we just love a photo op. Well, I do anyway ;)


Grandma Smals hiding the eggs.


Jeff hiding one!


A race between Cade and I to find the most. Cade won!






We're all in the garage while Cade hides the eggs this time :)


Jeff searching and searching.


Granddad showing us his tile cutting tool.


And Cade catching Great Granddad up to speed on technology-his iPod touch.


That's all I got, folks. Grandma and Grandpa Schurz took Cade to Garden of the Gods and Cave of the Winds and they got some great pictures, too. Stay tuned for those hopefully-someday!