Memorial Day Weekend

I know and understand the importance of Memorial Day, but I have to be honest, a three day weekend was the ONLY thing I was thinking about on Friday. I am so ready for the last day of school.

That being said, we took off on a family camping trip as we have every Memorial Day weekend I can remember. Due to the planned arrival of Logan this month, we didn't have elaborate plans. This year we stayed close to home, venturing over to Linn County where we stayed at Waterloo Park. Since we'd never been there before, I wasn't sure exactly what to expect. It turned out to be a nice weekend. The campground was full. Lots of people, dogs, kids with bikes, family games. The weather was cooperative; rain didn't start until Sunday afternoon, and it was bearable sprinkles until almost 10:00 pm. The kids, big and small, got their marshmallow's roasted and s'mores made. Dad did a little fishing (no catching) and Logan went on his very first camping trip.
*Note: I borrowed this picture from the Linn Co. Parks website. I didn't take many pictures this weekend.

Isn't he cute?

I got to spend some time cuddling this little guy tonight. He's definitely the center of the family's attention these days.

Pen Pal Project

I was blog surfing today as a way to avoid the pile of household chores I should have been doing. I ran across a post about pen pals. I think at one time or another many of my friends and I had pen pals. Part of growing up before the Internet, Facebook, email,
Twitter, Myspace, etc. letters were the way to stay in touch. I confess I have an entire box of letters I received over the years from my first time at sleep-away camp through college and beyond. I miss the anticipation of letters. Email just isn't the same.

So, I read through some of the posts and sent a couple of email introductions, and left a post of my own. Maybe I'll get a reply. Stay tuned.

Mother's Day Weekend

Last mother's day we had a big family meal. This year was a little different. Traci & Logan came home on Saturday, so we spent some time sitting out in their front yard while Logan was "baked" for his jaundice. He seemed very content to rock in his swing and catch a few diffused rays. The adults however, picked up a little sun on the exposed skin. The parents and I left the new family and headed back to their place. (The Kitter and I were spending the night.) We had a yummy dinner at El Sol, and then our systems all sort of shut down after such a busy week.

Sunday Mom, Dad and I spent most of the day planting Mom's flower pots. In a couple weeks when things start to "pop" I'll have to get some photos. This afternoon the three of us had grilled burgers and fries. It was a nice, mellow day.

Logan

Logan Carter arrived early this morning. It was a very long night for Traci, but she did an awesome job. It's going to be fun getting to know this little guy.

New Button - Lisa & Taylor

I've posted a new button. My friends Lisa & Taylor are hoping to adopt again. To read more about their family, click on their button to the right.

Writing Contests

I won an essay contest in the 6th grade for an essay I wrote about John F. Kennedy. My prize was savings bond, which I still haven't cashed. Odd what is remembered from childhood. However, I think that contest was probably what inspired me to write.

So, many years later, I'm a member of the DAR and decided enter their American Heritage contest in the drama category. Now, don't think great drama, but anything with dialogue pretty much qualifies. I send the piece off, feeling pretty good about it. A couple weeks ago state winners were posted, and I didn't place. It was kind of a let down, but there were dozens of entries, probably. So, I shook myself off and went about my business. Today, I got an email from the national contest chairman. It seems I've won second place at the National Level. Wow! Speechless. And pretty darn happy. :)