Fear Factor

Casey returned home bearing gifts last night from his week-long trip to China. Some of the gifts were edible...well, kinda.



Like these eggs that were marinated in vinegar and baking soda for 60 days and boxed up for consumers to enjoy...if you can get past the smell. Cody had a hard time...



Or the hard candies made from a fruit that even Andrew Zimmern from Bizarre Foods could not eat. It has an odor that is worse than stinky feet and rotten onions combined. None of us were able to finish it and as Cody brought up later, they create the worst burp EVER.



They don't eat a lot of sweets in China, and their chocolate is not very good. I'm not sure I would enjoy the un-Americanized version of Chinese eats.

We loved all the fun and stinky gifts, and we are very glad Casey made it home safe and sound!

Ry's Birthday

Yesterday was Ryan's 9th birthday. He wanted to stay home from school to celebrate. Mom said no. He wasn't too happy, but he was sent to school with a bag full of monster cookies for his class and a promise mom would meet him for lunch. He was good with that.



Ry with his new bike, which he knew he was getting because dad spilled the beans.



It's a little bigger so turning corners are a bit of a challenge.



But I'm sure with a little practice he'll have it down in no time.



He had his friend party this weekend. I really had to gear myself up for this. Poor Ryan(last child) has gotten the shaft when it comes to birthday parties, so this year I decided I would comply with his wishes and have a birthday party at home with friends. We decided to go with a Circus theme.



We had several games and activities centered around this theme.

*Bean bag bulls-eye*


*Darts*


*Face painting*(and the awesome help)


*potato sack race*


*photo booth*


*Clothespin drop*


We ended the party with a pinata...the head was the first to go. Casey tied it up by its britches, but it didn't work out so well.



So, he resorted to dumping and pouring...



Ryan had a good time and was very thankful for the effort it took in creating the activities and decorations. I'm not sure I'm young enough to do this every year. It wore me out. Next year might have to be dinner and a movie.

**Nine Fun facts about our Ry***



1. He is our sensitive child. A disproving frown from mom or dad would send this child into tears as a toddler.

2. Most requested food - PB&J...he will have it for Breakfast, lunch, snack and/or dinner.

3. Loves to play video games

4. Favorite Book/Move: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

5. He is the child that has lived the longest in the same state he was born.
Andy - 4yrs.(Oregon)
Kaitlyn - 6 months.(Virginia)
Cody - 4 yrs.(Maryland/West Virginia)
Ryan - 9+ yrs. (GA)

6. Hates to go shopping, even if it's for him. No bribe in the world makes it the least bit enticing for Ryan to leave the house for a store.

7. Has a fear of helium balloons - HATES them.

8. Is a chit-chatter. If you don't know Ryan well, you will think he's very quiet and reserved, but once he knows you and is comfortable around you... he is constant conversation. He is the only one of my children that WILL tell me how his day at school went.

9. LOVES okra, especially fresh(straight out of the garden) but will also eat it fried, boiled and pickled.

Happy Birthday sweet Ry, we love you!

Cross Country

Cody had a cross country meet here at home yesterday. I love to watch him run. I wish I could see him more of the race than just bits & pieces, but I tried my best to be along the course when he ran by so I could snap some photos.







Split screen of Cody & I - same age(15), same sport, beginning of a race....



It was pretty warm yesterday, so it made for a hot race. He does better than I would have ever done running in the hot weather. He always(usually) has enough for a kick at the end, which is my favorite part. I remember that feeling of coming around to the finish line. I felt different every time but was always so happy to be there!



Great Job Cody!!

The Civility Experiment

Love this...



John 7:24

"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."

Summer withdrawls

School has started, and I am dizzy with all of the activities and schedules that have us going in circles most days of the week.

So, for now I am thinking and wishing it was still summertime...



And we were road tripping,



over-indulging in our endless bags of sunflower seeds.





We could drive through Caseyville again



and stop at Casey's General Store for a drink.



We could visit Oregon



and take a drive down memory lane, for those of us who remember and tell stories for those who don't...creating a family history of sorts.

(Casey's childhood home and farm)





We could have more family dinners and



more family softball and kickball games.



'

We could hike to the Y again (or NOT)



We could spend more time on the (windy)dunes



with our very *cool* grandma.



We WOULD go crabbing again and eat TONS, now that they are finally in season.



We could relax



and enjoy our time spent with Family,





Because that is what's most important.













We will never forget our movies on the lawn, cousins, baseball games, swimming, eating at our favorite places, A $300.00 traffic ticket(thank you Woodburn OR), endless amounts of driving, hiking the Y, cool ocean breezes, clam digging, beautiful mountains, Grandma's quilt auction, and so much more that made it such a memorable summer.



All good things must come to an end I know, but I'm just not very good with Good-Byes.

I'll try and focus on the positive and enjoy this cooler weather and the beautiful fall colors we have coming our way.

Carry on...