This is a test

Just Me and My Little Buddy

Tori and I went to Thanksgiving Point and played at the Cornbelly's corn maze and pumpkin fest this morning. We had so much fun doing all the different activities that they offer. I think we might even have to take the boys and show them all the fun things there.

*WARNING*

Tons of Tori pictures ahead

First picture of the day, getting ready to enter Cornbelly's.

She loved the funny corn faces.

Chillin' with the scarecrows.

Me-"Tori go hold the scarecrows hand for a picture".

Tori-"But the scarecrow doesn't have a hand".

Tori found a beautiful ear of corn in the corn maze.

After a long time in the corn maze we decided that we should take a few short cuts through the middle of the corn. Tori thought that was way more fun than staying on the path that took you in circles.

Trying out one of the many different kinds of slides.

We went on a hayride and we decided that the driver looked a bit like Santa Claus. After the ride was over, Tori said, "I don't think that can be Santa Claus because Santa Claus lives on the moon not at Thanksgiving Point".

Checking out the old fire engine and seeing if the hat fits.

Tori driving the tractor.

Seriously, where can I buy one of those cool tricycles?

Riding the barrel cow.

This is a little blurry but she had so much fun in the corn box. I was thinking how cool it would be if it got super hot and all those kernels popped into popcorn.

Hanging out on the hay with a cob of corn.

On the wooden train, looking so grown up.

Leaving all the fun with a little souvenir.

Dinosaurs and Ponies

Today to escape the heat we decided to go to the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point. It was very cool inside, not to crowded and I was able to let the kids get their energy out while I sat and relaxed. I think we will be visiting the museum several times this summer.

The boys exploring the caves.

Tori said it was just her size.

Tori found one to sit on, she said it looked like a friendly dinosaur.

and a not so friendly one.

After the Museum we wondered over to the Thanksgiving Point Farm. It was very, very, hot and very, very windy. But the kids still had fun for the most part, see the second picture down.

Tori ran right over and tried to milk the fake cow.

Joey quickly learned to not put your finger in a pony's mouth. I heard him saying, "make him let go, make him let go" I was not paying attention to what he was talking about, I was trying to get my camera out of my bag. When I turned he was trying to pull his pinky out of the pony's mouth. Here is the damage and a not so happy Joey.

Tori giving the ummm (I guess I should have read the sign), some kind of farm animal, maybe a llama a hug.

Tori was excited to ride the ponies.

Charles went for the only horse in the circle. I was actually a little nervous for him, it seemed so big next to all the little ponies.

Joey was even excited to ride a pony, his wound was quickly forgotten.

Towards the end of our exploring of the Farm we found this sign by the horses. I think they need to put one over by the pony as well.

Rock Canyon

Today the boys and I decided to go on hike up Rock Canyon. It was a beautiful day and everything is still very green.

I don't know what it is about boys but they wanted to climb to the top of every large rock we hiked by.

There were some pretty wildflowers growing along the trail.

The boys were very excited to blow this huge "dandelion". But after a few hard blows they had to give up.

More pretty flowers, with not so pretty thorns.

and of course, would my boys ever leave a hike without their pockets so full of rocks that their pants were falling down?

Charles Turns 8

Charles turned eight on the 18th of May. He wanted a "Terrible Terror" cake, the little green dragon from the movie "How to Train Your Dragon."

He almost didn't get all the candles blown out but with the last little bit of his breath he managed to do it, I thought he was going to pass out.

I can't believe my Charles is eight years old. In a week and a half he will be baptized. I am so proud of him, he is such a good boy and brings so much happiness to our family.

I got to say it was a good day

Except in this case, we did in fact use an A-K. Here in Reno for a Wheeler family reunion and took some time to go shoot some guns. Lots of handguns, rifles and a shotgun. There were a few "big boy" guns that were extra fun to shoot. Even the boys got in on the action, to Liz's chagrin. Here are some pictures:

Liz shooting skeet.

Shooting at the far target with the AR-15. I love this gun.

And at a closer target with the Kimber 45.

James helping Joey shoot his first gun ever. A Beretta 9 millimeter.

And Liz with the AK-47.

The reason we are having the reunion in Reno this weekend, is because of Liz's brother James' graduation from college and commissioning in the Army. We're proud of him and wish him all the best going forward as he heads to Fort Benning, then Fort Knox. Here is a picture with him and Tori at the commissioning ceremony. Tori crack me up because somehow she reminds me of a little Napoleon posing for a picture.

Send in the clown(s)

So I walked in from work today and Joey greeted me at the door with a very proud smile. "I made you something Dad," he said. "What is it?" I asked. "I drew you a picture," he answered.

Not bad at all. But considering the source, it's the best clown I've ever seen.

And so even though he is laying in bed at this very moment, in trouble and without goodnight songs for something completely unrelated (but appropriate), I'm reminded of how much I really love that kid.