Camping 2008

We went on a family camping trip in August. We invited the whole clan but only my Dad could make it. We are hoping to plan another one here in April.

Nick (Misty's Dad), Dan holding Zac, Ben, and Kris.

Our Campsite and the new "condo."

Zac and Kris getting firewood.

Ben chillin' instead of being on firewood patrol.

Saying Goodbye

In October 2008, our family got the news that a beloved member was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The night before Thanksgiving, Aunt Shelley Conway lost her fight to cancer. Please join us in prayer as our family mourns this loss. Aunt Shelley has left behind a husband of 25 years, Uncle Mike, and 8 children ranging in age from 8 to 23. For more information, please visit her blog at http://shelleyshelleyconway.blogspot.com/.

Dan's New Toy

Dan traded in the bike he had for his dream... a Harley Davidson. He ended up getting a 2008 Steet Bob with chrome skull accents. Its his baby. Unfortunately, the boys all thinks its their new toy as well. Dan is willing to share.... to a point. Here they are all checking out the new ride.

And of course they had to test it out too. Dan gave them all a ride around the block.

Harley

Our first puppy, Harley. He was an amazing dog that was with us for a month. Our landlord then decided that he did not approve of the breed of dog, American Bulldog, and would not allow us to keep him despite the fact that pets are allowed and he was being trained. We miss him a lot and hope he is doing well with his new family.

Ben named him. His first choice was Mega Ranger and was denied. Harley was his second pick adn approved. Ben got to name him as we were on an "alone time" adventure with him when we found out a friend of ours, Andrea, had picked him up for us as she new we were looking for a dog. She also knew about Dan's previous dog, Buddy, and felt this would be a perfect fit. It was....

Zac's Missing Tooth

If you have known me for awhile then you know that Zac is my adventurous child who visits the ER on a regular basis. He is never afraid of taking a risk or trying something new. He can be shy and quiet at first but don't let that fool you! In his latest adventures, Zac had a run in with his dresser. Somehow, he knocked his front two teeth lose. It resulted in a trip to the dentist and a missing tooth.

Some how missing a tooth just makes you seem older. Now, it is official!

He is no longer my baby but a big kid.

Not to be out done, his brothers had to join in the photo to

show off the missing tooth.

Engagement Photo

Costumes

Ben (4) as Buzz Lightyear, Zac (5) as Jack Sparrow, and Kris (8) as a Power Ranger.

Halloween Party

Dan is all about fun. Its one of the things I love about him is that he never lets life pass him by. He is always in the middle of it. He never does anything half way. He throws his whole heart into everything he does. So when the idea of a Halloween Party was brought up... Dan threw himself into it as he does everything. I only wish you could have been here to see it. A haunted hallway, fog, fog bubbles, creapy music, strobe lights, and a bonfire in the backyard. Dan is promising next years (if he is here) will be even better.

Some of those at the party. More arrived later.

Dan and I as pirates. What do you think of me as a brunette?

Shelley and Richard together again. Emo and Mobster style.





Melissa and Me. Ragged Ann with a Pirate. Odd combination. I wish

we still lived around the corner and could spend more time with each

other. I guess someday we will get another girls night out.

Pumpkins

The boys have never really celebrated Halloween but rather the Harvest. This year, Dan wanted to show the boys what Halloween was all about. If you know Dan, he never does things half way. Its all or nothing.

The pumpkin patch and Schnepf Farms was the first stop.
After all, you have to have the perfect pumkins for carving.

Its not an easy job to find the perfect pumpkin... just ask Ben.

But adventually you do find one.

After all that hard work, its time for a little fun in the sun.

After the adventures at the pumpkin patch, its time to carve the pumpkins.
Step 1: Cut open the top

Step 2: Take out the insides. YUCK!

Step 3: Tips from Dan on how to carve your pumpkin.

Step 4: Attempt to carve your own pumpkin.

Step 5: Let Dan finish the carving for you.

Step 6: Kiss your pumpkin if you really like your Jack-o-lantern.

Photos from Life Take 1

From Life Take 1
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Here are some old photos that I found. I hope you enjoy them!