24 Hours

In 24 hours we will be on our way to Alaska! I'm starting to get an upset stomach over the packing and the traveling. I'm worried about forgetting something important as well as over packing. One checked bag per person and one back pack. I have a lot of first aid products, book, gum....I just wish it was tomorrow right now. Everyone is excited to hop on a plane to have some fun! I hope my kids will be have and not fight on the plane or while on vacation. I think they'll be too excited to think about fighting!

It was funny to watch our synchronized packing. I had 4 bags on my bed and called for the kids to bring me things in order. When someone didn't have a needed item, we stopped and took a break until the item was found (washed).

The kids have been playing well with eachother....I think it helps that I locked the TV in the living room. They are banished to the basement, where I hear barbies and legos being played with.

I'm going to try to keep a journal of our trip....since I'm not sure if I'll be able to update while on the road.

Keep us in your prayers that we stay safe.

The many faces of Jackson

Pug Pool Party

It was a hot day in Omaha today. We filled the pool up this morning and by the afternoon it had warmed up enough for a little dip. Chase loves water, so we had him join the kids in the pool. Here are a few of the pics I took. I'm still loving my camera. I took loads of pics today. I know there will be so many great shots in Alaska! We are so excited for our trip. We leave in 6 days. Joe returns tonight from his DC trip. I know he's had a great time!

I got a new camera

I just love my new camera that I got today. Here are some pictures I took:

Hug a Pug!

Chloe (black) and Chase (tan) are here for a week. My friend / co-worker is on vacation and we volunteered to pug-sit! They are so fun and cute!

Joe is in Washington DC

Joe awoke today at 3:00 AM to start his voyage to Washington DC. Jeff and I both got up with him. Joe wanted his dad to drive him to the airport....so I made some muffins. I fell back to sleep about the time Jeff got back from the airport. Joe has my digital camera and my video camera. I hope he gets some great pictures!

Joe did text me when his plane landed. The poor kid sitting next to him didn't handle the flight very well and got sick. Unfortunately, some of it landed on Joe! I knew there was a reason I had him pack 5 outfits for 4 days!

I've been busy folding laundry, ironing clothes, and cleaning the house today. This evening the PUGS arrive! Jackson and Jenna will be dog sitting for a few days for my friend, Jill's, two pugs. She and her hubby are going on vacation. It will be nice to have the dogs here - since we are missing the energy of our cat, Mr. Whiskers! Jenna has been busy cleaning and rearranging her room. Jackson has been a big help taking care of anything I ask of him.

This weekend Jeff will be doing the Des Moines / Hy Vee Triathlon. He's been keeping busy working out, swimming, and biking.

My mom and I are trying to organize our trip to Alaska. I think we have a bit of a plan for the first week.

It sure is quiet around here with Joe gone. I'm not complaining, tho!

Miss Ella Graduated

Our beautiful 18 year old niece, Ella, graduated from River Falls High School this past weekend. Although we had some rain, the energy level was high. We had a blast cutting up fruit for the celebration.


There was a chocolate fountain that the kids loved. Jenna made a mess of herself. She even had chocolate in her hair!!!


Jenna had a great time playing dress up at Grandma Gruber's house. Her cousin Anna joined in on the fun.


We were able to get the whole family in a picture.