The Show Me State!

So, we did it. We officially left both of our kids with the grandparents this weekend. It was such a tough decision, but I was also glad to have some time away with my hubby. We joined up with some friends that have 400 acres in Southwest Missouri. The Garrison family has been celebrating Labor Day on the farm for 33 years! I think this year on Sunday there were 40+ of us. We were happy to be included and we met lots of new friends! It was beautiful and God blessed us with awesome weather, although it called for rain every day. I am kicking myself for not taking more photos. We did a lot of resting, hanging out, and eating. But we also road Ethel the horse, went to the lake, and floated the river. And as most of you know, my favorite...riding the 4-wheeler FAST! Next time I need to take a dispoble underwater camera, because that river was to die for. It was gorgeous and I didn't get a single picture! I think because the kids were not with us, I was not as trigger happy with the camera, although I should have been. Here are few snapshots from our trip:

Poor ole' Ethel...she is quite out of shape and then she had to go haul us around. She liked to be with her other horse friends, so it was challenging to keep her on course. Once, she took off with me on her at a mad dash. It was fun, but I was just hoping that she was going to stop and not throw me over the fence into a pile of horses! Here is Michael riding her. She did not like to go to the left. We kept hearing Michael say, "Ok, we will just go right." It was funny.



We spent one day out on the lake. Michael left me for most of the day and went on the other boat to board with the boys. I did not do so well this time on the wakeboard. (my excuse is that the water was REALLY rough and REALLY cold).
I did however enjoy the tubing.


Here I am, the sole survivor!

To add to my collection of handstand photos:


Although I don't have a picture of us ON the 4-wheeler, here is one I snapped while riding. We were up close and personal with the cows.

And here is the only picture I snapped of Michael and I the whole trip.(note it was after a long day on the river, so I am not looking too hot.)

I was so sad to not be at home with my whole family and we missed my niece, Grace's birthday party. I know Lila and Graham had a blast playing with their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins though!
Thanks again Garrison family! We had such a great time. AND a BIG thanks to my parents and sisters for taking care of my kids. I know it is not an easy job and we really appreciate it.
The other great part to our weekend is that for Michael the VOLS won their first game with Coach Kiffin, and for me...the TIDE ROLLED! :)
We are now officially ready for some FALL weather! I have lots to catch up on from our summer, so be sure to check back. (I back date things to when they happen just in case you are wondering or if the whole 2 people who read this actually care.)