I Love My KitchenAid!

A KitchenAid is something I always heard others talk about, but thought I could do without. You know, I would just get out my little hand mixer to whip things up. Now I know why they loved theirs! It has something to do with having my hands free and you really don't dirty anything extra, so now I am having fun using it. I love bread recipes - any kind - so send some my way! This is the whole wheat bread recipe from Megan. It always turns out delicious! My other favorite is Lea's aunt's rolls - so yummy!

Our Cruise with Mother & Dad

The birthday dinner on Saturday night for Grandpa was the beginning of our vacation. He is 91 years young:)

We had an unusual problem getting onboard the next day due to a search of the ship before the previous travelers could debark and we could embark. Once onboard, the fun began!



This is a view of the Promenade where all the shops are.

I love those little towel animals every night!



I kind of think the flying bat was the best!

We watched an ice show, but apparently my photos were too dark. It was a first-rate show.



One of the evening shows was called "Ever After" - featuring fairy tales. Here's Snow White!
We usually came early for a good seat and sat within the first several rows. The Royal Caribbean singers and dancers were top-notch.

Our first stop was St. Martins. We had a snorkeling adventure planned, but all water excursions were canceled due to high wind and waves. That was a disappointment, but we took a bus tour of the island which was interesting and informative - it is half French and half Dutch.

Our stop in San Juan was really interesting - touring Fort San Cristobal and El Morro. We had practically a personal history lesson from the park ranger who was very informative. We walked all around the 2 forts.










These were the passageways that allowed soldiers to move from place to place in the fort.



These guys were good - if you like the Temptations:) I guess we are dating ourselves saying we remember them well!



This is the onboard Johnny Rockets, 50's diner. The waiters sing and dance from time to time. When you enter, everyone says "Hi" and when you leave they all say "Bye".



It's always interesting to see what country the crew members are from. Sometimes it is a challenge to understand their accents! But they are always friendly and enjoy talking about their homeland.







This was "colorful dress" night. Oops, I didn't have anything colorful like Mother, Dad, and Rob.



Rob visited the onboard FlowRider and was able to ride the waves well by the end. The last day he actually stood up on the surf board! I can't get my video to load or I'd show him in action!



Our last stop was Labadee, Haiti. It was purely relaxation - Grandpa enjoyed the hammocks! We tried a little snorkeling, but the water was cloudy - no fish:(



Our last celebration was a birthday dinner for Mother back with Richard, Charlotte, and family.
Another cruise with fond memories, especially celebrating with Mother and Dad McEwan!

Ginormous Snow Storm!

Galesburg got 17 inches of snow! So far, we've had 2 snow days off of school.

It's 3 o'clock in the afternoon and our driveway still looks like this - 2 and 1/2 feet of snow. Our usual snow plower hasn't answered his phone today. Hope he shows up so we can go to work tomorrow!



This is the drift we always get across the front. I should have stood by it because it was up to my chin and the picture doesn't do it justice!

Same thing on the other side by the garage dor.

Rob is out with the snowplow driver who plows in Henderson. They took his plow to the county road where Rob's Honda is stuck on the "S" curve right before you get into Henderson. Last night he was brought home by a first responder on a snowmobile. He had ice on his eyebrows when he came in the door! Mother Nature has done some damage.

A good note to add - Rob just got home with his Honda and our neighbor is plowing our driveway. Thanks goodness for friends!

Thanksgivng 2010

We enjoyed turkey, dressing, , sweet potato/apple casserole, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and Lea's baked beans, fruit salad and rolls - plus pumpkin pie for dessert. My favorite was the baked beans - yum!



Mazy playing in the family room. She sure smiles a lot!



Playing peek a boo on the couch:)



Mazy tried on her Christmas dress to make sure it fit, then ran around for fun!


Our home was so much more lively with Mike, Lea, and Mazy! Glad you were here:)

Fun at Home and at The Magic House

I got to spend a 4 day weekend with Mike, Lea, and Mazy!

Playing with sticks and leaves at the play area right by their apartment.



The slide is great entertainment!

Climbing and peek-a-boo :)

The Magic House is a St. Louis hands-on adventure for kids! Driving - fun!




Fishing with Daddy.

Taking care of baby.


Static excitement!
What a cool place to visit. It's fun exploring the St. Louis area!

Visit With Mike, Lea, and Mazy

We went to a ward cook-out at a farm - including a bonfire, stories, hot dogs and hamburgers, and a hay-rack ride. The weather was still so mild - nobody froze!

Watching the entertainment.


Mazy is opening her foam letters from Grandma - we had fun sticking them on the side of the tub during bathtime! She kept her little pig tail in for a while:)


On Columbus Day we went to a sculpture park. This was inside the cat at the entrance.



And this is Mazy looking out the window with her cool sunglasses on :)



And this is the HUGE eyeball sculpture complete with arteries drawn in by the artist. Mazy thought it was a big ball for pushing, but it just wouldn't budge!


There were many other big, unique, metal structures to explore!

It was fun to "get away from it all" for a few days and spend some laid-back time with Mike, Lea, and Mazy. The weather was still summer-like even in October - I'm not looking forward to the fall chill!

What Have I Been Doing Lately?

I went to the Nauvoo Temple and also stopped at various favorite spots.


The end of Parley Street. Some of you reading this will remember walking here after the prophet suggested we do it following the dedication of the Nauvoo Temple. This is where the pioneers crossed the frozen Mississippi to escape.


Well, I'm not quite sitting in the rocking chair yet, but I'm loving the role of grandmother!
I love the statues in the garden behind the Visitor's Center.

Joseph and Hyrum statues. The background of the Mississippi River is very pretty and unobstructed by buildings now.



I also bought a new car! I know, I know, it looks a lot like my Caravan - exactly the same color, but it is a Honda CRV. I didn't really need the 7 passenger vehicle, but I like to sit up high, so this seemed perfect. It gets good mileage and has great safety ratings, so I'm happy:)

The weather is so beautiful right now. It cools off at night and we have been having lots of sunny days. My garden is still producing tomatoes and cucumbers - I have to give most of them away or I would be overrun! School is going well, so anyway, life is good:)