The 'Quake of 2011

We can happily say we survived the 'Quake of 2011.  Whew!  I had no idea there even was an earthquake until much later when I turned on the TV while making dinner.  (See, for all you skeptics out there, domestic queens really don't sit with their feet up and watch TV all day.)  I thought back to where I was when it hit to see if I remembered feeling anything.  Then I remembered that I was in Walmart at the time getting groceries.  I definitely didn't notice anything too unusual...other than the interesting people Walmart tends to attract.  (While I'm in Walmart, I'm usually focused on observing people...looking for that perfect specimen to snap a picture of to submit to the "People of Walmart" website.)  I wonder how Cyrus handled the quake.  I don't know if he was anxious and could sense anything about to happen.  Probably not.  I'm sure he was snoozing on the pillow on the couch and just rode out the 'quake.  It's a good thing his nap was undisturbed.

Keaton's First Flat

Keaton had his first flat yesterday...well, actually, it was two flats.  He hooked up the tractor and trailer to my Durango to go mow for two of his customers.  While he was finishing up at the last house, he heard a loud pop from one of my tires...and then saw a gaping hole in it.  His first thought was that a screw flew off from the blower he was starting up and punctured the tire.  His second thought was that one of his customers didn't like his trimming and took a shot at him.  Just kidding.  So, he called me to tell me about the flat.  (It's nice to still be needed...except that I have no idea how to change a tire.)  I told him to call Matt to ask about changing the tire.  Matt couldn't come help, so Keaton did what a good, logical-thinking, resourceful young adult would do...he looked up how to change a tire on his phone.  He had to unhook the trailer and change the tire only to find that the spare tire was flat.  So, he called me again to ask if I could run the portable air compressor over to him.  (Did I mention that it's nice to be needed?  Oh, and did I also mention that this was the one day I didn't do anything to my hair or have on any makeup?)  So, I braved shocking the public and ran over to his rescue.  He was in surprisingly good spirits and willingly posed for a picture to document this scrapbook moment.  Keaton learned that he can be resourceful and calmly handle an unexpected event.  I learned that Keaton really is an adult and can handle an unexpected event (and I really shouldn't worry that he'll be maimed, injured or crushed while changing a tire).  I also learned to ALWAYS have my hair and makeup done...just in case.

Happy Campers

We spent last weekend hanging out with Hunter and McKenna.  I picked them up in Charlotte on Thursday.  I only had to use one bad word while driving when an idiot driver nearly side-swiped me trying to pass into oncoming traffic.  (Did I mention what an IDIOT he was?)  I apologized to the kids for using a bad word.  (The funny thing is they said it's okay...they've heard it before.  Hmmm...I'm hoping it wasn't from me.)

We went to Plainwell Ice Cream on their first night here.  Yes, we had to...it's a tradition and it's sooo good.  McKenna and I enjoyed some girl time with pedicures.  We did some grocery shopping on Friday and I spoiled the kids a little.  (Wait, I confess...I spoiled the kids a lot.)  We had lots and lots of goodies to pack in the motor home and then we headed out to Fort Custer when Matt got home from work.  After about 10 minutes on the road,  I smelled gas (not from the kids...but propane).  Sure enough, someone had turned on the pilot light on the stove.  We had a little talk about not touching any buttons or controls while in the motor home.  Well, that talk didn't last long...someone tried to turn on the generator after we arrived at the campground.  So, we had another talk about not touching any buttons or controls while in the motor home.  This time, the talk seemed to work...whew!  We just made sure we didn't leave the keys in the ignition so they couldn't go for a joyride.  ;-)

We had a lot of fun...even with the gazillion mosquitoes and thunderstorms.  We played games, ate a lot of good food (yep, s'mores and chocolate fondue were on the menu), and used up all of our mosquito spray.  Hunter was happy to go on the bike trails with Matt and get all dirty.  McKenna was happy to ride the scooter and practice her ballet while riding.  (She rode with one leg extended out behind her...very graceful.)  McKenna and I made a little scrapbook for Karie when we got home and then the kids went back to their neck of the woods on Monday.  I can't believe how quickly the time went.  We really enjoyed having the kids around.  They were great dog walkers...as long as they didn't have to clean up after Cyrus.  But, that's what Uncle Matt is for!

Our Trip to Tennessee

We stuffed Keaton, his girlfriend, and Cyrus into the Durango and headed down to Tennessee to wish my dad a happy birthday...in person. (Can you see why I'm the favorite?) We had a good time visiting family and the sights in TN. We climbed the world's largest tree house (located in Crossville, TN for you future Jeopardy contestants), did some shopping at the outlet mall, went on a pontoon boat ride, played some golf (well, the boys did...even in the 90+ heat), visited the world's longest garage sale (along US-127 through five states), and did some hiking to visit some waterfalls. We had to cross a suspension bridge (I don't know what shook more...my knees or the bridge itself) to hike the loop to Fall Creek Falls...the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. (Another tidbit of information for you Jeopardy people.) I found Big Foot on the side of the road and solved that mystery. Matt found a pinball machine and was happy to play some games. Keaton found lots of goodies and desserts at my dad's house. Cyrus found someone to make him his own personal pancake for breakfast (thanks, Dad!). We're already planning our 2013 trip when Keaton turns 21 so we can tour the bourbon trail. Yeehaw!  ;-)