The Wright Family

Adventures in Germany

2010-08-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

The Wright's embarked on their grandest adventure yet, a 2 week trip through Southern Germany. Our good friend's The Taylor's were kind enough to host us in the middle of their attempt to move back to the US after 7 years abroad.

Yes, it does look like a post card but this is the view of Berchtesgaden

from the top of the hill near the hotel we spent our 1st two nights.

While in Berchtesgaden, we saw some amazing places including

Hilter's Eagle's Nest. You can see how high it sits as well as the views. Here's a shot of Mason and Mom hiking down from the Eagle's Nest to the entrance where the buses picked us up.

At the base of the Eagle's Nest was an incredible bunker system Hitler had constructed by digging into the side of this granite mountain. We walked through some of the 10% or so of the tunnels they have restored.

One of our highlights here was a trip across Lake Konigesse to see St Bartholoma's chapel.

This is an alpine lake and short of crossing the mountains in the background, crossing the lake is the only way to reach this chapel. All the boats are electric, they don't allow motor boats on the lake.

Here is a shot of our hotel in Berchtesgaden.

This is the view from the path we would walk into town every night for dinner. We are 2 hours or so from Italy here and we dined the first night on traditional German fair and the 2nd on Italian. Both were very good.

All suited up for our tour of the salt mines. Yes, there really are salt mines and the interior was pretty amazing including a great wood slide we all took from one level down to the next. Deep inside the mines, about 50-100 feet underground, we crossed a small lake inside one of the salt caverns. Travis even scored some small salt shakers.

We left Berchtesgaden for Garmish but along the way we got sidetracked in the little village of Ramsau and found this church that was worth saving for posterity.

Our next destination was the town of Garmish which is both a military resort and a great small German town. Mason and Michelle hiked up the Hollental Klamm Gorge the next morning while Dad and Travis hit the pool

Notice the water has a greenish tint? That's not the lighting, that is all the minerals in the water from the glacier melting. Quite the hike and Michelle enjoyed her new hiking shoes.

Here's the crew having dinner in Garmish. Oh was this good. Weinerschnitzle and apple struddell. The food was amazing.

This is the whole crew less Kurtis who's on photo duty after dinner. Boy did we need the walk

Our adventures continue to Neuschwanstein, better known as Crazy Ludwig's Castle and the inspiration for Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom. Here's a shot of Mason and Michelle. The bridge they are standing on goes over a ravine that is a good 400 feet deep. No, Dad would NOT go out there.

We took a horse drawn carriage up to the castle but you still have a pretty good hike uphill to the entrance for the tour. LOTS of hiking on this trip. Sorry, no cameras allowed inside but the tour was impressive.

What do you do with a luge run in the off season? You put a go-kart sized car on it with nothing but a brake and you charge folks 1 Euro (about a $1.30) for 30-45 second rides down. Here's Travis and I trying to best Michelle's top time of the day. And no, it's not connected to the track, if you go too fast around a turn, you look like the "agony of defeat".

On the way back to Stuttgart we stopped on the Lech River to see the falls. Again, notice the green tint to the water.

The Germans can teach us a few things about healthy living. One of the attractions for kids (really kids of all ages) is an indoor play place (Sensapolis) where climbing is the order of the day. Of course your reward for the climb is getting to enjoy the dozens of different slides inside. The building was broken into 4 areas, space travel and Science, a forest, a castle and a pirate ship. This is the forest:

Here's my favorite pirate manning the cannons:

Next up was the Mercedes Museum, here is Dad and Travis out front: Best deal of the trip, only 8 euros. You take an elevator 8 stories up then the gallery is a giant corkscrew you walk down without having to go floor to floor.

Travis, Kameron and Kurtis in front of the world's first pickup truck

Really awesome old 500K

Travis striking a pose

Our journey now takes us to the town of Heidelberg along the Naker River.

Town square

View from castle

Backside of the castle which hasn't been fully restored yet

Next on the agenda is a visit into the Black Forest and the town of Triberg. Best known for the largest waterfall in Germany. We were there while Germany played Argentina in the world cup, it was fun celebrating with the locals after the game.

Not only are the falls the tallest in Germany but it is a town renowned for it's coo-coo clocks. Michelle loves coo-coo clocks so Christmas came early for her while Travis scored a namesake (a cute but too expensive stuffed dog we call TreeBerg since we couldn't figure out that Triberg is pronounced how it was spelled)

The boys did their share of expanding international relations though sadly, Travis' offer of marriage was turned down.

Next up were another pair of castles and Travis' biggest reminder from the trip.

Hohenzollern might have been the most impressive of our visit and the tour took us through all the history dating back to the 1500's. And yes, it is a haunted castle and Travis found some secret passageways.

Then we were onto Lichtenstein Castle which was the smallest of the castle's we toured but in some ways the most intersting.

It's a bit hard to see from this shot but the castle is build on top of a cliff face and there is only one way to approach it which is to the left of the picture. Notice the drawbridge. To the right is sheer drop off about 600-800 feet down.

This might be Travis' highlight of the trip. He landed himself a very nice Rainbow Trout and yes, we did grill him up.

OTOH, his low light of the trip was upon our return from our day of castles. Travis fell off the monkey bars and broke his upper left arm while dislocating his elbow. A night and then most of the next day was spent in German hositals (yes, 2 of them) having the arm splinted then surgery to have it set with pins.

Here he is in front of the Stuttgart Palace showing off his arm in a sling.

And this was a fun pic of Mom and I at the base of the Stuttgart TV tower which is about 150 stories tall.

Trust me, we have hundreds more pictures but wanted to give everyone a quick taste of our trip. We both have face book accounts with more photos to share but we thought you would enjoy just a sampling of our latest adventure.

This is Travis' Kindergarden teacher Ms Jennnings and his "Super StoryTeller" award at year end. Yes, he is wearing a suit, he really likes putting his suit on and coming to Dad's office to have "meetings".

Lunch With a Legand

2009-08-30T18:19:00.001-07:00

Marty Akins, Chuck and Coach Royal

Thanks to Chuck's good friend Ron and to Coach Ken Dabbs, Chuck had the opportunity to join legendary Hall of Fame Coach Darrell K Royal along with former All American QB at TEXAS, Marty Akins at lunch at one of Coach Royal's favorite mexican foods spots in Austin.

Coach Royal and Marty are both class acts, shared some great stories and treated us like old friends not like the bunch of teenage groupies we all felt. It is not a pun to say we all felt like we dined with royalty that day. An opportunity to have lunch and a beer with Coach Royal is an incredible thrill for any Longhorn fan and Dad couldn't have been prouder.

Coach Dabbs had more in store for us, escorting our crew out to the Horns final pre season practice before they broke for a long weekend. Besides seeing the '09 team going through their paces, the highlight of practice was getting to visit with Coach Mack Brown. Along with Coach Brown, Chuck also got to visit with Horn Strength and Conditioning coach Jeff Madden as well as Coach Ken Rucker. Not to hard to see why Coach Mack's staff is made up of such quality individuals, they take their lead from the head man. Not surprisingly, Coach Brown was recommended to TEXAS by none other than Coach Royal

While at practice, Chuck was able to spend a few minutes with Frank Denius. A very interesting man and long time supporter of the Longhorns (duh, they named the practice facility after him). What is most impressive though is that he landed at Normandy beach on 6 June 1944 and went all the way to Berlin. Along the way he became one of the Top 10 most decorated WWII servicemen. He regretted to inform me he had missed his first Longhorn game since 1946, ironically the Missouri game which was Travis' first. He was in Dallas accepting the Medal of Honor Society's highest honor.

To be able to visit with 4 such legendary Longhorns was truly a once in a lifetime experience and it will be a day Dad will share with us for some time to come.

Back to School

2009-08-30T18:04:00.001-07:00

The new school year is off to a running start.

Mason started his junior year at Wakeland. Finally, an upperclassman. We can hardly believe in less than a year we'll have a senior in the house. Mason is excited about his class this year. He's made both Honors Art and Honors ASL (American Sign Language). He's also taking Physics this year, something mom never had to take in high school. Makes my head spin even thinking about it.

Travis started Kindergarden this year and so far is loving it. His teacher Ms Jennings is in her third year of teaching and really great with the kids. It's been nice having Travis finally fall asleep at 8:30 every night rather then 10:30 or 11:00. I haven't been able to get him to do that since he was 1. The kid just doesn't like to sleep. Ok, maybe he just doesn't want to miss anything.

It will be a big year for him, gymnastics after school twice a week, karate twice a week and another year with his Fighting Frogs soccer team that he really enjoys.

Another Busy Summer

2009-08-16T16:04:00.000-07:00

Well, so much for staying quiet and staying home this summer. Again we were busy busy busy. Let's start at the beginning. Mason finished his Sophomore year at Wakeland High School and is now officially an upperclassman. He finished the school year with terrific grades and a drivers license. It's been nice to send him on a few of errands for me this summer, when he was home of course.

Travis graduated Preschool (Pre-K if you ask him) in style with a cap and gown ceremony and a reception with cookies and lemonade. He was all smiles and mom and dad were so proud. He's stayed busy this summer with gymnastics and karate and just started the fall soccer season.

The first week summer I was fortunate enough to head to Washington to visit my family for a week. My grandmother had been sick so we thought it an important opportunity to make a trip to the great Northwest. It was wonderful to see family and spend some time with my grandparents. Family is too far away but am grateful for the opportunities I do get to visit.

On a positive note for the Texas branch of the Baugh's, Kohen and Marian continue to pressure Mom and Dad to return while we hope Wes, Amy, Jared and Sarah feel the pull back to the Republic. Hey, it's my blog, I can be selfish and self serving if I want. :)

Amy, Maren, Jace, Jared, Wes and Alex Baugh

Grandpa Tony, Jace, and

Grandma Juanita

At the end of June we were glad to have Chuck's brother Don and his family stop for a stay on their way moving across country back to California. We love them so much and wish they lived closer. (you might be noticing a pattern by now) Chuck took us all out to tour the new Cowboys stadium and then out for great barbeque. Yum. Nothin' like The Feed Store in Southlake for some great ribs. On the 4th of July we all headed down to San Antonio for a mini family reunion with Chuck's family. A weekend of reacquainting with loved ones. The kids especially had a great time together.

While in SA we all road tripped out to Fayettville Texas in the Colorado River Valley. This is a town that Chuck's 4X great grandfather (James J Ross) helped found as displayed on a monument in the town square. On the right below is a photo of the Texas Historical marker at Ross Praire which is where Stephen F Austin originally granted James J Ross his 4000 leagues of Texas in 1824. We still haven't figured out where it all went.

So much for the history lesson, we continued that trip with a visit to the famous Blue Bell Ice Cream factory, the real highlight of that day!!!!!! I'd say for the kids but Uncle Don and Chuck seemed to enjoy it more than the kids. Travis got an autograph from Miss Dottie who has done the tours there since she was a teenager.

The Wright Children and their spouses...

Kenny and Sue Wright, Lisa and Chris Wright

Linda and Pat Fisher, Norma and Don Wright,

Michelle and Chuck Wright

Linda Fisher, Travis Wright,

Chuck Wright, Greg Wright and Don Wright

The Cousins

Tamara, Becky, Blayne, Mason, Matthew, Chris, Travis, J.R. and Greg

The above pictures were from a family dinner celebrating Kennuy's marriage to Ms Sue at La Fogota after a day of bowling. Kenny, Chris and Chuck have been eating at La Fogota since it opened, it is a San Antonio landmark now.

From San Antonio we put Mason on a plane to Washington to spend 3 weeks with his other grandparents and aunts, uncles, cousins, and great grandparents. It was a regular hoopla! Mason had a great time hanging out with everyone but really enjoyed his time helping his Grandpa Baugh (or g-pa as he is affectionately known) build bookshelves.

Chuck Travis and I took the opportunity to head to Austin and Fredericksburg for a weekend with our friends Steve and Maria. It was all part of our "eating our way through Texas" tour including lunch at the legendary Salt Lick Bar B Que spot (another pattern you may begin to notice)

Chuck, Travis, Michelle, and Steve & Maria Foxx

Chuck found a great hotel outside the city. The Hanger Hotel is done up as a World War II era/somewhere in the south pacific lodging establishment, right down to the music they play in the lobby, a lounge called the officer's club and the pin up girl t-shirts. They even had a fly up diner right next door.

Travis loved it though he loves ANY hotel. He got to watch a few planes fly in and out. Mom loved sitting up in the morning before the world was up and watching the sun, feeling the cool morning air, and enjoying the quiet.

Airport Diner at the Hangar Hotel

Mason came back to Frisco long enough to sleep in his bed for a night or two, get his laundry washed and the climb into the van with the family, his friend Parker, and Grandma Wright and head to EFY (Especially For Youth) camp in Nauvoo IL. We stopped in Sprinfield Mo on the way up to visit the Original Bass Pro Shop. I could have spent all day there and then some but alas, I was outvoted by the rest of the tired and hungry crew. The next morning we then headed to Nauvoo through the Lakes of the Osarks and crossed the Missouri River at Jefferson City (awesome capitol building).

Sunset on the Mississippi

The Mississippi really is a mighty river. Muddy, but beautiful.

I had planned on hot and muggy but Nauvoo was luckily cool and comfortable the entire time we were there. A couple days of rain helped to keep it nice too. While Mason was at EFY Chuck, Grandma Wright, Travis and I toured the historical sites of the LDS church and even took a short trip over to Carthage to see the jail. What a learning experience and seeing everything really put things into perspective.

We also took a day and headed to Hannibal MO to visit the boyhood home of Samuel Clemens. We were able to see his home, the home of Huck, rode the Mark Twain riverboat on the Mississippi, and did a bit of antique shopping too. It wasn't hard to see how the characters of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn came to pass, considering they are all based on real people. Just an amazing piece of Americana.

Nauvoo Temple at sundown

Nauvoo is a small town but full of history and a great opportunity to really get a feel for how settlers in the early 1800's lived. Chuck was most facinated by John Browning's house, the legenday gunsmith. Travis' highlight was spending the afternoon playing with the pioneer toys in the children's area.

Travis dressed in pioneer child style playing with pioneer toys

Leave it to Chuck to find a fellow Marine in a town of less than 400. The bartender at the hotel next to where we stayed was a wounded Iraqi War Marine who worked with the bomb dogs sniffing out IED's. Fine young marine now back and trying to earn his college degree to return to the Corps as an officer and he poured a good drink too.

Even though we enjoyed all our travels this last summer it's nice to be home to our own beds, regular bedtimes, friends, and some sort of ROUTINE! Next summer we are staying home.........maybe.

Orange/White - "Texas Fight!!"

2009-04-12T17:48:00.001-07:00

At the beginning of the month packed up the mini van and made the 4 hour trek to Austin to watch the Longhorn spring scrimmage. Travis has been wanting to see another Texas football game since we took him the UT/Mizzu game last fall. Travis even got to meet Bevo before the game.
Thank heaven dad has copies of all the games on DVD. It will have to carry us through the looonnnnggg summer void of college football. How did Mason like the game you ask? He loved it as mom and dad didn't make him go and he was able to stay home with the house to himself. He was so thankful that he even cleaned the house and did the yard. Thanks Mason!

Following the Spring Game, Dad had the priviledge of introducing Quan Cosby to the Dallas Lunch Bunch. If there is a player who embodies what Mack Brown is trying to achieve at TEXAS both on and off the field, it is Quan Cosby. Just an outstanding young man and we'll be watching closely to see where he goes in the NFL draft at the end of April.

16 Already

2009-04-12T17:23:00.000-07:00

Well, Mason is now 16. How the time flies. I remember like it was yesterday (yet a lifetime ago) when he was such a tiny baby curled up in the Lazy Boy recliner with me. Where did the time go?

As parents there have been many years of pride, joy, accomplishments, tears, frustrations and worries. We've watched him grow from baby to boy to teenager. Along the way there have been tears of sadness, tears of joy, moments of great fustration and moments of heart pounding pride. I know we have raised a fine young man and we're lucky to have him as our son, and Travis is thrilled to label him "World's Best Big Brother". Happy birthday Mason.

A White Christmas

2009-01-18T16:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas!

The best time of the year. A time to celebrate our Savior and reflect on Him and His life. A time for togetherness, shopping, pageants, plays, feasts, the theatre, and family.

My sister TerriLyn has taken up crocheting and made us all stockings this year. We all had input on what we wanted. Me, I wanted something kind of feminine that would go with everyones. Mason wanted one like one she had made for someone else. Travis was very perticular about the colors and what he wanted and where they were to be on the stocking. Aunt TerriLyn got it right on. Chuck, he just wanted to make sure it was BIG. Joe was even thought of and Santa even brought him a treat.

This Christmas we were fortunate to fly to Spokane and visit my family. We figured it out and this was the first Christmas all my siblings and I were together in ten years. It was a chance for Mason and Travis to meet and get to know cousins they had not met. A chance for us siblings to hang out and share stories of old times and strengthen family bonds. A chance to make more memories. Lots of games were played and puzzles put together.

Let's talk about snow. Boy did we have snow. And more snow. Oh, and did I mention that we got snow? Chuck was able to experience his first "White Christmas" and Travis got to build his first real snowman. Someone needed to tell Travis he could use more snow though. There was plenty to go around.

Chuck learned the art of clearing snow and ice sickles from the house roof and Mason tried his hand at shoveling snow. Well, a lot of us had a turn at shoveling snow. Thank heavens for the neighbors snow blower that cleared the sidewalk between my sisters house and the house we were staying at (thank you Natalie) and gave us a shoveling guideline for each following snowfall.

Cousins built a great sled run in the front yard and uncle Kent got cleaver and built stairs up the side to make it easier to get to the top. There was even a jump at the bottom. Travis loved "getting some air".

It was fun to see how much Wes and Amy's kids had grown since they moved back to Washington from Texas. I got the biggest kick of Alex yelling for his dad. "Da-Yee! DA-YEE!" We sure do miss them hanging out at our place on the weekends.

We got a chance to spend some time with Jared and Sarah and boy did Jace grow since we saw him at Thanksgiving. What a cute family. (Jace has found his voice!)

My sister Wendy and her family.

They were so gracious to let everyone celebrate at their house. What a cute little family.

My sister TerriLyn and her family.

The kiddos are all so cute and smart. And Reagan, he looks so much like Travis it's a bit weird! (In a cool way.)

Getting a picture of all 27 of us looking at the camera at the same time was a chore. I don't think we ever got it perfect. With 15 kids under 16 it's next to impossible.

We loved being with my family this Christmas and will miss them at Christmastime next year. That is unless I can talk them all into coming down here for a Texas Christmas. (hint hint)

Around the Campfire

2008-12-23T04:06:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we decided to have ourselves a little campfire on the back patio. Travis needed to experience what it was like to have a smore with campfire roasted marshmallows and all.

Though the fire was a bit smokey and the smell of the trees was missed we all had a great time. Chuck and I were especially grateful to be able to go in the house and sleep in our own warm bed instead of the cold hard ground and waking up with frozen toes.

Dad shared a ghost story from his days as a boy living in Okinawa. He told the tale of the Ghost of Nago. The Ghost of Nago lived in the hills above Camp Mercy in Okinawa. Family friend Nolan Edwards would hide among the cliffs and lay in wait to scare any unsuspecting little kids who happened to cross his path.

Travis made us all laugh at the little innocent comments and questions he had for us.

Mom: "Travis don't put your marshmallow in the water bucket."

Travis: "Why?"

I told Travis to let his marshmallow cool a bit before he ate it or he would burn his tongue.

A little bit later he sticks his tongue out.

"Mom, is my tongue on fire?"

After staring at the smokey fire for a period of time.

"My eye is almost on fire!"

After standing there with his roasting stick in the fire for a time.

"Look it's been 4 hours and my stick is almost on fire."

Mason wanted to know if anyone had ever branded a dog and why when you roast a marshmallow does it get so poofy. He was a great big brother to Travis and taught him well the art of a making a great smore.

Travis loved being able to catch things on fire and not be told to leave it alone. I had to tell him more than once that he had burned the marshmallow so much that it just wouldn't even catch on fire anymore.

Poor Joe finally had to be banished to the house for fear he would catch an ear on fire. Instead of whining from the outside in he was whining from the inside out. He does love to be with his humans.

We had a terrific time and I look forward to doing it again soon.

Photos to Share

2008-11-14T20:11:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Milestones

2008-09-27T17:11:00.001-07:00

Today was a day of milestones for the Wright family.

This morning our little soccer player Travis had his 4th game of the season. The Fightin' Frogs team got out there and hustled while Travis once again chased them around the field. "Will he ever get the concept of soccer" I wonder as I watch him half heartedly trot down the field, head bobbing from side to side. Well at least he is staying ON THE FIELD this season and somewhat following the ball. And no more hanging from the goal posts in the middle of a game. Now if we could just keep him from striking up conversations from the opposing team's coach and parents. Yes, we have had to remind him that there is a game going on and this is not time for idle chit chat. Ok mom. Here we go. "Your kick, Travis" Coach Box hollars from the sideline. Ok, maybe Travis does hear us hollering at him as he smiles big and takes his kick. Anyway to the milestone. Fourth quarter and Travis is in. There is an opening and Travis sees the ball. It is wide open and in front of the goal. The lightbulb goes on. He runs. He shoots. He scores. FOR THE OTHER TEAM!!!! Oh well. When we told him he would get a trip to Going Bonkers for a goal we never did specify which goal he had to make. Way to go Travis for your first goal as a Fightin' Frog.

The next milestone is for my Mason. My little boy is growing up so fast. Tonight is his first Homecoming dance. Last week dad went out and bought Mason his first Italian suit taylored to fit. Boy does he look sharp. After a little drama and some flip flopping it was decided that a group of them would meet at GoGo Burger before heading to the dance. "A burger joint before a formal dance?" I wonder. As I drive away I think, "He better not get ketchup on that suit."

Progress

2008-09-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, so after 2 hours this afternoon I finally have a new background. But still no fun little gadgets and gizmos that make pages so fun to check out. I don't know how I ever even graduated high school as it seems I don't know how to follow directions very well.

Poor Deanna. She is patiently waiting for me to contact her so she can help but it seems I just can't get it together. I can just see her shaking her head and sighing.

Thank you Kim for your wonderful blog. I have been watching and learning from you. My aim is to have something someday that is as enjoyable as yours to read. I still haven't figured out how to get my music there though. Guess I'll just continue to listen to yours.

And to my followers, still nothing deep and profound to share. Thank you for much patience and still checking in.

My brain is taxed for today.

Until next time.

I'm Still Stumbling

2008-09-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's been months since we started this thing and I still don't understand it. Hopefully by the end of this week I will have had my tutorial from Deanna and you all will have some fresh stuff to look at and listen too.

For those of you who do check in on us periodically thanks for your patience.

Until later this week.

2008-07-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy summer for the Frisco Wright's so far and here it is only the middle of July.

Summer started for us with a bang. The Monday after Mason's freshman year was complete, he had to have oral surgery to correct some wayword teeth. Couple of years worth of braces and Mason's smile will rival his personality. Two days later we packed him off to High Adventure camp with the Boy Scouts in Oklahoma.

No sooner had he returned that Friday, than the whole clan loaded up Mom's new minivan (no we didn't head to Beverly Hills) on Saturday to drive to Utah and deposit him at the EFY summer camp at BYU in Provo. He roomed with his good friend and partner in crime, Seton. Though he won't admit as much to mom and dad, we know he had a great time and made many new friends.

A view from along the way
Shiprock, New Mexico:

All told the trip was 2600+ miles or 28 hours of just driving. While it was worth seeing once (though the SE Utah area around Moab was amazing to see), not a drive we'll be undertaking again soon. We cruised through the Navaho nation, Travis parked his butt in 4 states at once (didn't think that skinny butt would pull it off) at 4 corners. Another place worth seeing once in your life. Traveled through SW Colorado and up through SE Utah and the Moab area on our way to Provo. Really pretty spot.

Travis handled it remarkably well but I have to say, the boy will sit for hours with a DVD player and a Scooby Doo movie. He is a plugged in junkie. He makes for a great traveling partner though.

On the way back we dined at one of the best country clubs in Sante Fe , gotta admit, Dad could get used to that lifestyle, courtesy of good friend Dr Bob. In fact we were so busy yacking during dinner, we forgot to take a single picture of the course, the club, the view or us with Dr Bob. Oh well, means we have to go back. :) What a beautiful part of the country. Club sat up on a ridge and the view at sunset was amazing. Of course the golf course was awesome too and Travis kept asking to play 9.

This is Travis in front of the oldest church in America in Sante Fe, where he lit a candle for his Gramin. San Miguel Mission dates back to the 1200's where the native indians used it as a place of worship then built on by the Spanish expedition in the 1500's. We also passed the monument to the Mormon Battalion which would travel from Missouri to Sandy Eggo via New Mexico and the American Southwest. Longest military march in US history. One of the participants would be credited with finding the first gold in the California Gold Rush of '49. We also passed the site of the western most battle of the Civil War.

Mason flew home from EFY just in time to turn around and get on a plane with the rest of the family. And headed where you ask?

Well for sunny (hah! try humid and Africa hot!!!!!!) Orlando where Disney World and Uncle Don, Aunt Norma, Tamara and Greg eagerly awaited our arrival. Needless to say the kids had a blast, Don wrote an op order trying to wear us out but it was a blast, rides shows food walking more walking and we each dropped enough money to send a kid to college for a semester.

It was GREAT!!!!! Travis made loads of new friends and even scored a kiss from Minnie Mouse.

Of course one of our problems was the kids didn't want to get along, NOT. They really had a blast together and Travis thought he was it getting to hang out with the big kids for a change.

Travis and Greg Find Goliath

These are the old people at the Coral Sea. Then Dad Aunt Norma and Travis waiting on the kids (lead by Uncle Don) on the California Test Track ride (they went REALLY fast, faster than Mason better be driving)

Returned home to a terrific fireworks show on the 4th, drivers ed for Mason (time to invest in bumper cars) and swimming classes for the short/cute one. Mason's actually a decent driver and Travis now refers to himself as a guppy.

We have band camp on the horizon and a trip to Seattle for Chuck's company trip. Oh yeah, Da Boys and Da Horns hit training camp soon too! :)

If we've been less than social, this may explain why. Now Dad understands why the start of school is so exciting for both kids and parents.

My soccer stars:

Travis Loves the Wide Open Spaces

There are three states in this picture

Our butts fit in 4 states at once.

Good Buds