Two Steps Forward...One Step Back

Journey is doing great. We were soooo excited Christmas day when we walked into the NICU and she was out of the incubator. It is so hard to see them in their little space ship. Seeing her in the regular little baby convertible hospital bed made her seem totally normal. Then yesterday she got to get the IV's out of her arm. Yes, progress is being made. I let the doctor know that my kids are not even sure that she truly exists because they have not got to see her yet, so the nice doc. went around and told all of the nurses that some kids would be coming to the first NICU window, but please pretend you don't see them. (You see the rule at this time of year is that kids under 12 can not even go onto the second floor of the hospital.) I went home and told the kids that they got to come to the hospital to see Journey. They were so excited. The one that surprised me was McKade. I did not think that he would even have a clue what was going on. The second I held her up to the window McKade's eyes lit up and the biggest smile I have ever seen spread over his face. He stayed like this the entire time he got to see her. I had told Ben from the beginning of this pregnancy that McKade needed to bring his little friend down to Earth with him and I believe that is exactly what happened. I can't wait for the two of them to grow up together.
I went into the NICU last night to feed Journey and found out that she has lost some weight being out of the incubator. She is able to keep her body temp. up really well, but this takes calories to do, calories that she can not afford to use for this. The doctor says that it is not a lack of eating that is making her lose weight, because she is peeing and pooping enough for 3 babies. We are packing the calories into her. So here we go back into the incubator. It was really hard to take this step back and the doctor says we should not see it as a step back (ya right). She has to stay in the incubator until she at least gets back up to her birth weight. She is down to 3 lbs. 10 oz now. Hopefully she will start to fatten up soon.

One Journey ends and another begins.

Journey Isabella Cobb has finally made it into the world at last. She is 3 lbs 13 oz and 16 inches long!

On Sunday December 20th at 8pm Shani had her appointment to be induced. After dropping off the kids at her mom’s house (thanks Tana and Brie) we headed to the hospital for the long night ahead of us. Shani told me they were going to use a “shoe string” to induce her because it is a slower process and they don’t want to hurt the baby because of her size. If you don’t know what the “shoe string” is look it up cuz I aint going into detail on that one.

After Shani changes into her gown the nurse comes in to explain what is going to happen. The nurse tells us they are going to place the “shoe string” and leave it in for 2 hours then check her again. Before they place the string in she checks Shani and says she is dilated to a 2.5 and 50% efffaced. We were thinking Shani will be ready anytime since this is almost how all the kids have started and then quickly came after. The nurse continues to explain that the string will be in for 12 hours and then they will take it out and see where she is at. The nurse tells us our only job for tonight is to sleep and that the baby won’t be delivered till this time tomorrow. I get a little annoyed at this and ask Shani if I could go home for the night but that wasn’t happening.

After the nurse does her thing Shani starts to have lots of contractions but the nurse assures us the baby won’t come till tomorrow night. We finally get to sleep and I am woken up at 1 or so AM to Shani rocking in pain on her bed asking for an epidural. Last time Shani had an epidural it slowed the process down. I was still planning on the baby coming the next day and it was barely Monday morning so I tell her “no, you can’t have an epidural!” Ya, wrong thing to say (to my credit, I was half asleep). Well the nurse was thinking the same thing I was but decided to check Shani out. She checks for the size and says “ya, you need an epidural, you're at a 4!” The drug doc finally made it to the room and relieved Shani from the pain. She checks Shani again and gets on the speaker and in a little bit of a panic asked if Doctor Guzman was still in the hospital. Shani had moved from a 4 to a 9 in no time and was ready to go.

Dr Guzman finally shows up and is kind of mad at the nurses because after all, Shani is not due to have the baby till tomorrow. The Doc checks Shani and you could see the surprise in his face and the slightest bit of panic in his voice as he starts shouting commands to get people and that the placenta had detached from her uterus a little. Three pushes later baby Journey is out crying. Still in a bit of a panic the Doc asks me “Dad you don’t care if I cut the cord do you” as he is already going for it. She was so small they were in a hurry to run a bunch of tests on her to see if she needed any special attention but the test never came back with a reason to why she was so small and stopped growing. Dr Guzman apologized to the nurses for being mean to them and that he was glad they made his hurry to the delivery room. Dr Guzman stated he was called to the hospital to admit someone and this must have been the reason he was here because it could have gone bad.

Journey is doing good but they are keeping her at the hospital till she feeds properly and gains a little weight. Shani is doing great as well as she is walking around and will be released soon. Thanks for all the help everyone have given us and to Tana and Brie for watching the kids. God really does answer prayers!

Baby Journey 5.6 lbs??

I got a call from Shani after a doctor appointment last week stating the Doc’s were ready to take the baby. Shani stated the Doc wanted her to go to her other ultrasound appointment first to see what they thought about it and to see how the baby was doing. Shani calls me Thursday after the appointment and tells me she has a meeting with the hospital on Sunday at 8pm where they will be inducing her. I think, “YES, let’s get the show on the road and get everyone moved out here!” Well…. If you know anything about Shani and babies you know nothing ever goes as planned.

I change my flight from the 23rd to the 18th and fly in. The Doc made Shani another appointment for the 19th at the hospital just to double check the baby before her big day. That day a routine visit turns into a FREAKING 3 HOUR ORDEAL!!! They didn’t really seem to have us in there database as they weren’t prepared for our visit. They put Shani on the stress test measuring baby’s heart beat and Shani’s contractions. After about an hour of that, was suppose to be 20 to 30 min, the nurse came in and said she was still waiting for the ultrasound tech. Being as patient as I am and already being there for an hour, I had had it and told Shani to get up and we were leaving. Well if you know me, you know who wears the pants in the family and we were there for another 2 hours.

The ultrasound tech finally makes her way into our room and tells us it might take her awhile because she does not know how to use the “new” machine! WTF!!! Now I am really ticked because she stops in the middle of it and takes 15 minutes to play with the machine to figure it out. The lady finally finishes the ultrasound and asked what the other ultrasound techs told her the baby’s weight was. Just for a quick background, Shani has been going to ultrasound specialists at least once a week for the past 3 or so months due to the fluid, or lack there of, in her belly and the baby has never been over 3.6 lbs. Any way, back to the story. Shani tells her 3 and ½ pound to which she replies “Well I Have her at 5.5 lbs” in a matter of fact tone of voice like she is Gods gift to ultrasound geeks!! What an IDIOT, the lady who admitted she didn’t know how to work the machine is going to tell us that the other actual ultrasound specialists, advanced ultrasounds are all they do at this place, were wrong? RIIIIGHT!!! We finally got released and went home to prepare for Journey’s big day on the 20th.

Seriously...

I had my kids make their Christmas lists awhile ago. The lists went on and on and I double checked with them for Santa many times. Now Bodin comes home with this letter to Santa...



This was not on the original list. I sure hope Santa's elves can get it made in time.

Student of the Month

The coveted award at my kid's school is the student of the month award. Only one child from each class is eligible to receive this award each month, so it is rather difficult to achieve. Bodin has been working really hard to get it. He comes home each month and says my teacher almost picked me. His teacher has told me that she has almost picked him each month, but since he is so good she has held off knowing that she can pick him at anytime. McKinna has also been working very hard. Here is what their teacher's had to say about them...
(you would have to click on the image to read it)




Good Job Guys! You cleaned house this month, plus McKinna also received an academic award and reached her AR goal.

The Christmas Season Has Begun

Last Saturday we went to the annual parade through Queen Creek. It was actually pretty good this year. The kids came home with bags of candy and so they deemed it a success.



This morning I took them to see the most awesome Santa Claus in the world. McKade was quite unsure of the whole situation. This, of course, always makes the best pictures.




Yesterday morning we woke up to frost on the ground. The kids were eating breakfast and kept telling me that the ground was white, and then they had to go investigate. They came in yelling that it had snowed. I hated to burst their bubbles. To them it snowed right here in AZ. Maybe we will have a white Christmas after all!

The toilet

McKade's new favorite thing is the toilet, well actually just throwing everything into the toilet. Last week he discovered it and had it full of nerf balls when I went to use it--to the trash they went. Today he was combing his hair, one of his favorite past times while I am getting ready in the morning. I then hear a splash, into the toilet they go. Later this morning Ben goes in to use the downstairs toilet, when I hear mumblings coming out. This time it is Bodin's shoe. I swear we watch him and try to keep the bathroom doors closed at all times. He is a sneaky little pooper.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving around these parts gets pretty crazy. The whole event starts on Wednesday night with a Korean dinner at my Aunt Holly's house. The food is amazing and it is fun to see family that we have not seen since last Thanksgiving. We then went down to the airport to pick up Ben. The kids could not wait to see him. It was crazy down at the airport, but the kids did not care as they jumped out at the curb to give daddy a hug. It was late by the time we got home, and the kids were asleep so we carried them up to bed.
We had to get up early the next morning since the anal docs won't let me miss an appointment. Of course, all of the offices are closed so off to the hospital on Dobson and the 60. We get there and they made us do all of the registration stuff, I am not planning on delivering there, but they want to be ready anyway. Then the ultrasound lady was late so we spend a good 2 hours of our Thanksgiving at the hospital. I am thankful that Journey passed all of her tests though and we got to come home. I am also thankful to everyone that has taken turns to help out with my other three. I really appreciate it and my kids do too.
Then we got to spend some time with Ben's family and see Grandma Magee for a little bit and Tony. Wow, Tony looks amazing coming back from Afghanistan. He left half of his body weight over there and grew some muscles, even though he is too embarrassed to let us see them. I have never seen Tony so embarassed. He is always the one that does the embarassing.
Off to Thanksgiving at my mom's house. This is where the craziness really begins. We get together with all of my mom's wonderful side of the family and eat, and eat, and eat.

The men then play football and we go through ads to get ready for Black Friday.

We started off Black Friday by meeting at Kohl's at 4. It was fun, after this we headed over to Target. This was crazy and even though we were there when the doors opened, everything was pretty much gone. Going through one of the aisles though I hear a voice, "Shani, I did not expect to see you out this morning. How is the baby doing?" I look up, and think OH NO! It is my ulrasound lady. I am not suppose to be doing much and I do not do very well on the whole stay home and take it easy thing. Now I am caught, Ha Ha!

I look forward to the rest of the weekend and dread Ben going home on Sunday. I am very thankful that he got to be here and I am also thankful for all of the wonderful blessings in my life including my wonderful family (extended and immediate).

Last Soccer Game of 2009

I must say that Bodin had a great soccer season this year! He loves the game and he is really good. He is a quick runner and is really into playing defense. He gets right in there and defends that goal against the best of them. He also made his share of goals.

The Water Truck

Well, the golf course next door to my parents was having their water turned off for a couple of weeks so they needed a way to water their grass. They came and asked my dad if he would mind driving a water truck over there for a couple of weeks. If you know my dad, you know this is right up his alley. Of course, the grandkids were all really excited for this too! They took quite a few rides with grandpa. He is so much fun! Heck, he even took Jason for a ride to shoot some birds.

Science Project

McKinna has a great teacher this year that sends home either a science or social studies project every quarter. This quarter McKinna had to do a science project and write it up using the scientific method. She then had to present it to the class. She did the cornstarch and water experiment with her little assistant, Bodin. She was then the first to present to her class. She did a wonderful job and got a 100%. Great job, McKinna. You are so smart!

Happy anniversary babe!

12 years have come and gone since we said "I do." We have had a lot of fun and been a lot of places. You have given us 3 beautiful kids and one on the way. I am glad you put up with my shananagance. I know I am not easy to put up with but you make it work. Thanks for the wonderful life you have given me and I miss you a ton. I will see you soon, I love you!

P.S. "I still do"

New Job!

Here is what the company Ben works for put out to the company on his first day of work. Good Job Ben! We miss you and are proud of you!!


Benjamin Cobb joins AET Offshore Services, Inc.




Role in AET
Ben has joined AET Offshore as the Asst. HSSE Manager reporting to Cody Wilson. Ben will focus on the workboat fleet to further develop the Behavior Based Safety Program and help drive the safety culture. Ben will also serve as the QA representative managing the lightering support equipment.
Professional Experience
Ben served honorably for 8 years in the United States Marine Corps obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant where he was given the assignment of Embarkation Chief responsible for the safe loading and unloading of military ships and aircraft. Ben’s previous position as project manager for a major home builder has equipped him with the tools to manage multiple sites and a diverse workforce while focusing on regulatory compliance. Ben’s most recent experience as a police officer gave him specific training in the areas of emergency management, accident investigation, and first responder medical training.
Personal Insight
In his leisure time Ben enjoys fishing, exercising, and spending time with his lovely wife and children.


Please join me in welcoming Ben to the Offshore team.
Best regards,

W. Cody Wilson / AET Offshore Services Inc

Monster Mash!

Halloween at the Cobb's was really fun this year. McKinna was a cat, Bodin was a Power-Ranger, and McKade was Bat-Man! Shani and I also got in on the fun, Shani was a pregnant Witch (for some reason it was really natural for her) and I was a Grim Reaper of some sort with blood gushing down my rib cage. The first time I put it on it scared McKade so bad he shook for a while. We had a great time and my nephews DJ and Trevor broke their candy weighin record of 11 lbs of candy to 13.8 lbs of candy this year, that'll make you sick!

Hope everyone had a great Halloween this year!!

David Beckham??

I was watching TV when I notice McKade walk by me. As he passes by the chair I see that he is KICKING a soccer ball. What the.... This has to be fluke, he just barely learned to walk. I grab the ball and place it at one end of the room and..... well, see for yourself!

McKade's unproportional

I am always joking that McKade looks like he has a big head. We found out at the doctor today that his head is not big for his age, it is right at the 50% mark. The problem is that his body length is in the 25% and his weight, at a whopping 18 lbs., is less than 5%. No wonder his head looks large on his little body. He must have a lot of brains in that head of his. We were told that we could add fat to his food (maybe a little more butter on those mashed potatoes.) If you have ever seen him eat you would know that getting him to eat is not the problem, he just doesn't put on weight. This seems to be a problem with everyone in our family. At some point maybe the docs will realize our kids are just small due to genetics and not to anything else:).

Cabin Trip

Well, since mine and McKade's birthdays are a day apart, I thought we would do something fun for our birthdays (especially since it fell on October break). I had planned out a trip to Sea World, but the doctors denied that one quickly. Why did Ben have to ask at the doctors office? He knew I would go if they had not specifically denied me. I know it is better I did not go anyway. I also wanted to go to the zoo, but then I got put on bed rest so that idea was out too. I had to do something. I figured I can lay around the cabin as easily as I can lay around the house so off we went. We had a great time and we even took some time to go up to Sonia's cabin, it is in Heber. They have this great zip line hooked up. The kids loved it. Bodin would fly down like his hero, Superman and McKinna would do it the old fashioned way.















Sonia then mentioned that they had hooked up her sister's baby to the zip line and sent him down in a car seat. Why not?


McKade seemed to enjoy himself. Thanks Sonia for letting the kids use your cabin. This turned out to be a great trip!

Happy Birthday McKade!!

I am posting a little bit late, but I could not miss McKade's first birthday post....

This is his birthday picture.

Of course, we needed one with him eating his cake. I got him an ice cream cake. He loved it, but towards the end his hands got to cold and he could not eat anymore. He is such a joy to have as part of our family. We love him too death! Bodin calls him his best buddy and McKinna loves to babysit him. He has started walking all over and is beginning to talk. He says dog, hi, and thank you. We love you McKade!!

Soccer Begins!!

Ever since the last soccer season ended, Bodin has been adimant that he was going to make a goal this season. He was good last season, but a little timid. He then was sick for his first practice so I had not seen how he was going to do. He woke up Saturday morning and told me that he was going to kick some booties at the game. So off we go.

Bodin did an awesome job! He made 3 goals and played some great defense. When we got home he said, "See mom, I told you I was going to kick some booty!"

A Smurf???

Well, McKade really wanted to play with Bodin the other day. I was trying to help McKinna get some make-up work done from all the school that she missed and I turned around to see this...

I had no idea that he had gotten into the fingerpaints, and was eating it. He seemed to like it. At least he picked out a color to match his pajamas. He is either a budding artist or turning into a smurf!

One sick family!

This past week was one of the worst weeks ever. It started off wth me. Next to Bill (Shani's dad) I get the strangest viruses/sicknesses. The weekend of Sep 20th the top of my head started to get sore. My hair was very tender to the touch (yes, my hair). I could only compare it to cat’s whiskers except for when my hair was touched it would register pain. I thought nothing of it because other than that I was not feeling sick.

Well by Wednesday my head was really hurting. The pain started drifting down to my left ear, felt like a bad ear infection, and my left tonsil, felt swollen and felt like it was being ripped open when I ate. I decided to go to the Doc's to find out what I had. Strep? NO! Ear infection? NOPE! That can only leave one possible answer, THE SHINGLES, DUH!

What the..... Who in the heck gets shingles on their head? To top it off, he tells me the same thing every Doc tells me when I go in. "Your to young to have this" I hear it all the time.

So I stay home from work for three days and what happens, Shani comes down with the flu! I’m suppose to feel sorry for her but all I can think of is "Oh great, I'm going to get that too and be out of work for another week!!" SORRY SHANI, I DO LOVE YOU AND FELT BAD FOR YOU.

Well as all of you know, crap rolls down hill and all the kids get sick having 104 and 105 temps, freaked me out!! Funny thing was, it didn't bother McKinna one bit, she was fine, until she got an ear infection. Talk about sleepless nights!! Good thing I wasn't working.

Everyone is back to normal now, with the exception of McKinna with her ear infection and my shingled up head which still hurts like HE double hock sticks. I had them on my stomach about 4 years ago and they are really painful but what can I do?

Here is to anyone sick and having a bad day!

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree

Okay, so I wake up early every Saturday morning with good intentions. I get up at 6 to make the kids their weekly pancake breakfast and then start cleaning the kitchen before Ben gets up. I had ordered a box of apples and had sat them on the ground for no more than 2 minutes to wipe down the counter when I turned around to this...

McKade helped himself to climb into the box and start throwing the apples out as fast as he could. The apples may all be bruised, but he sure looked cute doing it.

It's official..... It's a GIRL!

Went to the doc's yesterday and found our baby to be a girl, McKinna is soooo excited. Two girls and two boys! Only problem is the fluid around the baby is low so now they want us to come in every 2 weeks to check it out. Other than that they said the baby looks normal but small....DUH!!

Picture time

Shani said we needed to get some new pictures of the kids so I snapped a couple on Sunday before they went to church. After finally getting a couple of good ones they asked if they could do a funny face one (that's what they were doing the whole time!!) Why is it so difficult to get kids to pose right?? I know, I need better lighting equipment!

Bulgaria??

Anyone been to Bulgaria lately? Well, someone with our credit card number has. They are having a vacation that I only wish that I could be having. Why are people so evil? Bodin has been trying to figure out why Batman or Wolverine have not caught this bad man yet. Luckily our bank caught it before it got to bad and we cancelled our credit card. Now Ben has to go to the bank tomorrow morning to fill out a bunch of paperwork and get us some cash and some new cards. I can't even go to the gas station today. I hope the Armada has gas. I also hope I can remember how to write a check to go grocery shopping tomorrow:)

Beat the heat!

Summer time has come and… Well, Ok, summer is still in full effect but the kids are back to School. We didn’t do much this summer but after my surgery we did go to the cabin by Show Low. It was a good little vacation with lots of animals to see. We almost had some Elk meat but it decided not to cross the road at the last second, talk about the pucker factor, there was nothing I would have been able to do to avoid hitting the beast!!

We arrived at the cabin at night and it was nice and cool. I was thinking “Now this is why we come up here!” Well the next day the temp got up to 98 and it was hot as hades, WTH!! We went to some stores for food and window shopping and made our way back to the cabin. About an hour later Shani , who started on her winter coat early this year due to the bun in the oven, decided she had enough of the heat and we were going to just drive around for the day. I know what you are thinking; why in the world didn’t you turn the air conditioner on. Well, I never had to use the A/C at the cabin and didn’t know all I had to do was wet the pads down for the swamp cooler (didn’t know it was a swamp cooler), lesson learned.

Anyway, we could see big rain clouds and lightning to the east of us so I decided we were going to drive towards them till we hit rain or ran out of gas. About an hour into the drive we did it, we hit rain. It just so happened to be right by the Sunrise ski resort so we turned the drive into a sight seeing trip. I tried to ride with the windows down as it had cooled off into the 60’s but the kids were complaining they were too cold. After tooling around Shani said she wanted to ride the ski lift to the top of the mountain. We pulled up the parking lot and it started raining again and the temp on the Armada was reading 53 and we were all in shorts and a t-shirt so that wasn’t happening.

We drove back to the cabin where it had also rained which made for a nice cool afternoon. I brought along our Dutch oven and cooked up a meal fit for a king which brought in a grey fox that wasn’t the least bit scared of us. After I chased the fox off by trying to catch some pix’s of it some javelina came in and then some fat wild turkey.

After eating we drove to Sherman and Sonia’s cabin which was about 30 minutes away to visit. We had a nice little trip and got some MUCH needed time away from the valley.

Ben on drugs?

I love my husband dearly, but everytime I send him to the doctor something happens. His back went completely out a few weeks ago. It was so bad Sarah had to come down and brought some vicadin so that I could get him from the floor into the car. I wanted to call an ambulance, but he refused. I ended up taking him to Mountain Vista emergency room. Don't ever go there. He fell to the ground in the waiting room and they just ignored him. Then once we got him back to a room they would not do anything. They told me it was a profit sharing hospital and they do not do things like MRI's. Are you kidding me? All they will do is give him a shot to dope him up good and then they are sending him home with me.

The shot sure did dope him up good (a little too good). He starts singing the Pina Colada song to me. He is "drunk" calling everyone on his phone and telling them bizarre things. I finally had to confiscate his phone. Then they try to dismiss him. By this point he is sick as a dog and puking. Well, this makes his back worse. They realize they can't send him home like this so they give him a shot of phenergan to get him to stop puking. He then starts hallucinating and seeing dead people in the trash can. He also puts his puke bag on his hand and orders me to stop and get him some food on the way home. (Okay, you can't stop puking). After about 20 more minutes of this circus show I get to take him home. Luckily, the phenergan makes you really tired and he slept the rest of the night.

Yesterday, he had to go get his pre-op blood work done. Okay this should be no big deal so I send him on his way. Well, everything with Ben is a big deal. His arm starts to sting as she is taking the blood. He can't let on that it is hurting though. Oh no, being a man he just puts his head down on the table and passes out. Yes, passes out! When he comes to they are all around him very worried. They lay him on the floor and give him cool rags. They want him to go lay down in another room for a while. Of course mortified as he is he tells them he is fine and drives home. He then calls them to let them know he made it home okay. (What a nice guy!) I can't hardly wait to see what behavior the surgery on Thursday brings. I need to take my video camera with me and document his behavior!

Happy 4th!!

The Greatest Dad in the World!

I am so lucky to be married to the greatest dad in the world. He is so good with my kids. He is the one that comes home after a long day at work and plays with them. Their favorite thing to do with him is wrestle. Bodin and Ben love to watch movies together. He loves to take the kids to QT to get their favorite sodas. He works through pain everyday to provide for us. He does not take a second to think about jumping in when I need help. (Which has been a lot lately:)). We are a lucky family to have such a great daddy!

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day to all who have served, continue to serve, and will yet serve our great Nation!

Happy Birthday Bodin! We love you very much!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MCKINNA!! WE LOVE YOU!!

Happy birthday McKinna, We can't believe you're seven years old!!! You're still our little Hawaiian girl!

Fathers and Sons

Fathers and sons has come and gone. For Fathers and Sons all the boys get together and go to one wards campout which is usually our ward. Sherman and Darren left Thursday to go set up camp and rough it for 2 days instead of one, they are real men! Later that night I call Sherm up and ask how it's going. To my surprise Sherman say's it sucks, there are millions of gnats and misquitos, and that they were leaving. Needless to say I was very disappointed the camping spot sucked so bad because I had taken time off work for this and Bodin had been waiting for this camping trip for a while. While these thoughts were going through my head Sherman further states the camping trip was not over and he and Darren were going to stake a claim in the Pinal mountains were we had it last year. This got me more excited as that was the place we went last year and it was a great camping spot.

Bodin and I started our trek Friday morning and arrived at the camp ground at around 1100 am where we met up with Sherm, Darren, my dad, and the kids. As soon as we hit the dirt trail up the mountain I let Bodin bring his booster seat to the front seat to help me navigate, this was the thrill of his life. "You mean I can sit in the front with you?" He had the biggest smile on his face. As we arrived at the camp sight I was surprised to see they were able to get the exact spot we had last year. After we got settled in I decided to take a couple of snap shots. The kids kept yelling "BOOM, BOOM, FIRE POWER" (from the new night at the museum commercials) and striking the pose! There were still a lot of flies but Shem said it wasn't even close to what they had at the other location.

I took all the kids out for a couple of hikes in the forest and it was fun watching them explore and make their own conclusions of how a tree fell or what animals were in the woods. It reminded me of the times my dad took us on Fathers and Sons and other scout campouts.

That night we got the Dutch ovens out and cooked up some sliced potatoes, hamburger meat, and spiced up elk sausage. The food was great and the peach cobbler my dad cooked up was an awesome finish to the meal. I forgot how exciting it is for kids to start a fire and "play" in it with long sticks. You couldn't stop them from throwing more wood on the fire. I wonder what it is about fire that attracts man to it? What ever it is it is strong as we were all mesmerized by it. Sherman busted out the smores to finish the kids off before bed. The night wasn’t cold but it made me remember just how much I hate to sleep on the ground, man was I sore. In the middle of the night Bodin wakes me up and asked when the sun was going to come up. I look at my watch and saw it was 1:30 am!!! Bodin, it won't be up for a while so go back to sleep and don’t wake me up again! What I didn’t know was “a while” was only four more hours! Why is camping the only time kids want to be up at 5:30 in the morning?? The morning went smooth. We ate, tore down camp, and left early so we had most of the day with the rest of our families.

All in all it was a great outing with screaming kids, battle wounds, and good food.