Did You Miss Us?

Thank you for being patient, and if you weren't, thank you for not saying anything. We want to catch you up with our lives. Here is a quick rundown of our summer. Picking up where we left off.

July

Because of the rain on the 4th of July we had friends over to our house to celebrate and play games. The kids were a little worn out by the time we took this picture (L to R Kenna, Clayton, Duncan, and Sadie)

Our Friends Jon, Jessica, and Daniel came for a weekend in July too. On the Saturday of their visit we tried to beat the rain to the Zoo...it met us there, and then Beat us. Memories!

Clayton and Daniel did enjoy a dry ride in the wagon.

We went to a couple of County Fairs and looked at the animals. I have decided that there is no fair like the fair I grew up knowing.

August

We took a trip to Denver to visit Uncle Andre and Aunt Roxanne.

While in Denver we went to their Childrens' Museum, Clayton loved watching the children play as much as he enjoyed playing himself.

Uncle Andre and Clayton playing 0n a Fire Engine.

Clayton enjoyed trying out the tents with Aunt Roxanne at a sporting goods store.

We took a long hike while we were out there. Uncle Andre and Aunt Roxanne at the summit.

Clayton loved the hike, walking the trail as much as riding in the pack. It was so beautiful.

Clayton slept in his pack most of the way down.

I always love playing with Clayton, it gives me a reason to do the things I really want to do. I think we grown-ups want to "act our age" too often.

October

Our friends Scott, Mindy, and Sadie invited us to join them for a short week in Florida. We willingly obliged. The resort we stayed at was beautiful. We enjoyed the multiple pools, lazy rivers, and warm weather. We were on Disney property so we rode the Mono-rail to Epcot and a Ferry to the Magic Kingdom. No,we didn't go into either park but they won't remember. Yes, I am cheap.

Clayton and Sadie sitting pool side. They both had a lot of fun in the water.

Last weekend we spent a cold couple of hours at an apple orchard and pumpkin patch with Pawpaw and Nana Tow. Clayton picked out a great pumpkin, and got to ride a horse for the first time. So many to choose from!

This was Cinnamon, she was a great horse to ride. I am glad I wore boots.

Apple Works Orchard is a beautiful place to visit.

Clayton poses for us whenever we ask. We need to ask more often.

Clayton has a fever for the second day. We hope that it isn't the Swine Flu. Please keep him and Raendra in your prayers. Raendra is in her 26th week of pregnancy so we hope she can stay healthy through this season.

Gatlinburg Vacation

The three of us took a vacation to Gatlinburg, Tennessee the week of June 20th. This was the first time we used our vacation network, and we were really happy with the services and the place we stayed. It was bigger than our house! We enjoyed a nice, relaxing week soaking up the sun and taking in the scenery.

Clayton and I in front of the cabin we stayed in for our week of vacation.

We took a hike to Grotto Falls. Clayton really enjoyed riding in the pack and meeting all the other hikers along the way. Brian enjoyed being able to hike with Clayton. And of course he liked their matching hats.

We reached the falls without seeing any bears. So I was happy. Three miles was just the right distance for a hike.

Brian took a morning hike to Ramsey's Cascades. It was an 8 mile round trip hike- not quite the entire Appalachian Trail, but it was enough for Brian. This is a stream he encountered along his journey.

Ramsey's Cascade- the pinnacle of the hike.

Clayton swimming with Daddy and enjoying his new "boat". The pool at our cabin was great so we spent some time there each day.

This was quite possibly Clayton's favorite part of our vacation.

Clayton and Daddy at Ripley's Aquarium. Clayton was actually enjoying this more than it looks like in the picture.

Clayton and Mommy at the aquarium.

Taking a ride on the saddle.

For our last dinner in Gatlinburg, Clayton loved his first taste of corn on the cob. Delicious and fun!

Celebrating with Cousin Chase

Cousin Chase invited us to the Children's Museum to celebrate his 6th birthday. We all had a great time. This is the birthday boy riding on the carousel.

Clayton with Grandpa Roger inside the castle.

Cousin Ava enjoyed playing in the ice cream parlor.

She served Clayton a huge bowl of delicious ice cream!

Clayton working hard with the Legos.

This was the closest I came to getting all four of the kids in a picture. They didn't have time for pictures- they were ready to play!

Grandpa Roger was spending some time with Clayton teaching him how to build.

Grandpa Roger and Clayton are standing outside of P.F. Chang's, where we ended the celebration with a wonderful dinner. It was great to have the entire family together for such a fun time. Thanks Cousin Chase for including us in your special day!

A Weekend Adventure

A few weekends ago Brian took a fishing trip to Lake Erie. He had a great time with his dad, my dad, Uncle Steve Gottschalk, and Evan. It sounds like they really had a lot of fun. While he was away doing this.......






Clayton and I had a great weekend adventure with Nana.

We started our weekend off with a fun trip to the zoo on Friday.

After the zoo, we traveled to Brown County and spent the night in a cabin at Abe Martin Lodge.

Clayton swinging on the playground at the State Park on Saturday.

Clayton enjoyed riding in his stroller as we shopped at Nashville.

Petting the donkeys at Nana and PawPaw's house.

Sunday afternoon we headed to the Children's Museum. Clayton loves the polar bear.


Our handsome little boy. He loved watching all the other kids play as well.

Playing in the water.

The sand box was probably Clayton's favorite. We had to pry his little fingers off of the rake and drag him away so that we could do something else.

We had such a great time at the Children's Museum. We left there and met Daddy and PawPaw for lunch downtown. Whew! What a fun..and busy weekend.