Ziplining for Father's Day

For Father's Day, I took my dad ziplining. Actually, he drove the 3 hours there AND the 3 hours back... but it was my idea and I paid for it.... does that count? Doesn't he look cute in his harness?


We went on a 4.5 hour tour of ziplines/ropes course - FUN!

Here I am ziping down the line! Amazing! We did at least 7 ziplines, maybe 8 or 9 - I lost count, including one a mile long! It was simply awesome!



Man, it was HOT and muggy. We were dripping most of the time! Here's Dad concentrating HARD to make it across this harrowing bridge...

I took this pic over the stream while we were crossing a slat/rope bridge. I know you can't see any of that but trust me.

Dad's last zip.

I told dad when we were done, "the question is WHEN we are coming back, not if." Loved it.

To the all fathers in my family

I am blessed... you see I've been able to see all the fathers in my family in the last two weeks. And it has been wonderful! Today, the kids and I are here with my parents and we were able to spend some time with my grandpa, as well. So blessed.... Now to introduce you to them all:

First, of course, Happy Father's Day to my partner in life! You are an amazing father! You surprise me again and again with how you balance all the necessities of being a dad - fun yet consistent, loving yet strict, patient yet challenging. Since we couldn't be together today, here are the kids during a Skype time with their dad today.



Next is my dad. We have loved spending time with him at his house the past week. I get to take him ziplining tomorrow to celebrate!



(Good picture-taking skills, Madelyn!)

Ben's dad, who we spent time with at Petit Jean:



The Grandads, who we've seen along the way on our extended roadtrip:





And then, who can forget the dads of my precious nephews!



(I know, flattering pic, huh Mike?)

I love you all!

Catching fireflies

Quickly becoming a favorite evening pasttime in Grant...

 
 
 
 

Space and Rocket Center

Since we are spending time near Huntsville, we decided to visit the Space and Rocket Center. What a dream for two engineers and children that love anything that flies! I learned so much about the Saturn 5 rocket....

Petit Jean 2010

We had a GREAT time at Petit Jean! Getting together with the Rhodes Clan is always so much fun! We feel so privileged to have strong models in Ben's grandparents in strong family ties. They were the ones 27 years ago that started the tradition of the Rhodes family getting together on Petit Jean Mountain. How awesome to have a time set aside just for regrouping and keeping the family ties alive! I know that I would never have gotten to know Ben's extended family without this special time. Unfortunately, this was the first year that Ben's grandparents weren't able to make it. They were glad to know that almost the rest of us went ahead though. Seeing the aunts, uncles, cousins, and 2nd cousins that we've seen year after year. But then we've also had several additions in recent years through birth and marriage. Always good to get to know them for the first time! This year additions are nephew Isaac, baby cousin Daniel, and Jeremy Carter (JC) through marriage. Welcome! Another big occasion this year - Madelyn made her first big hike down to Cedar Falls! It is not an easy hike but she was a champ! Yay Madelyn!

Kindergarten Graduation

Even though Ben and I think it is silly to have a kindergarten graduation (wouldn't a end-of-the-year party suffice?), we went and were greatly entertained. Madelyn has had a great kindergarten year. She had fun AND she learned A LOT! We can't ask for much more. As for her accomplishments, she is reading now. Not just easy books but really reading about anything she gets her hands on. She is doing well with addition and writing and drawing and music and... but most importantly, she is enjoying school and the friends she's made. Congrads, Mad!