We have new stamps in our passports....

From PANAMA!! Greg and I just got back from a great trip to Panama City, Panama to visit with his parents! (I really do get excited when I am able to get a new stamp in my passport!) We have to give a HUGE thanks to Chris and Sally for having us down to visit and see their home! They were truly AMAZING hosts and treated us to so many wonderful sights, sight-seeing, shopping, and, of course, food! We very much appreciate all you did for us!! We also have to give another HUGE, MEGA GRANDE thanks to Mama Leslie, who watched the girls so we could go and enjoy the trip! Thanks Mom!!

The trip to Panama is really not too bad--a little over 4 hours, and no time zone change. It is rainy season there now, and was mostly overcast on the days we were there. VERY humid! Here are a few highlights of our trip:


Greg and I in Amador on our first day. Chris and Sally took us to lunch at Mi Ranchito very near the water with great views of the city.


Greg in front of Multi Centro mall not too far from where Chris and Sally live. We walked over to look around and have ice cream.


Chris and Sally treated us all to a beach getaway over the weekend. They invited some of their friends to spend the weekend with us at a very cool and funky beach house! WE LOVED IT!!! It apparently used to be a surfer camp, but is now a great beach house perfect for relaxing-which is exactly what we did! Here's Greg catching up on his reading.


There were hammocks, and places everywhere to just sit and relax and listen to the waves. There was also a pool which was very convenient. Greg likes to play games with his mom and dad--there were a few games of backgammon and cribbage played. I didn't keep score. I read two books and stacks of magazines.


Greg and his mom after a dip in the pool.


We walked on the beach and Greg did some body surfing.


On Monday we saw the Panama Canal. I have to admit that I really enjoyed learning more about the canal. I was not all that familiar with the history, so I really did enjoy this part. This is Miraflores Locks. I also am not all that great with geography in this part of the world, and learned that the canal actually is a mostly North/South passage, rather than East/West. And here's one that'll throw you for a loop--the sun rises on the Pacific and sets on the Atlantic here!(I had to look on the map to help me get my mind around that one!)


We got to see a ship pass through the locks, which was great! There was also quite a long line of ships waiting for passage most of the time we were there. We could see them off in the distance.


We got to see the new Panama Temple! It is BEAUTIFUL! The guard would not let us go up very near, but told us that it will be open for the open house sometime in June.


On our last night, we went to the old part of Panama City called Casco Viejo. VERY narrow, cobblestone streets, great old buildings, churches, some resturants, and beautiful views of the city.


Greg with his mom and dad. GRACIAS Mamacita Sally and Papa Chris! We loved being there with you! Don't forget--tranquila senora!!

Food storage experiment

Greg and I are not in a panic over food storage. Actually, Greg was cleaning out the garage today and decided to go through some boxes of food storage items that his parents gave us a few years ago when they moved. This stuff was canned in 1978--that's right, 30 years ago!! AND, over the years it's been stored in the attic, or the garage. SO, I decided I would open a couple of things and see if they were still good. I opened a can of brown rice and a can of powdered milk. I cooked the rice according to the instructions, and mixed up the milk and made Pappy Joe's famous hot chocolate. Now, I cannot say anything regarding the nutritional value of this stuff, BUT it tasted just fine! We ate the rice with our dinner, and afterwards the girls came back for seconds and thirds on the hot chocolate until it was all gone. Now we'll see if anyone gets sick tonight, but we'll hope for the best!

Notes/gifts all week

My girls are very excited about Mother's Day. I have been getting little notes and gifts from them all week! Susanna has been leaving a little note for me every night this week in the bathroom. I guess she figured I would be sure to see it there. One note is in the shape of an ice cream and says" Mom, you are like ice cream on a hot summer day--the best company to have." Nan and Samantha made bath salts and candles for me at activity days, and just couldn't wait til Sunday to give it to me. They also made some gifts at school that they also couldn't wait for me to have. All the notes and gifts are SO sweet! I think they just love all the hugs and kisses they get when they give me their gift or note! I love it all!

Friday Flashback-tagged

My friend Rebecca tagged me several days ago, so since some of these questions ask about things you did in the past, I will let this be my flashback this week.

Rules:
A. Post the rules.
B. Answer all the questions about yourself.
C. After you are done posting, tag 5 people. (I might break the rules and only tag 3)


1. What I was doing 10 years ago: Greg and I were living in Arizona. I was working for Dillard's Dept. stores. We did not have kids yet, but were in the midst of trying with fertility treatments, surgeries, etc. We applied for adoption during this time as well. We traveled to San Diego and San Francisco, and rafted the Snake River in Wyoming with my family.

2. 5 things on my "to do" list today: I have a ton of work things to do (but I will let this count as one), post office, fill my car up with gas, get a b-day gift for a party tomorrow, fold the laundry that is clean but has been sitting in the basket for 2 days.

3. Snacks I enjoy: chips and salsa, popcorn, crackers, chips, SODA, pretty much anything crunchy.

4. What would I do if I were suddenly a billionaire: bank it.

5. 3 bad habits: finish people's sentences (I am working on this), drinking coca cola (I am NOT working on this), I don't always wash my face before bed.

6. 5 places I've lived: Vidor, TX, Provo, UT, Tempe, AZ, Tucson, AZ, Frisco, TX

7. 5 jobs I've had: Wright's BBQ, B of A, Dillard's, Casual Corner, Keller Williams.

8. 5 things people don't know about me: I am very clumsy--just last night I dropped/broke a plate, I have VERY bad eating habits, I stretch everyday and can still do the splits, I don't like to cook, I love James Bond movies.

I tag: Deanna, Lori, and Kristi!

Big biking weekend!

Finally, the big ride! The MS150 was this past weekend! The Frisco RoughRiders/Performance Bike Team was ready to go! Our day began at 6 something. I helped Greg get to the start for the first day of riding. This is a HUGE event with close to 4,000 riders. It really was fun to see so many riders gathered together to participate in such a great cause! Many riders ride for their loved ones who have been diagnosed with MS. Greg's good friend, and team captain, Rod has MS, and did an outstanding job putting together this team and all the logistics for getting people ready for such a long ride. This is a 150 mile 2 day ride from Frisco to Ft. Worth. I am so proud of Greg and the team for all their dedication and endurance for such a great cause! The team has raised over $22,000 so far, and donations are still coming in. Way to go guys and gals on the team!!!!!!!


Here's Greg getting his bike ready Saturday morning. It was a very chilly morning for the riders.


Greg and Craig ready to go with all their bike gear on!


Greg and friend Kent at the start.


Singing the National Anthem right before the start of the ride. I had to leave right after this to get to 2 soccer games. Then we were off to Texas Motor Speedway for the end of the first day's ride.


Several members of the team crossing the finish line at the end of day one, after 82 miles!


There was a team tent to gather and relax in after the ride on day one. We had BBQ, and Massage Envy was set up to give massages to the riders after their long ride.


There were lots of fun things for the kids on Saturday too. This is Natalie getting ready to climb an inflatable matterhorn. The harness was very loose on her, so the guy helping her turns to me and asks " are you sure you want to let her do this?" I of course already knew she could make it to the top, so I said "yes I do!"


She makes it to the top no problem!


Samantha getting ready for her turn.


She too makes it to the top with no problems!


Susanna gets a turn too!


This is the big finish on day 2 at Sundance Square in Ft.Worth!! Way to go!!! We are so proud of Greg! He is the one on the left of the picture.


The girls going over to congratulate their dad on a great ride.


Me and my hunky guy in all his spandex!


The girls with their friend Jaiden at the end of the day.

Carb loading dinner

After swimming and visiting with Craig and Kristi, we headed over to the carb loading dinner in preparation for the big MS150 bike ride Saturday morning. The team loaded up on pasta, got their bikes tuned up, and geared up for the big ride!


Craig and Greg. Craig also rode in the MS150 while he was here visiting!


Greg (nice expression)with some of the team members Melissa, Julie (who also coaches Sus's soccer team) and Laura loading up!

A fun night with friends

Our great friends, and former neighbors, Craig and Kristi with their darling kids Savannah and Justin were here this week for a visit! They lived 2 doors down from us for three years and then moved away! We really love their family and were so happy to visit with them a few times this week. Friday night our friends Nikki and Brent hosted a get together. They have a FABULOUS backyard pool--the kids had a ball swimming, and the grownups enjoyed chatting and eating--what could be better?
Greg and I had to leave a little early for some pre-bike ride stuff (I'll do a separate post for that next). We love Craig and Kristi and their family and hope to see them again soon!!


Me with Craig and Kristi


Natalie and Savannah in the "warm pool".


Samantha enjoying her pool time.


Susanna getting ready to jump in the big pool.

Friday Flashback

Five years ago today we took the the girls to Disneyworld! Mama Leslie and Aunt Lori came with us to help with our girls. Susanna was only 2 and really liked the princesses, but was pretty much scared of EVERYTHING else. They really enjoyed the Dumbo ride (surprise), Aladdin's carpet and It's a Small World. They really liked Minnie's house too! It was a great trip--we will try it again in another couple of years!


The fam on Main street


Greg got picked out of the audience to be the prince in one show. He got to dress up and dance with Belle!


Mama Leslie got the girls some souvenir stuffed animals. As you can see, they were very happy to get them! Susanna is still very attached to Nala and Simba.

Sometimes this helps me get through the day!

Ok, so I have one of these nearly every day. Today was a 2 Sonic drink day--sad huh?