Super Saturday

We're gonna miss you, Kirksville! Today the local EMT unit put on their annual carnival. You could go into the fire engine, police car, and Life-Flight helicopters. Kids got firehats and balloons. There was a jolly-jump, huge slide, train rides, and food--all for FREE!

The Haas boys on a little train ride.

Robbie braves the slide!
The Fam.

Earlier in the morning, we went to Thousand Hills State Park for a little fishing fun, too.

Tornado

As most of you know, there was a level 3 tornado in Kirksville on Wednesday. We were fortunate enough to be safe (we were curled up in our cold garage listening to the weather radio). Some of our friends had their houses ruined, though, but they are safe and in good spirits. We went over there today and our friend Dave, whose house was hit, told us to go in the house to get some pictures. These are all taken from his place.

His backyard area. Huge trees were snapped in half. Siding, glass, and insulation were everywhere.

Our friends' (it was a duplex) roof was blown off and thrown into this house--creating all this damage. This house is about 200 yards from our friends'.

Inside the house. This was taken from an upstairs bedroom.

Our prayers go out to those who were affected.

Together

Robbie and Ty are best friends, though that isn't to say they don't fight. Robbie is always picking on Ty--wrestling him or taking his toys; just yesterday, Ty finally fought back for the first time, smacking Robbie. It's gonna be fun when they are 15 and 17! Still, these pictures show how sweet they really are. Enjoy.

Robbie and Ty playing in our blow up pool without water.

Ahh! Naptime!

Circus

Robbie and I were due for a date, so when the circus came to town, I knew we had to go. Robbie's favorite part wasn't the elephants, or tigers, or the white lion...it was guys jumping on the trampoline--go figure!

It was a double date! Our friends Tamra and Cohen went with us.

Just Because

I love being a mom. It is hard and tiring, but so rewarding! As is tradition for all holidays, Rob took the boys to the store to pick something out for Mommy. Robbie almost always chooses the same thing: a candy bar. It always makes me smile since I know what a treasure that would be for him to receive. Well, for Mother's Day, he had the same intentions.

"What do you want to get Mommy?" Rob asked.

"A candy bar," Robbie answered matter-of-factly.

But on the way into the store, Robbie spotted the little potted flowers outside and knew that was exactly what Mommy wanted. He picked out orange, red, and "lellow" flowers for me. I'm so lucky to have such a sweet little man!

This week marked my one year anniversary of being ambulenced to Columbia for two months. I remember the drive home so vividly--especially when we turned onto our street. Everything was so GREEN! When I had left, everything was still in buds. I took these pictures of the kids the other day because it was gorgeous outside and I was so grateful to be healthy and enjoying it with them this time!

Robbie

Yes, that is grass in his mouth. I swear he eats everything but real food! Today I found a shell of a beetle in his mouth!!!!

The Taste of Victory!

For those of you who have been keeping tabs on us this year, you know that I love making fun of Rob's hunting/gun/camo obsession. Well, not really obsession, but new-found interest. Anyway, he was pretty bummed when he came home empty-handed this deer season. He always is trying to convince me that bullets are food storage (but not if you can't GET any food with them! I joke). Well, this weekend Rob finally earned his manhood, his confidence that he could "provide" if push came to shove and he had to live a more rustic life. Saturday morning, he brought home this: A TURKEY!!!

Congrats, Rob...you finally did it!

Mini-Mischief

Ty is no better than Robbie. This was taken about a few weeks ago. Since then, climbing into the dishwasher just hasn't had the same thrill-factor. He now stands up in it, swaying back and forth with the rack. He climbs up on our tables--yes, TABLES--using a chair here, a bar there. I fear what's next!