Holy Cow! (Really!)

Last weekend was also the Open House for the MSU Vet School so we hit that too! Despite my children's fear of animals (okay, mostly Shae) we went for it! Luckily, our home teacher Rustin Pickett was there and he made things work for Shae. He even convinced her to sit by a horse. Wow! Bryton fed a horse from his hand (he thought that was cool) and pet a donkey. Emoree was up for holding the baby chicks, but that was it!


My favorite part had to be Peaches -- the cow with an actual hole in her side. Yes, you can stick your fingers in the hole (gloves are provided) and feel the stomachs (there are four in a cow!). It was possibly the most stinky, totally awesome experience I have ever had. Although my photo is
not my best side, there is evidence that I too stuck my hand in Peaches. So the next time any of you come to MS -- this is the first place we are going!

International Fiesta!

MSU held its annual International Fiesta last weekend and we got a chance to go.

Bryton and Emoree tried Tae Kwan Do (is that spelled correctly?) and both broke a board with their bare hands! Cool!

Shae had a chance to hit her first pinata and all three tried a new game similar to the pinata but you grab toys from a rack that is pulled up and down (see picture below).

Despite the chilly weather, the kids ate free snowcones and had a great time learning about the cultures living all around us! We can't wait to go next year!

Easter posting

Well, spring has sprung here and we have gotten into the swing of spring. LOL at my own joke!

We entered 4 peep show pieces into Micah and Lizzie's contest. April led the kids in this merry adventure. The entries are: Winnie the Peep and Friends by April; Peepza by Shae (her idea and work); High School Peepsical: Get your head in the game by Emoree; The Ugly Peepling by April.

We also dyed our easter eggs for the rabbit to hide.

Spring Photos

Here are photos we have accumulated over the last few months.

First, Emoree has been learning how to use her sewing machine. Eric has prepped her and forced her to thread the machine repeatedly as well as the bobbin -- he hates having to repair machines these days. Em was so excited and Eric loved working with her.

First project was, of course, a pillow case!!

Here is Emoree's Science Fair Project for 2008.

She investigated whether PEDs (Personal electronic Devices actually affect teh navigation systems of airplanes. She got to test a cell phone, CD player, radio and electronic game all on the MSU president's airplane -- they had no affect.

April took this amazing pic while in San Fransisco -- this was the view from her hotel room.

Chinese New Year was in full swing while April was in SF and their hotel was right in China Town. Presents therefor included silk dresses!

Soccer season is still going strong for the players and the spectators.

There are alot of things going on here. April and Emoree went to Boston for the NASPA conference. April and Eric went to Nashville for the Service Learning Conference. Eric is heading for Boston for the NSTA confernece and then to St Thomas for the MTLMA Conferenece. Eric and April have gotten really good at the presenting thing, eh?

Bryton's Victory Lap!

Bryton had the opportunity to compete in the State Engineering contest. He and his team represented his school at the state level. They had to design a car using K'Nex that had to roll down an incline while protecting its passenger (an egg). Bryton's team beat out 85 other teams and their designs. We ended up with a 3 way-tie. His car even survived the 90 degree 'freefall' run. In the end, they had to base the placings on the mass of the car -- the lightest was 0.10 grams lighter than the other two. Bryton ended up pacing third in the state of Mississippi. We are very proud of him. His team was on the front page of our local paper this morning (I stole this picture from their website).

Bryton's Baptism

I found these pics and video and was embarrassed that we have not posted them previously. Bryton was baptised on Dec. 23rd -- Joseph Smith's birthday.

It's A Twister!

I've watched the Wizard of Oz countless times. And each of those times, I've seen the tornado go tearing through the Gale's farm and thought nothing of it. Well, now we live in a tornado zone and I think more of those things now.

Last night at 2:30 a.m. our kids awoke to the sound of the tornado sirens. Being the spiritual kids they are, they said a prayer (two in fact!) and got to their safe space (the bathtub). Eric found them in the tub ready for whatever may occur. Soon thereafter, they woke Mom up (didn't hear a thing) and we gathered together in the hallway (with doors closed). We listened to our radio (thanks Mom H.) and waited for news.

About 45 minutes later we were given the all clear. During the 45 minutes, we told stories and chatted. I wondered if any of you had any unique things your families did during blackouts, tornadoes, earthquakes, or any other natural disasters. Please share your thoughts as we are most likely to have more tornadoes to come.

Just want to also say how thankful I am to be safe and with my family. I am truly blessed.