Pedaler's Jamboree Weekend

Last year Jackson, Nathan & Robb did this two day bike ride to Boonville.  Jackson came back and talked about it all year long.  We knew the second he came back that this would turn into an annual event on Memorial Day.  So, this year we all went- including the Figueiredo's.  And, of course, Uncle Robb came back for the fun too.

We leave Saturday morning and make our way 30 miles on the Katy Trail to Boonville, Mo.  We stop multiple times along the trail (this is a leisurely ride with 5 adults & 2 kids!).  Whether it's needing a drink, pitstop, finding a cave to go search, seeing a snake (dead or alive), needing lunch or just an ice cream cone...

Nathan was pretty proud of his old Tacoma!

Very excited to begin the journey!  Here is when we realized Nathan had forgotten his biking socks so we had to head to Cycle X for some shopping first!  Heather noted that we always figure out a way to have some shopping into any trip we take!

A bike ride wouldn't be any fun without some adventure packed into it!  And this is the shallowest crossing we had!

Ashton sporting his bike jersey and new bike shorts.

Our climbing/cave adventure.

Why are we looking so tired already?!  We're not even to our lunch stop yet!

Gram drove over to eat dinner with us and listen to the concert.

Uncle Robb enjoying some snuggle time with Addison.

What would a fun trip be without some kettle corn?!

Listening to the concert.

I'm taking this picture through the screen of the tent.  The kids woke up early to catch some cicadas!

Our spot.

This is a shot from our camping spot.  We tried to get as far from the concert as possible.  The kids had NO PROBLEM falling asleep with the concert.  Me, on the other hand... heard every word.

On the way home.  This is a beautiful tunnel we went through.

1/2 way point.  And some yummy ice cream!

 And some music to dance too!

And we're off again...

If the kids were in the trailer they were UPSET.  The second they got on the tag-along they perked up and we're laughing, joking and enjoyable.  Which means, Mommy always had the grumpy kids!

dead green snake.  We are fairly certain Auntie ran over it...

(not sure what happened to the coloring in this pic)

There's happy jackson!

Robb & I took turns with the trailer.  It was HEAVY!

68 miles.  Memories to last a lifetime.

WE DID IT!!  Ready to be home!  See you next year!

Jackson graduates Kindergarten!

SO PROUD OF MY JACKSON!!!  He LOVES school and has had such a fun year.  We are truly blessed to have the best teachers ever!  He has learned & grown in so many ways this year.  He is so smart.  And I'm one proud Momma.

Ms. Pam & Jackson

 Ms. Linda (Pam's Aid)

Jackson's class.  What SWEET kids!

Jackson wants to be a scientist to study bugs.  He officially knows more about bugs than I do.  EEK!

May at Random

We have had a fun-filled May.  I have a few random photo's that I want to stick in here from the beginning of May.

We now have a swing! The kids have been begging for years.  It now has a big tire on it.  Hours of fun.

Spring program at Church.  It was SO great! I'm always amazed at our teachers & students.  Hard to see Jackson in this picture.  He is straight behind Matthew in the blue shirt & tie.

Me & my boy.

Addison & her friend Hannah.  Hannah is the funniest little girl I know.  She is a month older than Addison!  And you might not see that until she opens her mouth!  LOVE HER!

Megan (Norma's granddaughter) came to visit over Mother's Day weekend.  We had a great meal at G&G's for Mother's Day.  Great to catch up with Megan.

Parker & Addison's Puppet Show.

Jackson has been taking guitar lessons.  He loves everything EXCEPT practicing.  It is getting better but it is still a struggle to get him to practice each day.  Especially now that its summer and he wants to do nothing inside!

THE BEST PANCAKES EVER!!!  Lemon Blueberry Pancakes.  Nathan made them for me on Mother's Day and we've made them about 5x since then too.  I crave them all the time!

Jackson and his lifelong friend Hippy.

Addison looking pretty.

Full of Blessings.

I watched Oprah's final show.  One thing she said struck me.  We all have a platform.  It might not be a daytime television show.  It might be a blog with 9 followers, or a platform of two small people, or a group of friends.  But we ALL have platforms that we can use in a positive way to make a difference- no matter how small.

So, this morning I had a little time to blog.  I have SO many posts to catch up on but feel I have to say a few words first.  Maybe just for myself in 10 years when I go back to read my blog.  Maybe just to get inside my head this morning and put my thoughts on paper...

I constantly think about Joplin.  Last week I launched into a mindset that I had to get down there and give something.  Ended up that it wasn't the time for me yet.  And we will certainly go (multiple times) as soon as we get the green light that they are ready for help.  I can't wait.  I feel helpless.

I am blessed beyond measure, beyond my thinking capability and blessed more than I think I deserve.  A good friend (Kristi) after the tornado ripped through TN had a difficult time understanding why it wasn't her & her family & her home.  Why had God spared her and not her neighbors?  Although Joplin is 4 hours away and I have only seen pictures and video and heard firsthand account I have the same thoughts.  Why did God send it (or allow Satan to) to Joplin and not Columbia Mo.  And this thinking sends me into a whirlwind of emotions.  We will never know while we are down on earth.  I have to think its because God has a plan for me.  He is using me in ways I'm not aware of yet.  I have to be willing to say yes to Him because that is what I am here to do.  I still have my children, my husband, my house, my family and all my belongings.  My life is extremely easy and full of everything I could ever need or want.