Busy, Busy Day

Saturday afternoon and into the evening we had the oppotunity to go to a local fair thanks to Pine Belt Oil.  The kids were given unlimited ride bands and had a blast!  I didn't take too many pictures because it was a bit of a pain to carry around but here's a few that we did get.

Celebrate!

Today the Upward Flag Football season wrapped up with games being played at Oak Grove High School.  We loved watching Ashton and Jonathan play and are so proud of them but we will be glad to have our Monday and Thursday evenings back as well as our Saturday mornings.  In between A and J's game we had a little flag football family fun. 

Halloween

Tonight I took Ashton, Trell, and Preston to do some Trick or Treating at the University of Southern Mississippi while Mike took Travis, Ariel, and Jonathan to the Purvis High football game.]

The Biology Department does a "Haunted Trail" where the kids see different animals and do mini-experiments throughout the basement trail.  Afterwards we went to the Student Government Fair and got even more candy!

Temporary Pet

Tonight Ms. Denise came back over and this time brought a puppy!

To The Top!

We had the priviledge of getting to go to The Rock (the USM stadium) to watch the Golden Eagles practice.  We were given Southern Miss shirts and hats and many of the players took the time to meet us and sign autographs.  Travis was thrilled to meet D'Andre Brown and was even able to spend 5 minutes talking to him about collegiate athletics. 

Future players?

We did a quick transition back on duty this morning and the busy day started.  Todays Upward Flag Football games were being played at the USM stadium (The Rock).   Austin Davis, the USM quarterback, was there doing the halftime devotion and Ashton was able to meet him.  After the games we came home to eat lunch and the kids left to go on visitation while I went to the grocery store.  :-)



Coldren Reunion

Part of the reason we wanted to make the trip to Ohio at this time was because of a family reunion being held in Indiana.  I can't remember the last time I went to a reunion so I was glad that we were able to make the trip. 

Grandma Smith

B playing at the park

Sisters

All boys need to throw rocks in water 

Fiance and Fiancee

Family

Grandma Nichols

Good start to the vacation

We started our time off Friday morning and immediately hopped in the car to start the drive to Ohio.  We arrived around 10pm Eastern Time and received the best welcome we could've hoped for from Benjamin.  As soon as we walked in the door he hopped up and ran to us and gave us the biggest hugs.  It made the 14 hour drive so worth it! 
Today we slept in and just relaxed.  We spent a small time trick or treating at a community festival before going out to eat for dinner at The Pump House Grille.  The Pump House is a restaurant located in an old pump house manufacturing plant.  It is operated by a ministry group who helps those in need.  The restaurant not only employes those in need of an income but (I believe) some of the profits go towards funding the ministry.  Food is served family style- big portions and well priced.  If you ever get to Ashland, OH, make plans to eat at least one meal at The Pump House.  You could probably stay at my mom's house too if you needed a place to sleep.  :-)