August 9 ~ 2011

I'm back in Nebraska after 10 days "on the road".... from here to Dodge City to Oklahoma back to Dodge & home... wwwoooowww... and there was excitement... On my way to Dodge City, I got pulled over for speeding... I was going 80+ but he only got me at 73 in a 65 so I was polite & he gave me a warning! Thank goodness... I also had Espen in his car seat in the front seat. It was easier to entertain him & hand him snacks & milk in the front than the back... and he can see out the windows. So I was nervous about that... but I learned that Kansas does NOT require car seats to be in the back. Yes I perfer him to be in the back but on a 7 hour car ride with just the 2 of us... the front is a better option so I don't drive off the road looking at him in the back.

In Dodge City we went to the Rodeo! OH YEA.. the baby got a new pair of boots & a cowboy hat and we went! It was family night but we saw bull riding & calf roping & mutton busting... there was also pony rides & a bouncy house (which Espen conned Anders into letting him bounce 3 times!!)... It was a hot night but we had so much fun... even participated in the hambuger feed and sat with a stranger! It was a good time! I also enjoyed long walks into & around the little town. We find the neatest places & meet nice people. And Espen & I enjoyed lots of time at the park & zoo... And I felt great with the long hot walks. We watched Anders fly one day & it is always cool & exciting! It looks like he does an amazing job! One day we will get a ride!

Oklahoma was stressful crazy fun... both my sisters stayed at moms this weekend so we were all there.... and while it was great to see them there was NOT alot of sitting down time... because there was a HUGE FIRE. Yes this stuff really happens to me. The land near the farm was blazing & dad had all his equipment helping. Anders helped and then everyone helped. Shanna & I watched children for the most part. Got involved once & the local police sent us home... So we did our best to provide some normal activities for the kids & still help when we could. But the fire raged on for 2 almost 3 days and dad helped when needed to keep it from his land and keep his neighbors from loosing it all. Anders & Sherry & Johnny were helpful to dad ~ even pulled him out of a ditch once when his skid stear tipped in. So after the harsh words & stress it was nice to see them but I really wish just once there was no stress and we could visit!

There was also a crazy opportunity to ride 4-wheel toys! Anders got to ride nearly all morning with this group. There is a possibility of a race course being put on dads land & these folks racing their toys. It was a perfect day for fun (minus the fire danger)... and we actually all rode them! Even Espen who could be heard giggling like a mad man when he bounced over the bumps! He has a need for speed!

And there was a tank for swimming.. we all swam... it is what you do on a farm in the heat of Oklahoma! And you sit where you can see the smoke & flames shooting over the horizon but the kids are distracted by watching you!

And then back in Dodge we went to a lake... I don't really like the lake... my son however loves it... it smells, there are things that brush up on me, I can't see the bottom, it is sloggy down there... I just don't feel at ease... Espen however doesn't know that about mommy... he swims & floats & pulls up mud & covers himself in it and has a great time while I am smiling through it. I want him to enjoy all the things we do... even when I don't. So now I am owed a new pair of shoes! (not because mine were messed up but because I think swimming in the lake deserves a reward!)

And then I drove us home... It was a long drive! No speeding today!! And now I have to clean & do some shopping because my in-laws get here tomorrow!