First Family trip home

4:30 am came too quickly last week when we went to my hometown, the first time for Rob and Braeden. Rob had never been to a small town before. Boy, was he in for a sup rise! The smallest town he had been in, was the town (city I call it) of 20,000+ people where we met. This was 2,000 people. Surprisingly, Rob had a very good time. We stayed with my mom and Kenny.

Braeden had grown alot since the last visit, one year ago. Last year, he was crawling, barely standing. Now, he's talking, climbing, running, has a mind of his own to say the least. Oh yes, and he has reached the 'terrible twos' early. So, it was an adjustment for them to get used to his biting, kicking, slapping, and temper tantrums! Fun was had by all!

Rob drove to St. Louis a few hours away to meet up with an old friend to go to a concert. He stayed a couple of days. He had a good time!




And, we just hung out with my mom and Kenny. I made them a recipe that I got from one of my best friends years ago. It was nice to cook something for my mom and Kenny. Kenny does all the cooking and they had never had this. They loved it!

One of my friends, Christy, drove to meet us and brought her two girls. I hadn't seen her in 3 years! I have alot of respect for this friend for many reasons. She has a heart of gold and is a wonderful mother, aunt, and friend. Thanks for meeting us, Christy! I love you!




I drove Rob around the 'big' town that I grew up in. It took about 10 minutes to show him where I lived, went to school, and where my Grandparents rest. I put flowers on their grave. I sure do miss them and wish they could meet my baby boy. I HAD to go and see my old neighbor, Becky, her new husband, 2 kids and new grandbaby. Becky was my second mom. Ever since they moved in across the street, I was over at their house more than my own. They adopted me. ha ha! I love this family so much and have so many great memories with them!




Then, one night we drove to meet some more of my friends who could make it. Thanks everyone for coming! It was great to see you! Here is one of my old co-worker, James. Braeden loves him! Wendy, Angela, Shelli-all in my wedding. And, Elizabeth.





Braeden was an angel on both flights, thank you God, and thank you Motrin! LOL!

*Alana*

1 week; 2 emotions

For those of you who do not know, Rob and I got married one week exactly after losing his father to cancer. This week 2 years ago was so emotional. Tears of sadness, tears of joy. May 30th, we went to breakfast with Linda and then went to the gravesite to pay our respects and put flowers out. Rob was in a HORRIBLE mood this day. I'm not sure if he was feeling the effects of the loss again, or just woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I know this has got to be a hard situation, as I have not had to go through it, yet. He doesn't really talk about it with me. I know he thinks of his dad often, but just never shares his feelings with me. I wish he would. Linda will tell me that Rob said something about his dad to her. Maybe Rob thinks this way of feeling is not 'manly'? I just do not know. Anyways, we miss you, Ron and sure wish you were here with us!

Happy 2nd Anniversary, Rob! We were planning on going to a nice dinner, but Braeden and I went to Linda's for the day. Braeden took a long, late nap and was asleep until 5, and I still needed to get ready. Rob called and asked if we could postpone our date because he needed to work a little late. That was totally fine with me. We still haven't gone. :) It would be nice for a romantic night on the town.

*Alana*