Haircut..............................Almost!

After 19 months.........................................................Still no haircut!!!
Haven't even tried since that day. I may try to just "scissor" cut it, but I am still very reluctant. I need to find someone who knows how to cut hair for kids and maybe take him there.

Okay, Found 'um!

These are some of the latest pictures from Phoenix as well as from here. I finally retrieved them from my cell phone.

The first is of Momma and Buddy digging for Dinosaur bones at a park in Mesa. We were there riding our bikes around the stinky lake when we found a place where the kid's could dig for bones.

The next is Colby driving the go cart at Crackerjax amusement park. He loves it there. It is definately a place that caters to the "Better Off." but, once a year is good for me.




The next is the two older kids's at Build-A-Bear. Talk about a wild and crazy place for kid's!!!!! Unreal! I was able to drop a dime in there with no problem.




This is the amazing Justin who thinks that all of the "Working remotes in the house are his. Of course, he has three in the toy box that don't "really" work, so he insists on using ours.

And here He is playing with his "real" cell phone. The toy phones just weren't quite good enough for him. So he needs one that really calls 911 at the press of a button whether it is activated or not.

Well, I hope you enjoy these.

Old Photos

These are photo's from this winter. I thought they would be good here. Sorry for the delay. I need to get all of my pictures organized and backed up on disk. Maybe that would make it easier to keep track.

So anyway, We were at JC Penny's last winter and you know who fell asleep. Since I did not have the stroller I had to improvise. Now he won't even sleep in his own bed.

Not sure what this is from. Maybe getting ready to "pretend" to eat something. Very good at that.






Just a cute picture!!!!

This one is of Easter Sunday. He was allowed to make a mess and really wasn't sure what to do cause we weren't yelling at him to "STOP!!!!" So anyway.

Well, I think this brings me up to date. I will get all of the other pics organized and find out which are the latest and greatest.

Phoenix Zoo!!!

I love the Phoenix Zoo!!!

Some videos

The new favorite pastime is going to the park. The first time we put him on the swing...HE LOVED IT. this is the third time. He also likes dirt, which video I am still looking for. He and Colby were diggin up dinosaur bones and he realized that getting dirty was RAD!!!! So, we try to take him to the park a couple times a week. I know when Sherri can finally be a stay at home mom, they will go to the park often!!

This is an older video, from last summer. The kids love to eat pizza and play video games so we go to Peter Piper Pizza. Of course the games get expensive but we have a really good time. So this is from last summer.

New family Pics!!

We would like to thank Ben Morrow of Eagle Eye Photography for his hard work. (http://www.eagleeyephotography.us/).

Favorite Past time

This what Grandpa and Justin do to burn time, while waiting for the next fun thing to burn time. I actually get dizzy watching this. Actually, Justin came into our room while I was studying and wanted to sit in the chair. So I put him in the chair and he kept yelling at me to do something. I did not know what to do so he got down and ran into the office with Grandpa. Now I know what to do.

Justin and Momma

I had a really hard time finding this video. Too many programs to filter through on my computer. So, back to windows media. ENJOY!!

Long awaited Pics!!

Justin and Momma! This is one of my favorites and will, of course, be all over the place.

Really, Needs No Explanation!

Momma and Justin Love Sharing Mike and Ike's. Momma More than Justin. He is having trouble picking up the concept of "sharing" as is his Father. Neither of us like to share.

Justin's first birthday cake. It is actually several cupcakes stacked and frosted. It was pretty good.

Justin eating the first birthday cake. I was not home for that one. Academy business, of Course, so I had to catch up later.

These are grandma's favorite Beggar's. The funny thing is, when Grandma has food, they are always together. Justin and Pepe that is.

Justin loves his toy box. Momma picked it out for him for Christmas. It is a giant baseball. Every Once in a while, this is what we see. The next picture is at build-a-bear in Phoenix. He has a frog, that was picked out by his sister. He loves it. Build-a-bear is a fun place but boy is it stressful and rather pricey. but we had a really good time. The shamrocks, NEED NO EXPLANATION!!! Causin Brock is in the bottom picture.

Sorry for the delay!!!

Everyone, sorry for the delay getting updated. I have been kind of busy. The Academy is keeping me not only busy, but physically exhausted. My muscles and feet are always sore and I have a hard time staying awake trying to study. So, I go to bed really early just so I have a chance at waking up on time for work.

Anyway, Here are some of the latest pictures. I mean these are the latest. Like Last Weekend Latest. So enjoy!!





This is the first Halloween picture of Justin. We dressed him up like a monkey and, of course, before he could show off he was asleep. So, I paraded him around the church parking lot, asleep, and collected all of the candy i could. Not a bad take for his first year.







This is one of my favorites. He seems to love the laundry baskets. If I could just get him to do laundry.












This is one of his favorite places. Under the sofa table by the back door. Of course he really likes the easy access to the electrical plugs so we have to make sure that everything is unplugged before he wanders over.









This was our last trip to Phoenix. Justin's first trip to the Village Inn. While I had country fried steak, Mom had pancakes, justin had Cheerios. Didn't seem to mind much. I think He really liked being at the table with the adults, or sort of adults.









And yet another take on a good thing.













And this will be one of my all time favorites. LilyAnn loves her brother. Colby thinks he is a new toy. But, we were able to get them all together for a few seconds in order to take a Martin Kid Picture. Of course I have copies of this everywhere and will be sending them to everyone.







Here is a picture of the sweetest 9 year old in the entire world. She loves her family. She is actually 9 as of December 3rd and I don't mean to rush, but, to me she is 9. She is a sweet and wonderful girl and I am trying to get us more time together. Like summers and holidays. We are almost there. I can feel it.
















Colby Thomas Martin. Middle brother and 7 year old EXTRAORDINAIRE!!!! He loves to pick on his sister and use words lik "FART" BUTT" and "BOOGER" and all three make him laugh. That makes me laugh because those are three very funny words. Anyway, we love him.














And, last bust certainly not least. Justin Harrison Martin. Easy Baby and Baby Brother EXTRAORDINAIRE!!! We love him. He is a good kid and loves his brother and sister. He is easy to work with, as long as he get's his way.











GRANDPA's FAVORITE!!!!!

This is a video of Justin's New Talent. He likes to fake cough and actually uses to his advantage. We were on our way home from the Grand Canyon and noticed that he was using this to get our attention.

Grand canyon 2008

Well, this was my first grand canyon trip. Having never been there, but being ever so close last year, I was excited to be going. And we have Justin this year so he added and element of excitemet to our trip. Anyway, I am including the pictures and a cuople of videos that I found fun. Enjoy.

So as this uploads, and it may take a while, I would like to show off this next picture. Sherri and I standing in front of the Angel's Window. This is a hole in the cliff that allows you to see the Colorado River. It is quite a distance away but none the less BEAUTIFUL!

Do you like my new hat? Of course, being as bald, and as dumb, as I am, I never seem to have a hat with me. It was not sunny but I always manage to get a good burn on my head. So my souvenir was a new hat. It is a nice one. Please feel free to let me know what you think.

These are shots of the second part of the canyon we actually vistited. The first was Bright Angel Point. Man, it was a hike to get back up the quarter mile to the lodge. Lot's of other tourists wearing flip flops and other sandals. I was very happy to be in tennis shoes.

Runor has it, that the drop from the cliff I am standing on is 5,000 ft. Nearly 1 mile. So, as daring as I claim to be, I did not go out on the next level down. I was pretty nervous where I was and that should be a good thing considering there is only one way back up...in a pine box! So, I stayed where it was fairly safe. Justin stayed up in the lodge with Grandma and Grandpa Turek. They were not up to the hike.

He is learing lots of new things. He is growing so fast. Rolling over and then getting himself in trouble becasue he gets stuck. Kind of funny really. He is getting an attitude. Knows how to make different screams depending on what he wants. Things like, "I don't want to go to bed", and 'Why isn't anybody sitting here looking at me?' Lot's of things like that. Anyway, I end with a good picture of the family.

Our First Family Trip

Well, it is not really the "first trip," but is is our first week off since Justin was born. So off to SLC. We had to make the annual trip to Cabela's, of course, and look at guns and see the fish. So right as we walk in, we stoller Justin over to see the fish. Man are they big. I didn't think trout could get that big. Anyway, Justin loved it. This is a picture of him just watching the fish go back and forth. Since we have taken him swimming a couple of times, which he hated, and now he hates his bath's, I think he may have been afraid we were going to send him fishing.

I could not believe how much he stared. Maybe this is a good thing. SO on our way to look at fishing gear, we came across the Cabela's bargain corner. Justin, of course wanted a new "black powder" rifle, preferably .45 caliber. Mom said no. So, we will wait!!!

We also went to look at new handguns. I have a couple picked out, and they are currently on my wish list.




Anyway, we are in Hatch now. Actually, they are in Hatch, I am in Vegas. I have an interview tomorrow that I had to be back for so there has been a lot of driving this week. I am going back up tomorrow after the interview.




These are the guns I was speaking of. The camo, 2nd in from the left is the sweetest rifle. .45 caliber balck powder. Man that is a cool gun. Takes a little longer to load but I believe you shoot with more satisfaction.


Anyway, we'll have more from SLC and Hatch later.

After all the waiting........

Sorry for the dealy's! Really, I am. We have been pretty busy and when we are not, I am just lazy. Thanks to Lynette for finally pushing me to update. I promise I'll be more on top of this. After all,we have so much going on. So, here are the latest updates for pictures of the kid's. I will be as accurate as possible with the descriptions but may also embelish a little.
Today is Father's Day. I have received a card today and have cried about it all day. Today is my 9th Father's day and I have received my first card. Man it looks good too. It is from Justin. (Sherri wrote is left handed so it would look like a youngster wrote it) This is the greatest card of my life. It is going with me everywhere. My planner, school, work, car, trips, etc. Thank you Son, and Wife. I love you!








This one is of Justin and his new boonie hat. Of course, we got this a couple of months ago and now it does not fit. So we have to get him another one. But the picture is cute.











The next is justin in his Sunday clothes. This is his first white dress shirt. Looks dashing wouldn't you say?












This one is how he sleeps. We can tell he is comfortable as soon as we put him down becasue he "strethces out"! Looks really funny at first because I always think he is going to tuck his arms again...but nope...sleeps all night like that.












And of course, this one is my favorite. Everyone has a copy of this and it is posted all over work, the house, my car and planners, beek and everything else I can get to hold a picture. Sherri took this one. I love it. He is soooooo cute.







This is a picture of Colby with his new bike. The We got the kids new bikes this last visit and then had TONS of fun riding them We got new helmets too.







Lilyan has become quite tha avid bike rider. Following all of the saftey rules, and making sure that we do the same. She sure is cute and I love being around her. If we were rich, she would be living with us. I guess that is a good goal.







Here is a picture of Buddy in the bike trailer. He is not quite big enought to sit in it without the carseat so we leave hinm in the car seat and then pull him around. It is really fun. Sherri likes to go ove bumps and curbs with him though. I think it is rather funny watching her drive. she has not been on a bike for years and it is up to me to teach them alla again. I suppose I am up for the challenge. We are trying to spend more time outside. Inside seems so boring lately. So outside it is. We have lot's of camping gear and all that jazz. No reason to sit and let it get dusty. We are headed to SLC in July and will also be spending a few days in Hatch. I can't wait.


Anyway, this about updates everyone. So, see you later.

The 'Train' Park

Rumor had it there was a train park in Scottsdale. So the kid's wanted to go. Of course I had no Idea where it was and so after jumping on the internet I Realized it was only a few miles from the hotel. How lucky for me. So we wnet. The kid's had a really good time as they were able to ride a scale model of a REAL WORKING STEAMER!!! Colby of course rode in the box car and Lily and I had a great conversation about the view from the train. And we got to see the entire park.

Martin kid's and the Zoo

There are not too many pictures like this in my collection. Just me and Colby. I have looked and looked and find lot's of me and Lily. But only a couple of the Boys.


This is one of my favorite pictures. Colby and I. Of course he will never look at the camera and barely smiles at the same, but still on of my fav's.

LilyAnn Loved the wolves and the Monkey's. I think she is a monkey actually. We got to see Porcupines, Big horn Sheep, Sharks, Rays, turtles, and juts about everything else. The largest tortoise on the Earth lives at the Phoenix Zoo and she is Huge. I don't have any pictures because they are on the video camera.

Colby, of course, was mesmerized by the Manta Ray Bay. The kids were able to reach in the tank and touch the rays as they swam by. There were also Nerf Sharks int he tank and some very large pilot fish. He also kept trying to use his shark buddy as a ninja sword. Hmmm Wierd.
















Now in this one, Colby is riding the camel. Of course he thinks he should be able to take it home. I told him he would have to ask his mother. Chances are they just do not have the room for such a beast! But the ride was fun. Just missing the turbin.











So I figure we would end with another of my favorites. We do lot's of these and she likes to take them. I can't wait ti go see them again and the next visit they will get to meet Justin. Colby is very excited. I know Lily will love him the first time she sees him. So, I can't wait.

Justin's first walk!!

So, we decided it was time to get off our duffs and go for a walk. So we packed up the kid and his brand spankin new stroller and took off. The ironic thing is the weather turned out to be a little cooler than we liked so we made it around the first circle and then headed home. It was fun though.

Justin is 6 weeks today. I did not make it to church because I was sick. Went camping on Friday with the elders quorum (another post) and came home sick. Just worn out and it has started to catch up with me.

Anyway, we are glad to finally be getting into gear to get Baby J up and out. He loves looking around at everything and actually seemed to like the first walk. So enjoy.

Phoenix Martin's

I am in Phoenix today to see Lily and Colby. What a great day we had. We have been making great strides in terms of our relationship and Rebbecca seems to have realized that it is better to play along. So, we went to the Phoenix zoo. I will be posting pictures soon. I am still trying to get the correct cable for my video camera. Then I will be able to post some sweet video of the zoo.
Our favorite exhibits: Tiger's (heard him GROOOWWWLLING), meerkat's (they had cases of Dr. Pepper and Pepsi in the pen), the turtles (Colby almost went swimming with a couple), and the monkey's (who, had a Domino's Pizza box on the island). One of the monkey pens had the monkey's all over the place and they could even jump on you if you were lucky enough. Colby really liked the "STINGRAY" exhibit because he could put his hand in the water and touch them. I thought it was cool.

Rebbecca called during the visit and eliminated the time constraints for all future visits. Man I was confused. So, whenever we visit we can stay with the kid's the entire day if we chose. Coolest thing ever.

Sherri and Baby J stayed home. Man I miss them. This is the first non work trip Sherri and I have been separated in almost 3 years. I actually can't wait to get home.

Home at LAST!!

Guess what? Justin is here, in our house, and We love him. He is so cute and small. Everyone says, "now the real work begins." Ya but who cares? We don't have to drive to the hospital every three hours to feed him. He gets to eat here and is part of the famly. I have been taking care of him today, so Sherri could get some rest. The nurses at the hospital were so nice and the hugs went around. I guess after spending several hours per day with people that have complete control over your kid kind of makes you friends.

Anyway, We are glad he is here. What a great night this will be!!

Sleeping

Here we are at day 12. Still here. I spoke to the doctor last tuesday and again have not spoken since. Justin is doing well, and in some cases, better than a normal baby. So the question remains..."Why are we still here?"

The nurses here are sensational. We have not had a bad one. They are free flowing with information, in terms of their limits, but we cannot seem to get this doctor to wake up and see that our baby needs to come home. I have seen the numbers. I've also seen the numbers of healthy babies. Again, why are we here?

Today will be ultimatum day for the doctor that charges so much but is seen so little.

We need him home. Then we can all relax.

Cute!

Sherri was at the hospital today and Justin has a pretty bad rash. So, they put him in this thing I call the "bagel cooker," which is a warmer. not an incubater, but an actual heater. They put him butt-up and no pants on in order to dry out his bottom. Here is a picture of him sleeping.

After speaking to the doctor today, he actually put things in terms I could understand and promised that we should have Justin home within a few days. So we are hopeful. He takes the car seat challenge tomorrow. That is really good news.

So here we sit...

Still driving to the hospital everyday to see Justin. He has been there for a week yesterday. The nurses are fantastic and we are very apprecitive of the love and concern they have for him. On the flip side of that coin, we have been there seven days and have yet to speak to a doctor. Justin is eating 35 ml's on his every three hour schedule and the rest, 10 ml's, has to go down the tube. My issue is, he is doing nothing different than regular babies. His breathing is where it needs to be. However, the doctors continue to follow some mathmatical equasion saying he needs to eat more. 45ml's per 3 hours! Even the nurses think that is a lot. We have requested a meeting with the doctor so we can ask him several question's (not listed here) and find out exactly what is going on. I may tell him what is going on. So we shall see if he even calls. Evidently the rule is, Justin has to eat 45ml's every feeding for 2 days (no tube) before he can come home. I am calling "CRUD" on that one. That is one of my questions. I feel they are treating the "liability" rather than the patient. I understand how mathmatics fit's into medecine but Justin is not a math problem. He is our baby and we beleive he should come home. They are using the speech therapist everyday, probably will start on physical therapy (not sure why on either). I feel like they just want the "visits" so they can all have a peice of the insurable pie. Well, not on my kid. They need to go earn their money.

Baby Blues

So, here we are. The 8th of Feb. The stigma of Justin being in the hospital is weighing heavy. The hardest part was checking out of the Hospital on Wednesday and going home "1 man down." We both cried a lot that first day and still wonder around the house, or Wal-Mart, or Burger King, or wherever with tears welling up in our eyes. We know he'll be home soon.

He is starting the eat more and the tube they use to feed him is only being used ever 6 hours instead of every 3. We are bottle feeding him every other time with the "good stuff." So, we have some predictions that he will be home early next week. They are not official predictions but more or less optimism, which I am grateful for.

Sherri is doing well. Healing up as fast as she can. Pumping every few hours to keep that food supply going, and getting out of the house as much as possible. She is BEAUTIFUL and I love her. I have to go back to work next week, so I am trying to get her up to speed. Each day she is better. This is going to make her a "Super String Mom" to go with her "Super Sabbath" Baby.

Justin is here!

Justin Harrison Martin
Born Feb 3, 2008 @ 5:28pm (C-Section) YES, DURING SUPERBOWL XLII HALFTIME!
He Weighs 6lbs 4oz and is 19" long
He is currently in the "Special Care Nursery" (NICU)at St. Rose De Lima Campus.

Hi everyone. Actually, we would like to think of Justin as a "Sabbath" baby and bot a "Super Bowl" baby. So, "Super Sabbath Baby" it is. I have updated the pictures so everyone can see the progress we have made. I thank you all for the phone calls and e-mails and the feeling of concern you have given for our family. Of course, our plans did not work out exactly the way we wanted, however, he is progressing well. He has started eating and we have taken some note from a speech therapist, that's right, a speech therapist, on how to get Justin to eat and not get so tired. The main issue is that he is having trouble learning to suck, swallow, and then breathe. We think he is almost there. He can suck everything out of the bottle but not actually swallow any of it. So, with the therapists help, he has moved up another notch. Sherri is keeping the food supply going and is getting pretty good. The pumping is weird and I say if I can be re-incarnated I want to be a breast pump. Just kidding. I don't want to be re-incarnated.

Anyway, our schedule is now very busy. We are making several trips per day to the hospital to take care of Justin. The nurses let us do everything except for the major stuff, like moving IV's and changing tubes and things. But all of the normal stuff we do such as, diaper changes, bottle fillings, feedings, gown changes, pampering, spoiling, and all of the rest. We hope he can come home next week. We'll keep you posted.

The time has arrived.

In our family, we have started a traditon of counting the "sleeps" till Christmas morning. Tonight we have 1 "sleep" until Justin is finally here and I can't stand it. We are scheduled at the hospital at 7:30a and it just won't come fast enough. I know, I know, this is not something we want to rush. I am soooooooo very excited to have a wife that loves me for me and wants to have our baby. This is new for me.This will probably be our only child. So we have one shot at getting this parenting thing right. Sherri confuses me. Not in a bad way but one that makes me love her more every day. I am not even sure that is possible but that's the way I feel. There are ever so many times that she could tell me to get lost, or ask, "what the hell are you doing?" But she doesn't. That's what confuses me. She constantly forgives, forgets, and forgives and forgets again. I am undeserving of her and she knows it, yet keeps denying it. So, as a consequence, I love her more everyday. I suppose this is true love. As long as I am alive I will work to give her honor, respect, love, and the companionship she deserves. Sherri, I love you!! Let's go have a baby!!

Almost there!!

Well, Sherri went tot the doctor today and he conceded that it was time for this baby to get here. So we have made an appointment at the hospital for 7:30 am Saturday, February 2, 2008 to go have this baby. MAN I AM EXCITED!!! Sherri told me to make sure it was scheduled for Friday or Monday, of course, because Superbow XLII is Sunday. I asked the Doc about the TV's in the rooms and he said Saint Rose has 14 inchers in the rooms. If we would have been able to go to the old Saint Rose, right next to his office we would have had 43 inchers in our room. Figures. Anyway, we are excited to finally meet him. Sherri is scared and I am nervous/excited. Her borther's Mike, Chris, and then Dad ad I are going to give her a blessing tomorrow to make sure eveything goes as the Lord sees fit. So, we'll be posting pictures. We'll be sure to let everyone know.

Some work benefits.

This is a video of #48, Jimmie Johnson, as he was pulling off the track. Some oil spilled into his engine and then Blam...Fire!!! I loved it. Some of the benefits of working with Sprint is that I have occasion to visit the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and perfrom various Sprint Technical Duties. On this particular day, I was at the track to help the drivers and crew cheif's pick out new phones and do some minor repairs. I was also able to tour the new "Neon Garage" and other parts of the facility. This was the first time I have ever been in the infield. The year Sherri and I were married we visited the pit wall area, but did not venture to the garages. It was fun. The cool thing about this is that the drivers were coming to see me and get there new phones. I felt very priviledged. This video is one of my favorite short videos I have taken. There is also one for my sister, Teri Berry, and that is of Kenseth. So sis, press play and have a great time.

I have lots of videos like this but these are the best two. Lot's of pictures of unpainted cars moving really fast along the track. #42, Juan Pablo, set a new track record. 192.85 mph. He completed a t lap in 28 seconds. Man that is fast. Anyway, we look forward to going to the race in March. We wil probably find a sitter for Justin so Sherri can go.

Close Call

Well, we took our first official trip to the hospital yesterday. False alarm. Sherri has very high blood pressure so the doc changed her meds and put her on...and I quote, "complete bed rest with bathroom privileges." Nice. Anyway, here is a pic from the hospital. The other does not show the strip very well but we had a nice view from her room.

We'll keep everyone posted.

Baby Coming Soon..but not soon enough!

Well, yesterday we had a baby shower for Sherri and Justin. What a party these sisters put on. The "haul" was larger than I ever expected. These ladies really love Sherri and I say "what's not to love?" She is so gracious and loving to everybody, except the New England Patriots. Anyway, we would like to say thank you to all involved and a special thanks to Wendy Reed, Laura Turek, and Tammy Empey for putting their planning muscle and expertise behind the shower. So thank you.

Of course I am going to add pictures so here you go. I hope you like and I will be as accurate as possible with the descriptions, but please remember, I am but the dad and my place is to do what I'm told.



This is a picture of Justin's cake. the unfortunate thing is he will only get some from his mother. Very beautiful and actually looked like a display cake, or something you would find in a window. It was fruit filled white cake and boy was it good. of course the ladies did not finish it so we are still eating it today.

Here is a picture of Pepe before the shower. Of course, he is a real "Ladies Man" and has to be a part of everything. He begged and begged from every lady there. The interesting thing is we tried to keep him in the office with me and Ed but Pepe would have non of it. So, he gave us a wet present right by the chair. So I kicked him outside, using the garage door and before you know it, he was back inside using the ladies for treats.

Here is one of some of Justin's "loot." Man this kid is going to look good for a while anyway. Lot's of very nice things, Clothes, baby monitors, pack-n-play, toys, mobile. pacifiers. Interesting thing is...not one bottle, or anything like that. So, off to Wal-Mart for family home evening tomorrow.
This is one of my favorite gifts. this is a baby carrier. Of course, I immediately had to figure out how to use it. So, Pepe was volunteered to test it out and I have to say the test was successful. so, I really like this one and will be able to take Justin and still be able to use my hands. This will be fun.

Sherri is still having issues with her blood pressure. We are calling the doctor tomorrow and are no sure what is going to happen. He should be here in 3 weeks anyway, but we want to be sure that neither will have issues. Her feet are big and swollen, her hands are numb, and she is FULL of water. The Dr says she will really make a mess when her water breaks. I think she should empty into Lake Mead in order to help fill it up. That is just a joke of course. Anyway, that is about it. The next will probably be when the baby arrives. So leave any questions or comments. We'll get back to you soon.

Finally after 7 YEARS!!

Well, finally after 7 years we are able to visit the kid's unrestricted. I had a hearing with the family court on Thursday of this week and although it seemed like an impossible, daunting, and pointless task, there was a lot of work that had to be done and, thanks to the help of my family, especially Sherri, and many friends, the battle is over for now. We are able to visit the kid's for 4 hours on Saturday, and 4 hours on Sunday. Good starters since we normally get two and have to pay for that privilege. This visit, our time doubled and we saved $200. Now we are closer to being a normal divorced and separated family. Later this summer we will try to get a week or two at a time here at home. So, for now we are very content.

The first picture is my favorite. These are the kid's sitting in the back of my car. That's right...the back of my car! This picture, of course, will be enlarged and framed and put in our bedroom, probably on my dresser. I already have a frame for it. Curved glass with brass frame in the middle.

Anyway, we had a blast. When we first set out, I got on the freeway headed to a shopping center and I had to leaned over to Sherri and whispered, "I can't believe this is happening. I don't know what to do!!" I was scared out of my pants. I had always watched other peoples kids and just did what their parents asked me to do. Now I was with Sherri and we were trying to move a mountain, figuratively speaking. So, we took the kids shopping at Target. They each got to pick out a toy. That was fun. Soooooo many choices, so little money. I could have said purpose, but the purpose of toys is to make kid's, and their dad's happy. This is a picture of the kids holding their treasures in the back of my car...that's right, the back of my car!

Here is another view. Had to do one from each side of the car. That way I am sure to always at least get one in the picture. A good one anyway.

So off we go to Petsmart! This was a very interesting visit because we had no intention of purchasing anything. However, the kid's wanted to go so we went. They were having a pet adoption day. Mean dog day is what I call it. They were barking and trying to eat the cages to get at the other dogs and small children. Some medium sized children too. These are some of the best pictures I have ever taken of these two. Something about petsmart just memorizes them.

Both of the kids seemed to like the lizards and the frogs the best. Go figure. This picture of Lily was very lucky for me. She held still just long enough for the camera on my phone to catch it. Again, one of the best.

This next one is Colby and he is making faces at the fish. That is always interesting too because I wonder if he was trying to communicate. He assured me that he was just making fun...but I'm not so sure.

When he discovered the turtles, that was it. All over. "DAD DAD DAD DAD DAD, Can I have a turtle?" of course the answer was "How many do you want?" He said, "just one." and I said, "you'll have to ask you mother." How's that for knowing what to do?

Then we went to lunch at EXTREME PITA. Imagine a Subway, where they use pita pockets instead of bread and they grill all of the meat for you. Man it was good. Here are a couple of us stuffing our faces.

So anyway, that is about it for the pictures. After lunch we went to CrackerJax. That is kind of like a Scandia or Family Fun Center. We Spent $40 on tokens and $10 of that went into the claw machine to retrieve goods. I have finally figured those out and was able to get two stuffed animals in only 3 tries each. How's that for a money saver. It was pretty loud in the arcade and after about 30 minutes LilyAnn started to get distressed about the noise. So we all took a break and went outside to the picnic area to regroup. We decided to give Colby one spin in the Jax Jr. go carts. Man he is funny when he rides those. I only have that on video in the camera so I'll not be able to add any yet. Maybe I can update it once I get the video going.

Anyway, we went to the park for about 10 minutes. It started to rain as soon as we stepped out of the car. so we headed back to the hotel and there was mom waiting. We actually had a conversation. I introduced her to Sherri and all seemed to go well. I got a picture mail from Lily on the way home and about 3 phone calls. Man that is sweet. Everything has seemed to improve 100% just over the last week. So, we are excited for the future.

It rained all the way home.we had thick rain for a while, and misty stuff the rest of the way. Once we hit Hoover dam there was no more rain. Hmmmm weird. Anyway, that is about it for now. I am soooooo glad the visits have changed. I was just about ready to throw in the towel. We Love everyone and can't wait for you to meet the Kid's. they are great. Sherri is only 5 weeks from the new baby being born. I am totally excited about that because I will instantly have a new friend.