"Going to watch the fire department cut up the van."

My sister and I talk every single day. In the course of our conversations, we always ask each other what the plans for the day are..

Jo: "What are you all doing tonight?"

Gretchen: "Going to watch the fire department cut up the van."

Jo: "Oh my. That sounds so Kentucky."

********

The poor van. It was no longer safe to drive, and it wasn't worth fixing. So Paul decided that he would donate it to the fire department for extraction training.  

And let me tell you we had been talking about this for weeks! The kids were so excited to go watch the van get cut up, like it was a sporting event. So I was very taken back at their reaction when they saw the van again.

They ran to it like a long lost love...

And they were both SO happy to see it again, and even wanted to get in it and look around.

And when I told the kids it was time to get started, I was very taken aback by the tears that followed.

 Oh my word. I was beginning to think I might have to take these two home!

But the arrival of daddy helped ease all of the emotions. 

And here they all stood, all these firefighters lined up around our van, ready to dismember her little by little.

And here THEY were. THE JAWS OF LIFE. I had never seen one of these thingies in person, and was always kind of curious what they looked like. And this is it, this is what would cut you out of your vehicle if you ever need to be cut out.

 And so it began...

And then all of a sudden, I felt sad! Like my poor van had lost her left arm. 

But I still wouldn't want it back, so let the demolition continue boys.

One minute the glass is there...

 Next second, it's gone.

I was surprised at how long it took, but apparently you have to be really careful about it.

 And then if your front windshield wont shatter with that special tool they use, they will just SMASH IN YOUR WINDOW WITH AN AX.  That wouldn't be scary or anything.

 Notice the glass pieces flying around?

I sure pray that I never have to be taken out of my vehicle in such a violent fashion.

 But I'm glad we could sacrifice our vehicle for the greater good.

 Thanks for the memories van.

Celebrating Brittany

Yet, another May birthday!! May is a busy month, full of people to celebrate, and this time it's this girl here...

Just a baby, coming in at a mere 33.

Of course, I wouldn't miss celebrating her birthday, nor a chance to dress up, and get out for a few hours.

A fun night getting to know some girls better, that I don't know as well.

Like this sweet girl, Amanda.

I hope I didn't scare her off.

A really fun night.

And thankful to celebrate Brittany, amongst these sweet girls.

Some requirements for when one camps.

Ohhhh camping. You know how I feel about you. But in this house, 3 out of 4 Bush's find it pleasurable and fun, so who am I to poo on the parade?

Now if I could camp in something like THIS, I think I might enjoy it a little more. But since I cannot, I have come to the conclusion, that there are a few requirements in order to make it more tolerable. 

Requirement A.


A tent the size of our first house.

As far as a tent is concerned, this is a nice one. You can stand straight up, and room for our big blow up mattress, and kids can spread out.

And when you are laying down and look up and see this, you can't help but think it's nice. At least for a tent.

Requirement B.


A master chef who also doubles as camping guide/know it all. 


If it weren't for Rico, there is NO WAY I WOULD EVER ATTEMPT TO CAMP. E-VER.

He may drive me a little batty at times, barking out his orders, but he does know what he's doing.

I never had to cook a single time, how awesome is that? 

And he's always teaching the kids valuable lessons on how to do things themselves. 

And since he's one with the earth, he always notices the wildlife, and even picks it up.  Blech.

You see this right here? I just ignored it, but he sniffed it out a mile away, and he knew that meant deer were around.

And from like 6,000 miles away, he spotted three.

I thought he was pulling our legs, but sure enough there they were!

Look at how close the kids actually got! They were THRILLED.

And then he spotted turkey!! My little city brain, is oblivious to it, but thankfully the kids have a dad who just sees it. They were so excited!

Having a camping guide/know it all, means he will take you to see quaint things.

And he takes the wife to see things she likes...

And buys her a cute mug and keeps it filled with coffee to keep her mood stable.

And Mr. Guide, understands my box fan addiction and brings it along.

And when we find out it's not an electric site, he goes and buys me a battery operated fan.  For these reasons, I heart,  Mr. master chef who also doubles as camping guide/know it all.

Requirement C.

Attempt to take beautiful pics.

Even if it is with your point and shoot.

There really isn't anything quite like being outdoors for the sunset.

Or the sunrise. It's beautiful.

Requirement D.

Makeup and accessories are still required.

We might be dirty. We might smell of smoke and ash. But that does not mean, that we can't still be girly girls.

And never, ever, ever, is there a reason to leave your hoop earrings at home.

Requirement D.


Do something that you would never normally do. 


You see what that sign says? MAMMOTH CAVE ADVENTURES.

All of a sudden I was contemplating doing something, I would never normally do.

The outdoor air, must have made me lose my mind, because I agreed to do a zip line.

Oh yes. I did.

The kids were slightly freaked out. AS WAS I.

And as I stood up there, I contemplated who might come to my funeral and who might cry the hardest.

But I survived. Will I ever do it again? Probably not. But I'm glad I did it. The kids were excited for me, and I think it shocked Paul. HECK, IT SURPRISED ME.

Requirement E.


Have a fire.

Next to the animals sightings, I would say this was the major highlight.

S'mores are the best!!! And sitting around a fire with your kids, letting them stay up later than normal, giggling, well, it's just an awesome family time.

Requirement F.


Take lots of pictures so you will never forget the sweet family memories you made. 




So, I might not be the biggest camping fan on the earth. But I cannot deny how much the kids love it, nor can I deny the fact that I love making these sweet memories with them....

Last requirement?

SUCK IT UP AND GO.