Wheels, Wheels and more Wheels!

Landon has had his share of driving in the country. A teenage boy and wheels...is there anything better? :) Uncle Mike gave him driving lessons on his 4-wheeler (I'm sure that vehicle has an official term...I just don't know it!). And, he's let him borrow it whenever he wants. (Actually, whenever I allow.) :) So, while Payton is happy as a lark on her four legged ride, Landon having fun on four wheels. We are such country bumpkins. (If that's a word?) We've had a blast. I guess I'm a country girl at heart....it brings me back to my childhood.

Max and I have also been giving him "real" driving lessons. In the 10 years I've homeschooled, this class by far, has been the most difficult for me! Bring on Algebra 2...it's less stressful. :) Landon did really well, he isn't the problem...it's ME! I am the worst back seat driver ever. I've always been a little freaked out in a car, but it mulitplied in Germany while driving on the Autoban. Yikes!! The poor guys in my life have it tough. Although, this is the perfect place for Landon to get comfortable behind the wheel. The only thing we have to worry about him hitting out here....is a cow. :)

                                                       Here's Payton in the back seat! :) Poor Landon, he doesn't have a chance with Payton and I. :)

Thanks for Your Prayers

To all who prayed for our friend, Mike Phillips, thank you! God's will was done. He chose to take Mike home. He is now out of pain and dwelling in the presence of our Almighty Lord. Although Mike no longer needs prayer, would you please remember his wife, Deanna, and his daughter, Elizabeth, as they learn to live without him on this earth. Mike served our country for over 19 years. I didn't know him during most of those years, but if his career was any indication of how I watched him fight the battle of cancer, he was not only a soilder, he was a hero! He fought with the upmost bravery and dignity.

   This is Elizabeth and Payton with their pride and joy, Bell and Charlie. ;)

We are so grateful we were able to stop for a few days in Dallas to visit them on our way to NM. Max stayed over night in the hospital with Mike, so Deanna could go home for a night. We told her that Mike needed to hear some talk shop...because there were too many hormones in that hospital room. :) Thank you, Lord, for the time we had!

Fun in New Mexico

Well, we made it to New Mexico! We will stay until the beginning of April. It's been a blessing to spend time with family. Payton and Tata (my dad) coming back from a horse ride. (She removed her helmet just for the picture!) Even though I was raised in the country and have been around horses my whole life...they still scare me! They're still an animal....and a large one at that. Payton is riding a 22 year old "gentle" horse, which I love. But, I still wish she liked ballet...seems much less dangerous! :)

We got to go skiing in Santa Fe this past Saturday. It was AWESOME! The conditions were perfect. Lots of snow, sunny skies and no lines at the lifts. We have never had the opportunity to be so close to a ski resort. It's great, and another snow storm is hitting the mountains today, so possibly one more trip this season? ;)