Thursday, June 30, 2011

Dwight Eisenhower Home and Library

Welcome to the Eisenhower home, a glimpse into another era, all found in Abilene, Kansas!

"From the modest home built on these acres came one destined to lead in a battle the mightiest array of fighting forces ever to wage war in freedom's cause."


President Eisenhower had so many wonderful thoughts.
"Humility must be the portion of any man who receives acclaim earned in blood of his followers and sacrifices of his friends."



"The real fire within the builders of America was faith - faith in a Provident God whose hand supported and guided them: faith in themselves as the children of God...faith in their country and its principles that proclaimed man's right to freedom and justice."


"Sustained by faith in the cherished ideals of true democracy, each American works in his daily task at plough or forge or machine or desk knowing this nation will forever stand one and indivisible in devotion to the cause of liberty for all mankind."


"Six Eisenhower sons grew to manhood giving honor to their parents, to God and to the cardinal principles of our free society."

Four out of our six boys.


Dwight was number three son.

Porter is number three son.


Hunter assuming the Dwight pose.

"Dwight's parents lived in piety and Christian service, brought sons into the world, and taught them the ways of righteousness, of charity to all men and reverence to God."



That we might be so pious with our six sons, as we struggle to teach them as well.


Wednesday, June 29, 2011

St. Louis, Missouri

Welcome to St. Louis, Missouri!


Mr. Brown Sign and the boys are off on another adventure...
and they've never seen the arch.




The Gateway to the West is a memorial to those involed in the westward expansion, specifically President Jefferson, explorers Lewis and Clark and other frontiersmen and trappers.



It is the tallest man-made monument in the United States, and important for those who love the west to see and appreciate even more those who made the west possible.


Standing near the enormous base...


A fitting patriotic view...




This ad on a bus reminds us that St. Louis and it's arch are very impressive,

but probably not a place for us to settle, just a city, and arch, to pass through.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Monday, June 20, 2011

Camp Out

The boys haven't been on a campout for a LONG time!
Brush from the scoutmaster for a really big bonfire: Free!

Hot dogs from the assistant scoutmaster to cook over a more managable fire: Free!

Miller experimenting with what actually burns: Free!

Sawyer keeping toasty warm in 75 degrees: Free!

Having a horn, a fire, a chair, and six boys on a camp out: Priceless

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Happy Father's Day!

I am who I am because of my parents.

Do girls watch their Dad's more?

I remember wanting to do everything he did: Work in law enforcement, and mow the lawn on Saturdays.

Because of my father's influence, I picked a husband that was perfect for me.

He in turn has become a wonderful father to our children.

There is no guarantee who are parents will be, or the type of children we may have, but there are lots of things we can do once we're there.


I'm glad I'm on his team.


Happy Father's Day

to the two most influential men for me.


Thursday, June 16, 2011

Newsworthy News

HUNTINGTON - The Marshall University School of Kinesiology will host "Lose the Training Wheels" Monday through Friday, July 18 through 22, at Huntington High School. The week-long program teaches individuals with disabilities to independently ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle...For more information about the camp contact Dr. Jarrod Schenewark.



Quiz Bowl Team Shows Character

The Fairland High School Quiz Bowl team came up just a few answers short of their ultimate goal, but still earn high marks for a great season. The team made it all the way to the national competition in Chicago before falling. But that doesn't take anything away from their great season and string of victories. The entire Fairland district and all of Lawrence County should be proud of this group of students who represented southern Ohio very well. Quiz Bowl tests knowledge on a variety of topics and promotes teamwork. It is an extracurricular activity that is sometimes lost in today's schools. This group made our entire region proud and stands as a testament that our students can compete on a national - and global - level. Far too often many outsiders, and some right here within our borders, falsely believe that our students are at a disadvantage. That simply isn't true. Although our region and our schools may not have some of the material resources our peers have, we have many positives that outweigh this including dedicated teachers, good facilities and community support. For their hard work and dedication the Fairland "Quiz Bowl" team deserves to be recognized in this week's "Good News, Good Neighbors" spotlight. Anything that showcases our students, our schools and our region is the right answer.


The Tribune, Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

The Quiz Bowl Team in Chicago!

Fairland Just Misses Chance to be Quiz Bowl Champs!

by Benita Heath

The Tribune


CHICAGO - It was a game during the final day of competition that ended Fairland High School's bid to be the Quiz Bowl national champions. But the Fairland students don't regret the chance they had to compete at that high an academic level. "This is fantastic," Tanner Schenewark said Monday morning before the first game. "There are so many kids here. Some unbelievable teams and we have played some unbelievable rounds. We've done pretty well to have a shot at nationals."


Tanner and Hunter together for one match.

The quiz bowl team seniors - Robbie, Nick, Tanner and Ryan

Quiz Bowl format

Some of the competitors

Of course the boys had to see the Wrigley Field, home to the Chicago Cubs!

Cooper and the Cub Claws!

Funny mirrors down at Navy Pier

Beautiful Lake Michigan

Cooper was enamored with all the boats

Mr. Hayes and his quiz bowl team going for a 'cheezborger' at the restaurant made famous by a Saturday Night Live skit

Hunter showing off a Chicago-style hot dog

The world famous Field Museum, made famous by Sue, the T-Rex

The windy city skyline

A chocolate milk toast to Chicago, the quiz bowl team, and adventures!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Happy Anniversary!

"Two of the vital pillars that sustain Father in Heaven's plan of happiness are marriage and family...Pure love is an incomparable, potent power for good. Righteous love is the foundation for a successful marriage. It is the primary cause of contented, well-developed children." Richard G. Scott, April 2011

Here's to another 20 years of marriage! I love my new rocker, and am so grateful I have a baby to rock, and a husband to love.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Happy Birthday Cooper

Who can believe you use to be little?


11 is so old!

You're still such a happy boy, who doesn't need much to make you smile.

We love your strong, quiet influence in our family, and your compassion.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Oh C.A.N.A.D.A.!

Welcome to Canada!

These boys traveled with Jarrod to a conference, and experienced a different culture.


They enjoyed looking at beautiful buildings!

They spent a great deal in the stores comparing languages, prices and wording.


Even the art was fun to find.


The classic Porter pose.


They had transformed aging trees into art all over the city.


I'd go to London, Ontario just to take the tree tour!


This type of dinner was a first for these boys.


Thankfully it was an all-you-can-eat!



Thank you Canada! and Mr. Brown Sign for continuing our wonderful summer adventures!


National Museum of the United States Air Force

No vacation is complete unless you get to sample those delectable biscuits at Red Lobster!

Breyer trying out their swingin' sling.



Miller patiently waiting and waiting for those unseafood nuggets.

Even at barely before closing time, the swim is perfect.

Mom's bed buddies.

All of those preliminaries just to get to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Dayton, Ohio.
There are LOTS of airplanes here.

President Theodore Roosevelt's youngest son Quentin, a fighter pilot, was shot down in World War I. The Germans then posed him by his plane for postcards to celebrate the kill. President Roosevelt died within the year.

Boys + planes = Happy faces



The wheel of the largest plane in 1940.



The group, after spending five hours, only finished 1/3 of the museum!





The plane that dropped THE bomb in World War II.

The Bachs by the Bockscar

A lot of Disney images were used to decorate airplanes!