Every Kid In a Park Initiative – Broadening World Views

Ever heard of the “Every Kid In A Park” Initiative?   Neither had I until a few days ago.  A friend emailed me a flyer that came to her via email from her son’s school. For something Obama launched, it sure got little to no press.  And it’s actually something pretty cool.  Shocked that I … Read more

Peace, Serenity, Adventure and Healing Found in Moab, UT!

Traveling for the past 3 years has definitely landed us in some amazing places. Adventure, education, locals,  and family friendly are the criteria we use when mentally ranking a city or a town. Moab, UT is one of those places that will forever rank high.  There is no other place where you feel so incredibly … Read more

The Best Time to Live is Every Moment!!

Today, I’m feeling nostalgic. Last night for our anniversary, Dan & I spent a wonderful romantic evening in a posh hotel room.  Champagne and candlelight … sans kids. It’s honest to goodness the first full night we’ve ever spent away from our kids in all 22 years of our marriage.  Of course, we’ve gone out … Read more

10 Genuine Lessons Every Good Parent Needs To Teach Their Kids

When our first child, Kerry, was born, Dan and I were completely and utterly in love with each other, with our new baby and with our life. She was perfect.  And the huge responsibility of raising her was not lost on us.  Above all else, we wanted to be good parents. I devoured baby books … Read more

Celebrating Our 3rd Anniversary of RV Living

Just a few days ago we celebrated our 3rd Anniversary of full time (almost) RV Living. We have grown and learned so much as individuals and as a family that we plan to continue for as long as possible.  Traveling is quite possibly the greatest education one can receive and the fact that we are able … Read more

Mother’s Day Dirt Bike Crash

Mother’s Day started with a relaxing morning, slowly waking up and going to mass. After church, the kids all helped fix brunch. They made pancakes, eggs, sausage and omelettes. It was delicious. They cooked and cleaned up the mess!

It was a beautiful, sunny day in the Colorado mountains, so we all wanted to do something outside, of course. It was a toss up between kayaking and dirt biking. But since we were at our house getting it ready for new renters, and had access to our dirt bikes, and we get to kayak all the time all over the country, dirt biking won!!

When you go dirt biking with 12 kids, with two first-time riders, you expect some mishaps. But Cardy and Rowdy were off and riding the clutchless little 90cc Yamaha in no time flat. They handled the starts, and turns, and stops without crashing or letting the bike fall over. Amazing, especially thinking back to when Brody first started. He launched right off the road and into the trees, and bent and broke parts, like the brake lever, over and over again.

Well, this time it was mommy (Susie) crashing a 200cc Honda off the road, but first she hit a pole that launched the bike and her 30 feet through the air. The bike landed upside down on a stump and a bush with Susie underneath.

We heard the loud crash, and rushed to the scene of the accident. We couldn’t believe what had just happened. We are very relieved that she only has minor injuries. She was wearing a motorcycle helmet, which no doubt saved her life.

Susie always says she wants to be pampered and waited on. Well, now that’s what she gets, but she didn’t need to crash to get it.