Nostalgia at SDC

On Saturday, we enjoyed a family outing at Silver Dollar City in Branson. It had been over a year since we’ve all gone together. Since the kids are older and we don’t have to deal with a stroller or wagon, it’s more fun and enjoyable now that we can all ride together. Of course, they are a bit uncertain with some of the bigger rides.

For me, it gave me odd feeling. I’ve been going to the park since I was their age, and now I’m the dad. On some of the old rides, I remember how it was back when as a kid, and it was weird to now see things from my kids' perspective. I got a strange feeling of nostalgia that I’ve never experienced.

Yes, some things have changed, but there is definitely more excitement.. Better rides, more activities, and new experiences. However, there are some “hidden” aspects people have forgotten. For example, I made sure we went by the old jailhouse off the square. Yup, no one else there. Pretty cool!

We didn’t get to ride all the rides during this trip, but we have the rest of the year to do it!  

~Matt

Spring Celebration Trip!

Tax season is over! Yay....! 

Last Friday the 17th, the kids had the day off from school. So in preparation, we planned a family get-away for the weekend. It was something that the kids (and us) have been looking forward to over the past few months.

Lydia found some great deals in Branson. So we got up that morning, packed our overnight luggage, got a few things done around the house, and played video games before leaving town around noon. Our first stop was the Butterfly Palace. We got to release butterflies and go through several of the mazes. We even watched a 3D movie of the life of a butterfly.

After eating a quick lunch, we then headed to the motel, Castle Rock Resort. Once checked in, we changed into our swimwear and enjoyed the rest of the day playing at the indoor water-park! What fun we all had. There was a "lazy river" with tubes, allowing us to float around. Mysia was first to try the water slides, and after some encouragement, Malachi soon followed. They were a bit reluctant to return to the room around 11pm, but excited about Saturday.

The pools didn't open until 10am, so we enjoyed some rest that morning and ate breakfast while watching some movies on the TV. We packed all of our belongings before again spending several hours in the water-park. We had a great lunch before heading back home.

A short family vacation, and a whole lot of fun! 

~Matt

March Highlights!

The month of March was exciting, yet busy. I was still recovering from my hernia surgery, which made us adjust our schedules a bit. I've been on a weight restriction of no more than 10 lbs. of lifting. Lydia has been putting in overtime during the week and working all Saturdays.

The kids had Spring Break during the first part of the month. Lydia and I still had work, so they spent their time at the Boys and Girls Club with activities.

Lydia and I got to have a "date night" on the 13th while the kids stayed at home with Uncle Sam & Aunt Madisen. We had a nice dinner and watched a fun movie. It was great!

On Saturday the 14th, the kids and I went to “Jurassic Quest” at the Expo Center. It was neat seeing the giant dinosaurs. We spent some time at Jordan Valley Park and then attended the downtown Saint Patrick’s Day parade!

Mysia made PRIDE Panther at school on the 22nd! Yay...! We're so proud of her of course.

BJ and his family came to town for a visit. The cousins enjoyed spending Saturday (21st) playing. That evening, I pulled out my puppet Ace to get him looking good for the following. The kids were excited, so we had a "puppet convention" before bed. Mysia's puppet, "I'm more beautiful than Ace, because I'm a different 'ginger'... haha!

Malachi's art from school was featured at the Springfield Art museum on Sunday the 22nd. It was neat to visit and find his work among all the others from the area.

On Friday the 27th, we attended the Taekwondo Fundraising Banquet. I provided the entertainment by doing a skit with Ace. It turned out pretty good and we all won door prizes.

~Matt

Hernia Surgery (and Update)

On Friday morning, February 27th, I went in for hernia surgery. Mysia and Malachi had spent the night with Granny & Granddad. We arrived at the hospital and I was signed up at 5:30. After waiting a bit, they sent me to a room to get dressed in a cap and gown. We spent time talking with nurses and medication specialists. They set me up with an IV and began the process of surgery preparation. They wheeled me to the operating room and I was sedated around 7:45. I woke up around 9:30 and they said that the actual procedure only took 17 minutes. I ate crackers, drank juice, and the filled me up with liquids. After finally urinating, I was released around 1:15. On the way home, we stopped and grabbed lunch, then picked up the kids stuff from my mom and my medication from the pharmacy. I rested at home watching movies and sleeping. Mysia and Malachi rode the bus home from school for the very first time.

The following weeks of being in “recovery mode” have been interesting. I've been in pain, and have quickly learned to be careful getting up and around. I was completely down for the first few days, but back to work on Monday following the surgery. My co-workers quickly discovered that I could easily double over in agony when brought to laughter.

Currently, I've feeling better and my pain has gone down. I get occasional “shocks” when I get up too fast or twist wrong when sitting. I won’t be able to lift anything over 10 pounds for a few more weeks. Don’t want to cause it tear or anything… Of course, I’m praying that I won’t have to deal with this again.

Many thanks to those who have prayed and helped during this time!

~Matt

Mysia: Now 10!

Back at the end of January, Mysia turned 10! 

Wow… how time has flown. She is growing up so fast. One smart girl too.

As a parent, I’m so proud of her. Even though still a kid, she’s awesome. Her thoughts and actions prove how much insight she has on many aspects of life, and it often floors me. Her and I can spend much time in conversation. A very social personality, she can be sensitive on some matters, and can get a bit emotional with a compassionate heart. Such a sweetheart.

Of course, she takes after Lydia with her reading and getting lost in her books. We’ll usually find her sitting on her bed enjoying a good story. Mysia is also very creative with her writing. There are notes everywhere. Yes, she is definitely a joy to have around!

For her birthday, we upgraded her cell phone to an iPhone 5c. By doing so, we’re teaching her responsibility, especially with technology. She is able to keep in touch with us, along with other family and her friends. She loves interaction, so you will often find her in some sort of communication on her free time.

Mysia is also doing great with her homework and piano lessons. There are times when she gets frustrated, but is learning to deal with the problems and making great achievements. She’s also taken on more responsibilities with chores. For example, she’s in charge of the family laundry every weekend. She sorts and washes the the clothes, and doing a great job.

Mysia is an excellent daughter!


~Matt

Note: Mysia took the "selfie" and even did the editing herself! That's my girl....!