What could be better ... a RV and a coffee shop all in one. Check out JoeOnTheGo.biz in Austin. These guys have a great idea. Looks like they have a route they do regularly as well as special events like office parties, weddings, and work outings. The RV/Motorhome they are using looks like it has a few years on it, but they've definately put it to good use.
Makes me wonder what else you might do with a RV ... Ideas???
Hard to believe it's 2008 already and we've already begun planning our summer trips. Looks like our long trip of the summer will start in late June and last for 3 weeks. We'll be starting in Hagerstown, MD and then up to Boston, MA and then who knows ... we havn't decided yet.
Our first trip will be Memorial Day weekend in Tawas State Park in Tawas, MI. It's only about 2 hours or so from our home, but the girls and Sonja have school through Friday and Sonja has to be back in school the following week finishing up. So, we didn't want to go too far for the first trip out.
It's hard not to get too excited once we start making plans ... we still have school and work until the summer that has to be done.
If you are thinking about RVing this summer and don't yet have a RV you might try renting for your first trip. We've got some links to RV Rental companies we like...
A few weeks ago there was a Family Carnival at our Church and we had the privilege of hosting the Upward Basketball booth. There were over 400 kids and families that came through ... many kids signed up to get more info as the basketball program gets closer in April 08.
Sonja and I took the girls to Lansing for the weekend to stay with family and we headed off for a weekend of 'just the two of us' camping. What a great time. The weather was a bit warm for October ... in the high 80's , but nevertheless we had a great time together. The campsite was situated on a hill overlooking the lake. With the leaves sprinkling from the trees ... it was just a beautiful place.
Getting away as a couple is something we suggest for every couple. Taking a break ... just the two of you ... no distractions ... no kids ... do something. You won't regret it!
Hard for us to imagine we'd ever have a 7th grader, our middle child would be in 4th grade, and our youngest would be in 2nd. I guess we too often assume that much will stay the same.
Sonja and the girls have gotten off to a great start. Sonja is enjoying her class of 25'sh little 4 year olds. She had forgotten how different they are coming into the year vs leaving at the end. I think she kinda feels like the movie Ground Hog Day ... having to teach respect for others and teachers and all the other little things she comes to expect by the end of the year.
Ashli is playing Jr. High Volleyball this year and enjoying it well enough. After the first week of band she wanted to drop and take Speech instead. It's amazing to me that when they are little it's just 'do what Dad and Mom say. Now that Jr. High has come along she has some more freedom's and choices. Big lesson for Dad to learn:) Oh, almost forgot ... check out Ashli with no glasses. Yep, her glasses finally broke and now she's sportin contacts.
Julia has started her bug collection and has already gone on her first field trip. She has to collect at least 25 different bugs. Her display board is going to be a suprise. Be sure to check back and we'll get it on the blog once it's done. 4th grade with Mrs. O takes them on many field trip and great adventures.
Jenna started piano lessons this year ... we have waited until 3rd grade in the past, but with both sissy's taking piano she has been excited and was ready. She loves it. Whether their 1st year or 4th year I truly enjoying hearing the piano played in our home.
It's been a few weeks now and I'm finally adjusting to everyone being gone from home again. The first week or two is pretty depressing. I enjoy having the Wallenbeck Girls around. This past summer was awesome with all the traveling we did and spending time together. Looking forward to next summer already!
On Wednesday we headed back to Colwater Lake, where we spent Memorial Wknd, to spend a few days before Sonja has to head back to school. We picked a campsite next to the water this time and it is beautiful here ... the weather has been great. It's currently low 70's which I prefer over the hot/humid weather.
I have had to head into Mount Pleasant and 'camp-out' at Big Apple Bagel for a few hours each day to keep on top of business stuff. Sonja and the girls have been chillin and hanging out.
It won't be long before the Sonja and the girls are back to school and life get's a little more challenging for us. This summer we've spent ALOT of time together and enjoyed most every minute of it:) We'll miss that once everyone gets back to routine.
Ashli's going into 7th (Junior High), Julia into 4th, Jenna into 2nd, and Sonja is being held back in K-4 once again. Hard to believe we've got a Junior High'r. Time sure does seem to fly.
We're being blessed with lots of visitors this trip. Mike and Sarah Reece, the Donnelly's, Sonja's folks and brother, Veronica and the kids. We enjoy the company. It would be great to find a few other families that we could camp-together next year a few times. Having sweet fellowship is important to a growing walk with Christ ... encouragement and accountability!
Well, the Donnelly's will be here soon ... until next time!
When was the last time you were passionate about something ... I mean really passionate? When was the last time you put your nose to the ground and really worked hard to make 'it' happen? When was the last time you woke up in the morning ready and eager? What is passion? A good definition I saw recently was 'a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything'. Do you have a strong or extravagant enthusiasm or desire for anything? Do I? Have I ever? When? What was I passionate about? Why was I passionate about it?
Is it important for us to have passion? Of course it is ... it's the emotion that 'get's it done'. Think back over time about nations, empires, and people that made history. Maybe you won't make your children's history books, but you can make a mark on their hearts. You can show them and teach them how to be passionate by example. Believe me, they'll catch the wave and ride it with you!
Passion comes in all shapes and sizes ... it can be outspoken and loud or quiet and committed. Regardless, of how you experience passion ... are you? Are you a Napoleon or a Mother Theresa ... both passionate about their causes yet distinctly different.
So, look down inside ... deep inside and start to discover what matters most to you. Where is your heart's desire? Where do you want to make a difference? Now, jump on the passion train and ride it!
Today was a celebration day in our family. Ashli, turned 12 today and boy did she want everyone to know it:) It never ceases to amaze Sonja and I how God made each child of ours w/ unique personalities. So, we did the best we could to make the day special for Ashli. Julia, Jenna, and I got up early (9am) and headed to the local flower/gift shop for a balloon and flowers. When we got back to the campground we had a special breakfast treat (cinnamon buns), then the girls went swimming with some friends they had met.
Early afternoon we packed up and headed out for the day. First to Oswalds Bear Ranch. Back in 1984 Mr. Oswald, a native of Bay City, MI, started taking in wounded or bears needing a home. Now, he has 27 bears ... cubs, youngins, and oldins. A very well kept place to visit. Slow paced and lots of bears to see.
Next we headed off for Sault Ste Marie to see the Soo Locks and eat a fish fry at a restaurant Sonja had been to with some friends a couple of years ago. The Locks were neat to see. They had a couple 1000 ft. vessels come through ... man are they long.
Tomorrow we head for Indian River and stay there a few nights. You can check out the photos of today's trip here.
