Ride the Ducks.... in Branson

My daughter, Neleha, loves ducks. In fact that is probably an understatement. I think she would be a duck if she could. It was no surprise to us when she requested to go to a Branson attraction for her 5th birthday. "Ride the Ducks" features the actual DUKW amphibious vehicles used in WWII. Of course they have since been modified to carry a bunch of tourists rather than gear and troops. Ms. Neleha was ecstatic as we arrived to enjoy the land and water tour of Branson courtesy of "Ride the Ducks".

Every passenger receives their very own "Quacker" which we were encouraged to use throughout the tour. The tour lasted about 45 minutes and included a wonderful history of Branson as well as the DUKW. Our Captain was kind enough to not only let each kid aboard the Duck drive while we were on the lake but he also had everyone sing "Happy Birthday" to Neleha while she was driving. Great times!

Graduate school presses on but when your baby duck has a birthday one must put away the books and take a ride all around Branson. Neleha had a wonderful time as did the rest of our family.

Missouri's 2008 Tax Free Weekend

For the Tax Free weekend we hit the local Wal-Mart so we could "Save Even More & Live Even Better". The tax break happened to correspond with a big school supplies sale so life was good. We stocked up on the usual items elementary kids need, pencils, scissors, glue, backpack, folders, etc... The girls had a great time fighting the crowds and seeking out the supplies of their choice. Backpacks always seem to be the most important and second most important is folders both of which displaying the recent kid trends. The big trends this year was High School Musical and Hannah Montana.

Tax Holiday Weekend Applies to:
Clothing under $100
School supplies under $50
Computer software under $350
Computers/computer equipment under $3,500

A BIG THANKS out to Missouri for the well needed tax break!

Ozark Empire Fair 2008

How much fun can be had at the Ozark Empire Fair? That is all a matter of perspective. If you like the greasy fried food that is typical of a fair then you just might enjoy it! Really how can anyone turn down a foot long corndog that has been smothered in mustard????

If you like watching a grown man wrestle and thrash around in a kiddie pool with an old and retired alligator, the fair may be right up your alley. The kids have loved the Kachunga show each year and this was no exception.

If you like to learn and observe all things to do with the miracle of birth in regards to farm animals then the Fair's birthing barn is the place for you. Our kids enjoyed the chicks, piglets, and especially the calf who they got to watch enter this world. Yes I mean what I said, they watched a cow give birth. In fact the fair administrators plan to have such event occur a few times throughout the duration of the fair, they begin with a fully line up of full term heifers and just wait and watch. Certainly a highlight of the festivities.

For me though it was the entertainment on the Grand Stand that drew me to the Fair. After all it is not a common occurrence to see "Weird Al" Yankovic for the cost of the fair admission ($10). He put on a great and hilarious show in front of a sold out crowd. More good times ......

Of course if nothing I have mentioned is appealing enough there is always the rides, and they have a great array of them. Our kids thoroughly enjoyed them....

Showing off the Twins at the New Student BBQ

The New Student BBQ is one of the more relaxed events Student Council hosts each Summer and Fall. In the past we have always enjoyed good food, good games, good company but not until this year did we get to enjoy TWINS!!!! Yes I may be very biased but having the twins at the BBQ made the event so much better. Quite simply I thought it would be a great opportunity to show off our new babies and indeed it was.

The BBQ itself was a big hit reaping as many attendees as in times past. The food was great, the games were fun and the new students appeared to enjoy themselves.

For me personally however, the BBQ was a good hit for another reason, I got to show off my new babies. I truly enjoyed watching my sweetheart talk about the twins with my peers and even some of my professors. In fact I think some of my professors assisted Kristy with changing some diapers. Certainly good times were had.....

Twins...Variety Pack...to go

Our TWINS have arrived!!!!
Life in graduate school is so crazy in and of it self. The thought of simply being married in graduate school is by far a maniacal endeavour. Add a job and now you have the making for a ticking time bomb. So how about throwing in a variety pack of twins, now that is what I call FUN!!!!

Our twins arrived without any problems. My sweetheart did such a wonderful job and she has made me so happy. Our baby twins are a far greater blessing than I ever expected to obtain in graduate school. I am not sure if I have Forest Institute to thank for my twins but all the same they arrived while I was smack dab in the middle of my doctoral education.
I certainly have many concerns with sleep, being able to study, maintaining my employment and of course hanging on to sanity, but look at these babies!!!!!! It is all so worth it.

From a family of 4 to a family of 6 in a matter of 3 minutes :)

Twins, variety pack, ready to go....

A Transition Item

According to certain theories of psychology a transition item serves to assist an individual with a dramatic life change. The item serves as a means to assist in coping with the many adjustments that will be a result of the life change. In terms of our situation, while Mommy and Daddy are busy with the twins, Molly and Neleha will be busy with their transition item. At least that is the plan......

Thanks to our local Sam's Club we were able to purchase this very unique cabin style playhouse. Having Dale, Tove and Gary here to help me put it together was most welcomed. Relatively, it went together pretty quick, especially the roof, of course it had begun to rain and Gary, Tove and myself didn't feel like taking a warm Missouri shower if you know what I mean. The kids loved it and we got it just days prior to Kristy's scheduled delivery, perfect timing for a transition item.

Earlier.......

Firefall .... A Concert in the Sky

I have heard about this Firefall event hosted by the city parks department ever since the first week I arrived in Springfield. For the last 2 times we have allowed the opportunity to pass without regard. This year however, I think we have caught the American Independence Spirit. We decided that this would be our year. The event takes place near the Springfield Airport and so we headed out for the short drive across the city. I am not sure what we expected but I know what we found. An $8 fee for a carload and a massive gathering of families all gathered in a big open farming field, sitting in their lawn chairs and listening to local bands set up on a grand stage. The great gathering was encircled by many fair style food vending wagons which included my favorite carnival food, the giant corn dog.

Although the food and music was nice and relaxing, we of course were gathered for a "concert in the sky"as they put it. A concert was indeed what we got. Not only was the fireworks truly a joy to experience the show was accompanied by the Springfield Symphony playing tunes in sync with the exploding fireworks.

The event came at a great time as we just entered our Summer Break. Certainly a wonderful way to begin our short, but well needed, vacation from class.

photos obtained from www.news-leader.com