Thursday, July 27, 2006

Camping- what are we thinking?!!








Are we crazy or just stupid? Yes, I'm one of those people dumb enough to try camping (in tents) with two little kids and a baby. Well, believe it or not, I actually enjoy it. It's great to be outside around nature, and it's impossible not to think about the majesty of God when you're looking into a night full of stars. Monte humors me and agrees to one camping trip per year.

This year we were invited to camp with our good friends, the Petsche's, at Red Rock Lake for the weekend. Here's the synopsis: We got lost on the way there, arriving with barely enough light to set up our three tiny tents (cuz that's all we own). Nienna didn't go to sleep until 11:30pm, but all three kids were up bright and early with the light (the sun wasn't actually up yet) at 5:00am. Lorien asked a million questions and learned why outhouses don't have "flushing handles", why we don't litter, why spiders crawl on tents, why we don't run around the fire (her explanation: because we might die!), and why we don't hit our brother.

Saturday breakfast was a gourmet meal. By the way, though it sounds gross, pancakes cooked in bacon grease are actually quite tasty. The kids had an absolute blast on Saturday! They made Carolyn and I many a "flower" bouquet. Beren's were mostly made of grass and dirt. By mid morning, it was HOT! Unfortunately, we'd picked the hottest weekend of the summer. We all decided to go for a swim in the lake. Our kids are . . . well . . . clumsy. So, they each took turns slipping, going under, and having to be rescued by Mommy or Daddy. After Nienna had, had enough of the beach, we headed back for lunch. Later that afternoon, we decided that it was just too darn hot, so we headed in to Pella for some ice cream and air-conditioning at Dairy Queen.

So, for those who know what I'm talking about, it was a lot like "hobo breakfast" everything "went wrong", but it was still so fun! I'd do it all over again! And, we probably will . . . next year.

-Galadriel

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Welcome to the Miller Family Blog!


We just put this together today, so sorry for the messiness (we're not too good at it yet). But, this way family and friends can see what's going on in our lives and not feel so cut off (since we're way the heck out here in Des Moines, IA). :) We hope all of you are doing well. Write us a note and tell us how you're doing if you have time. Hope you enjoy!

Kids at Grandpa and Grandma's House














We had fun at Monte's parents' house over the 4th of July weekend. The kids (especially Beren) had fun splashing in a little pool and playing with their cousin, Bree. We got to see Great Grandpa and Grandma Rikli, play with aunts and uncles, and take a trip into Elmwood to visit Great Grandpa and Grandma Miller. The rest of the time was spent enjoying Grandma's cooking and hearing many a good story from Grandpa. They didn't want to leave. As we drove out of town, we got to see all the fireworks going off in Lincoln. Praise God for a nation where we are still free to worship Him without persecution! God bless America!

Monte's New Truck


Monte just bought a '93 Toyota pickup (the other car in the driveway is not ours). Galadriel sports the minivan look.

Garden Fun!



We have had fun digging, planting, and watching our little garden this summer. I've never grown ANYTHING before. So, this is really fun! The kids had a blast digging, and they love helping me water the plants

Funtastic Days






Millers at the Grimes annual Funtastic Days! Funnel cakes are SOOOO GOOD! We enjoyed climbing in a fire engine, eating, riding rides, and attending a Chris Rice concert in the park with our friends, the Conners.

VBS


Lorien got to go to VBS this year for the first time. She loved it! Beren was in the nursery and got to do a lot of activities too. On Wednesday, Lorien took her friend, Olivia Petche with her.

Roszel Family Reunion









The Millers had a great time down in Nickerson, KS at the Roszel family reunion on June 10th. Great Grandpa and Grandma Roszel and Papa and Nana had a wonderful time seeing grandkids. Cousins had fun playing. Everyone had a blast at the Hedricks Exotic Animal Farm.