Nolan, relay for life rockwall, TX, USA

Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Jul 4, 2011, 10:56 pm
Leaving out on a journey with a friend! Starting in Balch Springs, Texas, Traveling to Germantown, Ohio, then coming home.
LittleBear Lightfoot


Posted Jul 4, 2011, 11:17 pm
We are preparing to go on vacation. Little Bear (Yona) picked me up today to take me with him! We are going all the way to Ohio! Pictures soon to come!
LittleBear Lightfoot


Posted Jul 7, 2011, 4:26 am
Yona's vacation was postponed. Returned to Mama until he is ready to leave.
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Jul 7, 2011, 4:44 am
Spent the day hanging out with Mama!
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Jul 7, 2011, 4:50 am
http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/09/27/20110927211544-94326e04.jpgWe went to the park today! http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/09/27/20110927211544-e0fe0e79.jpghttp://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/09/27/20110927211542-31f19dbb.jpg
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Jul 7, 2011, 4:55 am
We had a working lunch at La Quinta in called "Lunch in the City" We were begging for donations to our Walk for Life Team-Team Balch Springs Arts Alliance. We made a few dollars for our cause and enjoyed visiting with the business people of Balch Springs!
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Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Jul 7, 2011, 4:57 am
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We stopped by the Roxy for voice lessons. Its always fun to sing on the Roxy stage!
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Jul 7, 2011, 4:59 am
Time for some work!
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Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Jul 7, 2011, 5:01 am
Stopped in to hang at the Chamber of Commerce.
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Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Jul 7, 2011, 5:04 am
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We are still raising money for Balch Springs Arts Alliance Relay for Life Team!
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Jul 7, 2011, 5:07 am
FINALLY headed home! What a day! SOOO glad to see Jazz and Fooey!
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Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Jul 7, 2011, 4:59 pm
More pen pal letters and hanging out at Mama's aunt Carol's today! I'm a big help!
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Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Jul 13, 2011, 5:30 pm
Mama handed me off to Little Bear for a cross country trip.
LittleBear Lightfoot


Posted Sep 18, 2011, 3:14 am
We've had an active summer! Its been awesome! I saw a lot of the US and sent mama some postcards! Rode from Dallas, Tx to Ohio, then to Pennsylvania, then back to Ohio, then home to texas!
LittleBear Lightfoot


Posted Sep 18, 2011, 3:15 am
back home with Mama!
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Sep 18, 2011, 3:33 am
[img]null[/img]Mama's birthday dinner!
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Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Sep 18, 2011, 3:57 am
This is my wish list...I'd like to visit and send Mama postcards with place name on the front from:
American Samoa
Connecticut
Delaware
Guam
Hawaii
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Nevada
Northern Marianas Islands
Puerto Rico
Vermont
Virgin Islands
West Virginia
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Sep 20, 2011, 4:36 am
Workin!  ;)
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Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Sep 28, 2011, 6:40 am
Off to MamiTig's to visit! http://www.toyvoyagers.mamawidow.com/upload/2011/09/27/20110927213952-95ac6176.jpg
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Sep 29, 2011, 5:19 pm
The Roxy Art Fest put on by The Balch Springs Arts Alliance was awesome! Our new friend, Birdt arrived in time for the last act!
Mama does leather work.
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Its too hot! Have to make sure we hydrate.
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Grammy!
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The Arts Alliance building
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Books from authors on mamasmemoirs.com mama's writers forum
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Computer tech
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Mama's LW table.
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Got my picture with the famous afflac ducks!
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and with bible man!
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we painted the orange part of the lady's dress...find me! Where's Nolan?
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I got my pic taken with the lead singer of Subway Train Review
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LittleBear Lightfoot


Posted Sep 29, 2011, 7:05 pm
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MamiTig


Posted Oct 1, 2011, 10:40 pm
Nolan was happy to arrive at his host family's home today! They loved the post card he brought, with the pecan pie recipe on it!
MamiTig


Posted Oct 1, 2011, 11:22 pm
Every adventure starts with gassing up, so Nolan helped out! First, we got lost- the address we had for the music shop wasn't quite where the GPS told us. But, we found Fleming Music! Nolan wandered around while host mom explained to the shop keeper about the tenor saxophone that needed fixed.
MamiTig


Posted Oct 1, 2011, 11:28 pm
Nolan was excited to go to El Charro! The family said this is their very favorite restaurant! Yummy!
MamiTig


Posted Oct 3, 2011, 5:53 am
Nolan watched as the humans took down some trees and carted off the debris. It sure looked like a lot of work!
MamiTig


Posted Oct 4, 2011, 4:12 am
One dinosaur. Two bottles of hand sanitizer. Three crayons. Four jacks. Five pick up sticks.
MamiTig


Posted Oct 5, 2011, 1:16 am
Nolan checked the tomatoes and saw that some are starting to ripen!
MamiTig


Posted Oct 6, 2011, 3:48 am
Nolan and the other TVs went to the doctor's office to help S get some medicine for her sore throat. Nolan and GustavHH found a purple blood pressure cuff. Then Nolan found the kleenex... so soft!
MamiTig


Posted Oct 7, 2011, 2:48 am
Host mom took a scenic detour on the way home from work today. Nolan stopped to say hello to some friendly cows. :)
MamiTig


Posted Oct 9, 2011, 5:19 am
Today, host mom spent some time on her sewing project. She said all these bits and pieces will become something beautiful. Sure seems to be off to a good start!
MamiTig


Posted Oct 10, 2011, 5:34 am
Nolan was excited to visit a ghost town today. Kalida, KS has been gone for a long time... all that is left of the original town are some stone structures and a cemetery.
MamiTig


Posted Oct 10, 2011, 5:38 am
The host family took Nolan to see their garden plot at the end of the season. There were lots of things to see and explore in and around the garden!
MamiTig


Posted Oct 12, 2011, 5:15 am
Nolan was captivated by the beauty of the autumn leaves!
MamiTig


Posted Oct 13, 2011, 4:40 am
Nolan went with host mom to a baby shower luncheon at work today... yum!!
MamiTig


Posted Oct 14, 2011, 5:49 am
Nolan and Tiger Lilly stopped to enjoy the mums at Wal-mart!
MamiTig


Posted Oct 16, 2011, 3:57 am
Nolan was so excited to be in the Farm City Days Parade today! So many interesting things to see and people to watch! Yay!
MamiTig


Posted Oct 16, 2011, 4:03 am
After the parade, everybody was so hungry that they couldn't wait to eat their El Charro! Nolan tried some vegetarian fajitas and some huevos rancheros!
MamiTig


Posted Oct 17, 2011, 4:58 am
Nolan went to the Fall Festival at RiverTree Christian Church today! It was so busy, with bands, games, hay rides, food, and free pumpkins!
MamiTig


Posted Oct 19, 2011, 4:55 am
Nolan went with host mom to visit the Wayne Garrett Memorial Children's Garden today.
MamiTig


Posted Oct 20, 2011, 4:11 am
Nolan enjoyed the morning view of Strickler's Dairy, with all the pretty black and white cows!
MamiTig


Posted Oct 21, 2011, 1:32 pm
Nolan and the other TVs visited the Garnett caboose today. They had fun investigating the area!
MamiTig


Posted Oct 24, 2011, 4:41 am
Nolan loves the autumn leaves! The leaves on host mom's block are really looking pretty now.
MamiTig


Posted Oct 25, 2011, 4:11 am
Host mom took a slight detour on the way to work, to show Nolan how lovely the countryside looks in the morning mists of autumn.
MamiTig


Posted Oct 27, 2011, 3:38 am
Nolan explored host mom's Iola office today :) He found lots of interesting things to see!
MamiTig


Posted Oct 28, 2011, 5:47 am
Nolan enjoyed visiting the Neosho River to see the autumn leaves!
MamiTig


Posted Oct 29, 2011, 5:43 am
Nolan thought that the three princesses he met on the way to their Halloween ball were very kind and beautiful!
MamiTig


Posted Oct 31, 2011, 3:10 am
Nolan enjoyed his visit to Sweet Tomatoes!
MamiTig


Posted Oct 31, 2011, 3:12 am
Oh boy, a stop at PetsMart! Nolan met a cute little rattie, and then perused the fish aisle!
MamiTig


Posted Nov 1, 2011, 3:19 am
The kids were sure excited, but Nolan thought Halloween was just a bit too scary!
MamiTig


Posted Nov 2, 2011, 3:40 am
Nolan met a lovely little hedgehog family today!
MamiTig


Posted Nov 3, 2011, 4:23 am
Nolan visited the dentist's office and saw the view inside and outside.
MamiTig


Posted Nov 6, 2011, 3:49 am
Nolan had fun exploring Diebolt lumber while host mom got her fence building supplies ordered.
MamiTig


Posted Nov 7, 2011, 12:47 am
Nolan visited the SDA youth group in Thayer, KS. He had fun joining in the activities with the kids!
MamiTig


Posted Nov 7, 2011, 3:41 am
It was beautiful out today and Nolan was happy to go exploring in the countryside with his host family!
MamiTig


Posted Nov 8, 2011, 3:01 am
Brrr, it was rainy and chilly today.
MamiTig


Posted Nov 10, 2011, 3:28 am
Nolan joined host mom for her early morning cup of coffee :)
MamiTig


Posted Nov 11, 2011, 1:53 am
Nolan enjoyed the crisp morning air at Garnett's south lake.
MamiTig


Posted Nov 12, 2011, 5:59 am
Nolan joined in the excitement of unpacking costumes for the Christmas play!
MamiTig


Posted Nov 13, 2011, 1:44 am
Nolan went to Sabbath school today!
MamiTig


Posted Nov 13, 2011, 10:38 pm
Nolan was happy to eat at El Charro's today. It's the best restaurant in town, his hole host family agree!
MamiTig


Posted Nov 13, 2011, 10:39 pm
Nolan was happy to eat at El Charro's today. It's the best restaurant in town, his whole host family agree!
MamiTig


Posted Nov 15, 2011, 1:49 am
Nolan went to Garnett today and found a pretty place for a picture.
MamiTig


Posted Nov 17, 2011, 3:55 am
Nolan took a peek around to see what the roofers next door were doing. That ladder sure goes up high!
MamiTig


Posted Nov 18, 2011, 2:46 am
After noticing how pretty the frost looked on the back porch, host mom gathered up Nolan and the other TVs to take to the park for a photoshoot of the frost and the river, before she had to go to work.
MamiTig


Posted Nov 20, 2011, 2:40 pm
The host family was sure excited today, they said it was National Adoption Day! They loaded into the car and drove to Exploration Place, where they played and played until it was time to go in a big room and talk to the judge. Then, they signed paperwork and everyone was so happy that they went and played some more. What an awesome day! :)
MamiTig


Posted Nov 22, 2011, 5:09 am
Nolan had a great time at the RiverTree Chilli Cookoff and Wii Bowling Tournament!
MamiTig


Posted Nov 23, 2011, 4:10 am
Host mom and the kids got creative and Nolan went to say hello to the results! :)
MamiTig


Posted Nov 24, 2011, 2:31 am
Host mom took Nolan and the other TVs to the town square to see the Santa house and the pretty shop windows! :) It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
MamiTig


Posted Nov 24, 2011, 5:03 pm
Host mom was cooking delicious things this morning and told Nolan he could help with the chocolate pie! She said that today is Thanksgiving, when Americans gather with loved ones to share a feast and reflect on the things they are grateful for. Host mom told him that one thing she is really grateful for is to have a good job at a time when the economy is so difficult.
MamiTig


Posted Nov 25, 2011, 5:07 am
After a delicious Thanksgiving meal, host mom and some of the kids went for a hike, to find a cemetery that is about 200 years old. They had to climb over barbed wire fences and through a forest of thorny trees. But, they saw beautiful scenery along the way!
MamiTig


Posted Nov 26, 2011, 5:09 am
Nolan  went arm chair traveling today, looking through the postcards that host mom has gotten from participating in postcrossings!
MamiTig


Posted Nov 27, 2011, 2:06 am
Nolan was so excited; the host family took him to see Santa today!
MamiTig


Posted Nov 27, 2011, 4:12 am
Nolan liked host mom's pretty peppermint fabric. He wondered what she is making!
MamiTig


Posted Nov 27, 2011, 3:33 pm
Nolan helped decorate the Christmas tree. The TVs all thought it turned out great!
MamiTig


Posted Nov 29, 2011, 5:19 am
Nolan enjoyed watching host mom's sewing project take shape. Host mom said she has two more dresses to do.
MamiTig


Posted Dec 1, 2011, 3:17 am
Nolan waited patiently in the car while host mom went grocery shopping at Wal-mart. Then he helped put the groceries in the trunk!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 2, 2011, 1:40 am
Host mom took Nolan and the other TVs to see the Canada geese at the south lake in Garnett. She said the geese winter here, and in a couple of months, there will be goslings!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 4, 2011, 4:37 am
Nolan was excited to see the car all packed up for a road trip!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 4, 2011, 4:39 am
Nolan was very happy to arrive at the hotel and help his host family unpack, eat at Waffle House, and goof off!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 4, 2011, 4:41 am
Nolan had lots of fun at the Arkansas Anime Fest today!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 5, 2011, 2:50 am
On the way home from the Arkansas Anime Festival, the host family stopped to take the TVs to the Precious Moments Chapel. It is a beautiful place, and very peaceful there.
MamiTig


Posted Dec 6, 2011, 5:12 am
Nolan and the other TVs were very interested in host mom's new project!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 7, 2011, 1:42 am
Nolan was delighted to see the winter's first dusting of snow!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 9, 2011, 3:45 am
Nolan got to see the ethanol plant in Garnett today. They distill corn to make ethanol fuel, as well as a very high protein cattle feed. It always smells like delicious yeast around the ethanol plant.
MamiTig


Posted Dec 10, 2011, 4:03 am
The autumn leaves that were so pretty last time host mom took Nolan to the Neosho River are all gone. Winter is definitely here. It was only 27F so host mom and Nolan both shivered as they got pictures!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 11, 2011, 7:13 am
Nolan visited Chanute today and got to see the cement plant.
MamiTig


Posted Dec 12, 2011, 4:04 am
Nolan met some very unusual sushi today. It began to wiggle and jiggle, and all the TVs clustered around... and it turned back into a fish!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 13, 2011, 3:53 am
Mmmmm, dinner!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 14, 2011, 5:16 am
Nolan  went to the middle school Christmas concert today!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 17, 2011, 3:55 am
Nolan marveled at the wonder of sushi that's taller than a giraffe... and turns into a fish!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 18, 2011, 4:29 am
Nolan really enjoyed Mongolian BBQ at Ghengis Khan!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 20, 2011, 5:06 am
After a long day of shopping, the host family took Nolan out to China Star!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 20, 2011, 5:07 am
Nolan had so much fun at the Classique dance studio Christmas party! He watched line dancing and got to take part in an indoor "snowball" fight!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 21, 2011, 4:47 am
Nolan enjoyed the elementary school's Christmas program! The theme was peace on earth.
MamiTig


Posted Dec 23, 2011, 3:52 am
Nolan had fun helping host mom to wrap presents!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 23, 2011, 3:54 am
Nolan had fun at host mom's Garnett office Christmas party!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 24, 2011, 6:24 am
Nolan and host mom shared a salad for lunch at Pizza Hut.
MamiTig


Posted Dec 25, 2011, 5:21 am
Nolan  went to church with the host family, for a special Christmas eve service. There were traditional songs, Christmas themed stories, and a Nativity play!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 25, 2011, 5:23 am
Nolan's host family took a friend home to Garnett, then stopped off at the South Lake to enjoy the sunshine and stretch their legs!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 26, 2011, 3:30 am
Nolan had so much fun watching the kids unwrap Christmas presents!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 29, 2011, 2:37 am
Nolan and the other TVs hung out with the boys while host mom was at work today.
MamiTig


Posted Dec 30, 2011, 3:53 am
Nolan hung out with the kids again today! They went to the elementary school playground. The school just got a new fort, which was made and donated by one of the janitors! The kids said he must love them! :)
MamiTig


Posted Dec 31, 2011, 5:33 am
Host mom painted her daughter's fingernails!
MamiTig


Posted Dec 31, 2011, 10:18 pm
Nolan helped make the last breakfast of the year! It was a delicious sandwich made with slices of granny smith apple, peanut butter, and toasted raisin bread! :)
MamiTig


Posted Jan 1, 2012, 6:28 am
Nolan met ferrets today!
MamiTig


Posted Jan 1, 2012, 9:59 pm
Nolan liked the costume host mom finished today... she said it's called Whismur!
MamiTig


Posted Jan 3, 2012, 3:12 am
Nolan went to Aquarium Wholesale and watched the saltwater fish today.
MamiTig


Posted Jan 5, 2012, 3:14 am
Nolan wandered around host mom's office book shelf today.
MamiTig


Posted Jan 6, 2012, 4:37 am
Nolan helped host mom run errands in Garnett today.
MamiTig


Posted Jan 7, 2012, 3:22 am
Nolan doesn't know what this might be, but it sure is fascinating!
MamiTig


Posted Jan 7, 2012, 11:30 pm
One of the TVs in our group has a life goal of visiting cemeteries, so host mom took us to see the old Iola cemetery. Some of the headstones date back to the 1800s. Some of them are quite elaborate, while others are quite plain!
MamiTig


Posted Jan 8, 2012, 6:21 pm
Nolan helped host mom figure out how to use her Christmas present :)
MamiTig


Posted Jan 8, 2012, 6:22 pm
Nolan went to youth group with the host family. There were songs, crafts, great food, and fun people!
MamiTig


Posted Jan 10, 2012, 4:56 am
Host mom said the weird thing in the kitchen is called "Exploud" and it's a Pokemon.
MamiTig


Posted Jan 11, 2012, 1:37 am
Host mom is working on some very unusual boots!
MamiTig


Posted Jan 12, 2012, 2:45 am
Host mom said she's making progress. The boots look to be turning rather purple...
MamiTig


Posted Jan 13, 2012, 1:25 am
Nolan, Jellybean, and Konrad decided to start a snow removal business!
MamiTig


Posted Jan 15, 2012, 12:51 am
Today we went to a magical kingdom... full of duckies! It was a wonderful place to play!
MamiTig


Posted Jan 16, 2012, 5:21 am
Nolan went to the Kansas City Reptile Expo today. There were soooo many things to see! Some were cute and some were rather creepy crawly... and some were just a bit scary!
MamiTig


Posted Jan 18, 2012, 3:11 am
Nolan and the other TVs were quite curious about the strange projects host mom was working on. She said they're coming along, but they aren't finished yet. :)
MamiTig


Posted Jan 21, 2012, 4:16 am
Host mom says she still isn't finished, but she's making good progress...
MamiTig


Posted Jan 22, 2012, 3:46 am
Nolan made friends with an adorable dwarf rat today!
MamiTig


Posted Jan 23, 2012, 4:09 am
Nolan took time to smell the flowers :)
MamiTig


Posted Jan 26, 2012, 4:54 am
Host mom took the TVs to her favorite place at the Neosho River today. Usually it's iced over and covered in snow this time of year, but this year- just low water and naked trees.
MamiTig


Posted Jan 28, 2012, 3:24 am
Nolan was so excited that host mom brought doughnuts for breakfast!
MamiTig


Posted Jan 29, 2012, 3:16 am
Nolan went to church and enjoyed church supper with his host family!
MamiTig


Posted Jan 30, 2012, 4:15 am
Nolan is pretty sure this means the zombie apocalypse has begun...
MamiTig


Posted Jan 31, 2012, 3:57 am
Today we ate lunch at a Mexican food restaurant in Topeka. The food looked yummy, but it didn't taste nearly as good as the food at our favorite local restaurant, El Charro.
MamiTig


Posted Feb 2, 2012, 1:22 pm
Nolan helped host mom make dinner tonight!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 3, 2012, 4:56 am
Nolan visited Children's Mercy Hospital today, to see what happens at an orthopedic check up.
MamiTig


Posted Feb 3, 2012, 4:57 am
Lunch today was delicious Indian food at Korma Sutra!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 3, 2012, 4:58 am
Today was a 13th birthday party! :)
MamiTig


Posted Feb 5, 2012, 6:29 am
Nolan helped host mom make lunch today. She called it "pasta with hit the pan salsa." It was so fabulously delicious!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 5, 2012, 6:30 am
Nolan had lots of fun going to the Thayer SDA youth group again! :)
MamiTig


Posted Feb 6, 2012, 3:14 am
Nolan and the other TVs crowded around to see Anastaysia's new dress that host mom made for her!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 8, 2012, 5:15 am
Yummmm.... host mom made something really delicious for dinner!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 13, 2012, 5:41 am
Nolan was very excited to go to Naka-Kon, a big anime convention! The first night was just checking in and checking out the hotel. He also got to go to a discussion about "lolita fashion."
MamiTig


Posted Feb 13, 2012, 5:45 am
Nolan enjoyed hanging out at the room, and wandering with host mom. Nolan hitched a ride inside a big cat named Honekoneko. He got to see the dealer's room- it had lots of fun things to buy! Nolan was very excited that the host family won an award in the cosplay contest!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 14, 2012, 4:36 am
It was the last day of Naka-Kon. So sad to say goodbye. We went and took one last look at the dealer's room!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 14, 2012, 4:37 am
We had to go through Topeka before we went home, so host mom took us out to eat at Red Robin!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 15, 2012, 4:14 am
Nolan enjoyed the snow that FINALLY arrived!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 15, 2012, 4:15 am
Nolan had fun looking at the children's Valentines :)
MamiTig


Posted Feb 17, 2012, 5:19 am
Nolan poked through host mom's stack of current favorite CDs to find something good to listen to :)
MamiTig


Posted Feb 18, 2012, 5:03 am
Host mom and her daughter finished sewing a skirt for the daughter (that matches Anastaysia's dress), so we tried it on!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 19, 2012, 5:10 am
We wandered around the Great Plains Mall today!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 20, 2012, 5:00 am
It was lovely outside, so the host family took Nolan and the other TVs for a ride in the countryside! It isn't quite spring yet, but there are signs that it will be here soon!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 21, 2012, 3:46 am
Nolan liked the pretty dress that host mom finished today! Host mom says it's for her littlest daughter, and she'll be making another one for the middle daughter, to wear in a play that they'll be in, as dark angels!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 22, 2012, 3:40 am
Host mom was sewing again today... all the TVs gathered around to see what she'd done to this black hoodie. Hiding in the pockets were little zombies, whose pocket homes on the hoodie make them toys who will do a lot of traveling!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 24, 2012, 2:49 am
It was beautiful this morning, like springtime, so host mom took Nolan to the Neosho River to see if the trees had any signs of leaves yet. They didn't, but it was still lovely to stretch out in the sunshine!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 25, 2012, 4:23 am
Host mom started a new sewing project today! It sure has a lot of pieces and a lot of fabric!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 26, 2012, 1:52 am
Today was church supper, after Sabbath school. The theme was yummy soup and sandwiches!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 27, 2012, 4:43 am
We stopped at the arboretum in Lawrence to stretch our legs today. It doesn't look like much today, but host mom says that in a few months it will be green, filled with flowers, and gorgeous!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 27, 2012, 4:44 am
Topeka's water tower is ginormous!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 27, 2012, 4:46 am
CiCi's Pizza hit the spot after a long day!
MamiTig


Posted Feb 28, 2012, 2:32 am
Host mom had just a little extra time this morning, so she took us to a place called Twin Trestles on the way to work. The railroads used to come through here, but they don't any more. The local teenagers use this as a party hangout in the summer, and when it rains in the spring, it floods and the road is impassible. It is said to be haunted. Host mom said she'll bring us back here some time when there's more time to explore and look at all the graffiti.
MamiTig


Posted Feb 29, 2012, 3:10 am
Nolan met a lovely but dark little angel today! She cradled him gently and whispered a poem.
MamiTig


Posted Mar 1, 2012, 2:42 am
Host mom showed me one of the Iola water towers, so we could see how much smaller it is than the Topeka water tower. She said there are a variety of interesting water towers all over Kansas, and I might get to see more in the future! :)
MamiTig


Posted Mar 2, 2012, 5:35 am
Host mom took us on a road trip today and stopped for gas at Love's Truck Stop! She complained at the price of gas, but said she stopped here because it's more than ten cents per gallon cheaper than anywhere else in the area!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 3, 2012, 1:32 am
Host mom took me for a walk down the back alley during her lunch hour, to look for signs of spring! This is what we found. :)
MamiTig


Posted Mar 3, 2012, 10:17 pm
Host mom promised to take us back to Twin Trestles for more pictures when she had more time, and she did! I played with the kids and had a wonderful time exploring!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 5, 2012, 4:22 am
Host mom took us to see another water tower, in Gas City. It's called Gas (or Gas City) because there was a lot of natural gas mined here in the late 1800s. The water tower is painted to look like a giant gas can!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 6, 2012, 4:03 am
Host mom took me outside to get some fresh air, and told me a little about the house next door. The kids say that it is haunted. It belonged to a little old man, who was about 95 years old when his children decided that he needed more care and he moved in, across town, with his daughter. The house had fallen into considerable disrepair, but was purchased last summer and it's in the beginning stages of renovation. They cleared away what seemed like an entire forest of trees and weeds, and put on a new roof. We can't wait to see what they do next!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 7, 2012, 4:31 am
Nolan went exploring in the critter room today. Nolan said hello to Steve the lizard (he sure is good at hiding... he's just to the right of the middle of the photo!) and played with baby hedgehogs :)
MamiTig


Posted Mar 8, 2012, 2:20 am
Host mom didn't have much time today, but I wanted to go outside, so she took me out to the back alley to see what I could see on this windy, windy day!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 9, 2012, 2:52 am
Host mom took me to work today. I found the "Books are Fun" bin and I just had to explore! Books are Fun is a company that brings books and things to the workplace so people can look and then order what they like at a discounted price. :)
MamiTig


Posted Mar 10, 2012, 5:35 am
Nolan helped the youth group kids make birthday cards for Elwin, who turns 91 tomorrow!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 11, 2012, 5:57 am
Nolan went to Sabbath school, and afterward, got to enjoy church supper and wishing Elwin a happy 91st birthday!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 11, 2012, 6:00 am
Nolan was happy to go to Thayer SDA youth group again! He liked the songs, the calendar craft, and the dinner!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 12, 2012, 3:30 am
Host mom grumbled about how gas prices are going up again... and this is the cheapest gas in the area :(
MamiTig


Posted Mar 12, 2012, 4:20 am
One of the TVs in our group has a life goal of visiting cemeteries, so we stopped at Foster Cemetery while in Topeka today!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 12, 2012, 4:58 am
After a long day of voyaging, we were hungry!! Host mom took us to CiCi's Pizza in Lawrence again, yum!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 13, 2012, 2:38 am
It was so lovely outside this evening that host mom grabbed a few of the kids and the TVs, and walked down to Hillbrant House to see what's blooming!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 14, 2012, 3:18 am
Today, host mom took me walking in the opposite direction, where she said there was a lovely Bradford pear tree that she wanted to photograph me with. Then we walked over to the Cottonwood Garden where we found one bush blooming with dainty, white flowers. On the way home, she showed me one of her favorite houses. She said it was built in the late 1800s!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 15, 2012, 3:17 am
For today's journey, the host mom drove me over to Riverside Park, where we climbed over the dike and took a look at the river.
MamiTig


Posted Mar 17, 2012, 3:11 am
Nolan enjoyed checking out host mom's Easter egg-stravanganza gifts! :) :)
MamiTig


Posted Mar 17, 2012, 4:44 am
Ready for a road trip! Yay!!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 17, 2012, 4:46 am
We stopped at the rest stop, just south of the Arkansas border, to stretch our legs and get some pictures in the Ozark Mountains!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 17, 2012, 11:53 pm
We got ready, then wandered around the Arkansas Anime Festival and looked at all of the people in costumes! I really liked the black light lounge!:)
MamiTig


Posted Mar 18, 2012, 2:26 am
The host family and their friends dressed up and changed costumes lots today!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 19, 2012, 4:32 am
It was time to go home today, and the first place we stopped was the National Fish Hatchery, in Neosho, Missouri! I had so much fun exploring the museum and feeding the fish!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 20, 2012, 1:32 am
As we left the fish hatchery, we noticed a beautiful old cemetery. One of the TVs in the group has a goal to visit 10 cemeteries, so we stopped to help her fulfill her goal. It was very peaceful and beautiful there.
MamiTig


Posted Mar 20, 2012, 4:50 am
The host family said that they can't imagine driving through Carthage, MO and not stopping at the Precious Moments Chapel! It's such a beautiful, amazing place!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 21, 2012, 3:48 am
Some of the hedgehogs came out to play today!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 23, 2012, 4:44 am
Host mom took me to the Neosho River this morning to see how much the spring rains have made it rise! The current sure was running fast; we made sure not to go too close to the edge!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 24, 2012, 4:05 am
When we passed through Lyndon, KS, host mom stopped to show us the water tower and a historical log cabin!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 24, 2012, 5:13 am
We went to find a Wal-mart while we were in Topeka and found this interesting drive in movie theater marquee in the parking lot. Host mom  took us over to have a look, and we learned that we were looking at a piece of history!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 25, 2012, 5:34 am
Today we went to Easter play practice! There were lots of kids and costumes and everybody was having so much fun!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 26, 2012, 1:51 am
The sky was so pretty as the sun prepared to sink below the horizon- the picture doesn't do justice to how pretty the scene really was!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 26, 2012, 4:19 am
Today was a lovely spring day and when we drove by Hillbrant House, host mom got very excited and said we just HAD to stop for pictures with the newly blooming flowers! :)
MamiTig


Posted Mar 27, 2012, 5:32 am
Dandelions in the lawn are a certain sign of spring!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 29, 2012, 4:29 am
It's been a really busy couple of days, so host mom took me for a walk after work. She showed me a lovely but somewhat rundown house a couple of blocks from home, that used to be a coach house. It still looks very pretty, even if it has seen better days. On the way home, we found a tree with flowers that smelled heavenly!
MamiTig


Posted Mar 30, 2012, 3:49 am
Host mom said she experienced "sticker shock" at the gas station today... the price of gas is rising quickly :(
MamiTig


Posted Mar 31, 2012, 5:58 am
Tonight was the last night of play practice before the first performance! Everyone was so excited!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 1, 2012, 5:36 am
Host mom stopped and showed us the water tower in Thayer, on the way to church today. This one is the most round of all the water towers we've seen!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 2, 2012, 5:27 am
Twin Trestles is such a fascinating place, I don't think I will ever tire of going there! So much to see and explore. It's just starting to green up and look pretty now :)
MamiTig


Posted Apr 3, 2012, 5:05 am
We went to Topeka and saw tractors!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 3, 2012, 5:44 am
Host mom made herself a pretty skirt today!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 4, 2012, 5:24 am
We stopped at Garnett's South Lake in the morning, to look for Canada geese, and we also found mushrooms!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 5, 2012, 3:45 am
Host mom bought some very brightly colored fabric and said she is going to make some spring dresses for the little girls!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 6, 2012, 5:10 am
We were going to Topeka today and Anastaysia talked host mom into stopping at a lovely old cemetery called Mt. Hope! It had graves from the early 1800s... so much history!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 7, 2012, 3:35 am
The kids took Nolan out to lunch at El Charro's today. It's the yummiest Mexican food! :)
MamiTig


Posted Apr 7, 2012, 5:12 am
We drove out to Arnold's Greenhouse today, to get some early planters and enjoy all the things there are to see!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 7, 2012, 10:14 pm
We stopped in at the convenience store in LeRoy and saw some interesting things!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 9, 2012, 4:08 am
Today was the host family kids and their friends' final performance of the Easter play. The kids did the entire service, and they did such a wonderful job. Afterward, there was a yummy potluck!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 10, 2012, 5:46 am
Today we startled a small flock of sheep by stopping to take pictures!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 12, 2012, 4:44 am
Host mom took us to the river today. It was gray and chilly, but the trees and wildflowers were bright and happy!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 13, 2012, 4:14 am
Today was gray again, AND rainy, so we didn't get a chance to do anything very exciting. We sat on the porch and watched the clouds, and visited with the outdoor kitty, Halo. Host mom finished making a dress for one of her daughters! She is going to make two more in the same colors, but different combinations, so her youngest three daughters will complement each other nicely :)
MamiTig


Posted Apr 15, 2012, 5:44 am
Nolan enjoyed the warm meal and great company at the SDA church potluck today!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 16, 2012, 5:23 am
Today the host family took us to Gage Park in Topeka, to celebrate a birthday! There was a lot to do and we had tons of fun playing! :)
MamiTig


Posted Apr 17, 2012, 4:58 am
On the way home from work, host mom stopped to show us the pretty scenery and the rural water tower that is just west of Colony, Kansas! It was such a pretty day!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 19, 2012, 4:50 am
Nolan joined the hedgehogs for dinner :)
MamiTig


Posted Apr 21, 2012, 2:22 am
The host family decided to do a small garden in their back yard this year, but host mom wanted to stop by the community garden to see what other people are growing!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 22, 2012, 4:29 am
Host mom got working in her garden today. She planted onions, watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumbers, and a few cabbage in the ground and then mint, tomatoes, and oregano in pots. There's still more to do, but it was a great start! :)
MamiTig


Posted Apr 22, 2012, 4:30 am
We took a trip to the Great Plains Mall in the afternoon :)
MamiTig


Posted Apr 23, 2012, 3:42 am
Nolan tried to blend in with the orange zombie, with the hope that he might keep his brain...
MamiTig


Posted Apr 24, 2012, 2:54 am
Host mom finished her second little girl dress! So cute!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 24, 2012, 2:55 am
Nolan thought the water tower in Garnett was an interesting shape!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 25, 2012, 4:09 am
Host mom and her youngest daughter took me for a walk to see what was blooming at Hillbrant House. Mr. Hillbrant was home and he let us go in the back yard to see his koi and waterfalls back there! Sadly, he is selling his house because he is in his 80s and figures he doesn't need a house and yard that big. We sure hope the next owners will appreciate and maintain his gardens!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 26, 2012, 5:03 am
Yay, a birthday to celebrate! Nolan loved the ice cream and cake, and the unwrapping of the presents!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 27, 2012, 5:18 am
This morning, host mom took us to see the community corrections garden that is maintained by the county jail. The motto is "Building Character Through Gardening." We met a super nice lady there, who told us about how she works with the inmates in the garden. Being a small town with a large jail, our county houses a lot of female inmates from the bigger cities, when they have overflow. She often works with people who have never, ever gardened and have no idea about plants or where vegetables come from. One day, she was working with a group of ladies and handed them each a radish, plucked from the ground, and they stood around, and finally one said, "What am I supposed to do with this?" She said, "You eat it." The lady thought a while, then said, "I can't eat it, it's dirty." The nice lady explained all vegetables grow in dirt and you just have to wash them off. The lady argued a bit, so she showed her how to wash it with the hose and try it. The lady tried it, gobbled it down, and then her whole face lit up, and she exclaimed, "I like dirty food!"
MamiTig


Posted Apr 28, 2012, 12:59 am
We made a potty stop at the tourist stop in Burlington!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 28, 2012, 6:19 am
Mmm, yummy- Cici's Pizza for dinner!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 28, 2012, 6:19 am
Host mom finished her last little girl dress! Her three littlest daughters are going to be so happy (and so cute) in their new dresses! :)
MamiTig


Posted Apr 29, 2012, 4:59 am
The dresses were so adorable that we Toy Voyagers insisted on being photographed with the pretty princesses wearing them!
MamiTig


Posted Apr 30, 2012, 3:59 am
Nolan enjoyed sabbath school and potluck at the Seventh Day Adventist church.
MamiTig


Posted Apr 30, 2012, 5:40 am
Host mom got started on a new project... I wonder what it will be?
MamiTig


Posted May 1, 2012, 4:49 am
Host mom and one of her daughters took me to see the historic Old Allen County Jail. It was closed so we just poked around outside.
MamiTig


Posted May 3, 2012, 4:12 am
Host mom and her littlest daughter took me for a walk down the alley behind the house, to see what we could see!
MamiTig


Posted May 4, 2012, 4:48 am
Play time!
MamiTig


Posted May 5, 2012, 3:51 am
We are helping Anastaysia on her goal of visiting 10 cemeteries, so the host family took us to visit Iola's new cemetery. There are stones that date back into the 20s, so it's not THAT new. They looked for their friend, Patty, who succumbed to breast cancer last year, but could not find her stone. Her daughter had said it had roses on it, but there were so many that had roses, that didn't help narrow the search!
MamiTig


Posted May 6, 2012, 6:27 am
Host mom had to take a trip to the airport very early this morning. She watched the moon the whole two hour drive, since it was supposed to be a "supermoon" today. When she got done with checking in her cargo, the moon was nearly to the horizon and kept threatening to go behind the clouds, so the pictures aren't great- but the moon sure was pretty!
MamiTig


Posted May 7, 2012, 4:59 am
After watching the supermoon set, we took a nap and woke up hungry. We drove to Ryan's, where we enjoyed the breakfast bar!
MamiTig


Posted May 8, 2012, 2:10 am
One of the TVs in our group has the goal of visiting state line signs, so host mom took us a few extra miles east to get a picture of the Missouri sign. There wasn't a Kansas sign when we crossed back in, so we didn't get that :(
MamiTig


Posted May 8, 2012, 4:27 am
On our way back toward the highway, we found a little old cemetery. Anastaysia got really excited, so host mom was super nice and stopped so she could see. It is the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Overland Park, KS. We found information about it here: click here! Who knew cemeteries had so much history?!
MamiTig


Posted May 9, 2012, 5:33 am
In the evening, we had SDA youth group in Thayer. It's the last one for the season- they take a break until fall, and we'll really miss it!
MamiTig


Posted May 10, 2012, 3:54 am
Host mom started an interesting new project. She said she is making armor out of craft foam for her son's history presentation, where he has to dress up as Chandragupta Maurya and do a presentation.
MamiTig


Posted May 11, 2012, 3:54 am
The host family were looking for a service project and found a garden that needed weeding. The garden belonged to a lovely lady named Lula, who lives way out in the country. It was hard work and sometimes the kids wanted to quit, but when they looked up and saw Lula's happy smile, it made them work twice as hard :) We made quite a dent, but there's still plenty more to be done... we plan to go back in 2 weeks and do some more :)
MamiTig


Posted May 11, 2012, 5:13 am
After working hard in the garden, we all needed a nice, hearty meal at El Charro! Yum! :)
MamiTig


Posted May 12, 2012, 5:33 am
We watched the host family's oldest daughter play cello in the spring concert!
MamiTig


Posted May 13, 2012, 1:32 am
Host mom took me along when she ran errands over lunch hour today. She stopped to take a picture with me on the northwest side of the town square. :)
MamiTig


Posted May 13, 2012, 2:13 am
We met a baby sparrow named Elizabeth. She fell out of the nest when she was little and is being rehabilitated to return to the wild as soon as she is able.
MamiTig


Posted May 13, 2012, 4:39 am
Mmm! Church supper at the Seventh Day Adventist Church! :)
MamiTig


Posted May 13, 2012, 5:40 am
We visited TLC greenhouse to look for more garden goodies. We found all sorts of amazing things to explore! Beautiful! :)
MamiTig


Posted May 14, 2012, 5:31 am
When the host family was going in to church this morning, they noticed butterflies all around the pretty purple flowers at the entrance. Host mom came back later to take our picture with them, but they are small and brown, so you have to look very hard to see them in the pictures.
MamiTig


Posted May 15, 2012, 4:25 am
One of the host family boys prepared for his history class final: giving a biography as Chandragupta Maurya, with his trusty war elephants!
MamiTig


Posted May 16, 2012, 5:21 am
This evening we attended the middle school choir and band concert, on the northwest side of the Iola town square. :)
MamiTig


Posted May 17, 2012, 3:02 am
We went to the fifth grade graduation at the elementary school today! So many happy kids!
MamiTig


Posted May 18, 2012, 5:43 am
Host mom stopped and took a look at the Prairie Spirit Trail on the way to work this morning!
MamiTig


Posted May 19, 2012, 2:02 am
From late spring to early fall, the west side of the town square in Iola is blocked off every Thursday evening for the Farmer's Market! We wandered around and met many nice people and saw fascinating things!
MamiTig


Posted May 19, 2012, 3:51 am
Hedrick's brought their petting zoo to town, so of course, we had to go and see! So many amazing critters! :)
MamiTig


Posted May 20, 2012, 2:27 am
Today, the host family took me to their dance studio for recital pictures. There were so many kids, so many costumes, and so much energy! I had sooo much fun!! :) Dance recital is in two weeks, and I can't wait to see the kids perform!
MamiTig


Posted May 21, 2012, 1:44 pm
The host family went to help Lula with her garden again today. I had so much fun exploring! My favorite thing was the lovely, intricate bird nest that we found on the ground.
MamiTig


Posted May 22, 2012, 4:35 am
When we were coming back from Lula's, host mom decided to take a country road we hadn't explored before. Anastaysia got excited and we stopped to explore an old cemetery we found!
MamiTig


Posted May 23, 2012, 5:03 am
Host mom showed us why Kansas and the midwest are called America's bread basket. The fields of wheat are so lovely, and I could see why the song America the Beautiful refers to "amber waves of grain" as the wheat blew in the wind and made ripples like the ocean!
MamiTig


Posted May 23, 2012, 1:44 pm
Host mom and two of the little sisters took me for a walk around the neighborhood this evening. We looked at the houses (most were built between the late 1800s and mid 1900s), as well as taking a stop to look at Mr. Hillbrant's amazing garden!
MamiTig


Posted May 24, 2012, 5:00 am
The host family all went to the dentist today, so we hung out in the waiting room for quite a while.
MamiTig


Posted May 25, 2012, 1:55 am
Today I got to see two week old baby hedgehogs in their nest!
MamiTig


Posted May 25, 2012, 4:21 am
The cows at Strickler's Dairy made a lovely scene today! We couldn't resist stopping for pictures :)
MamiTig


Posted May 26, 2012, 4:52 am
Host mom took me and two of her sons out to lunch at El Charro. The salsa there is always sooo delicious!
MamiTig


Posted May 27, 2012, 7:21 am
Nolan enjoyed Sabbath School and church supper!
MamiTig


Posted May 28, 2012, 7:01 am
We went to Twin Trestles again today! It's turning green as spring turns to summer, and there were so many amazing things to explore!
MamiTig


Posted May 29, 2012, 5:24 am
Today was Memorial Day, so host mom had the day off from work. In the afternoon, the family took a picnic, then stopped at the town square to see the flags and contemplate their loved ones who are gone.
MamiTig


Posted May 30, 2012, 5:57 am
Oh goody, a birthday! El Charro's for dinner, and the unwrapping of presents! Perfect! :)
MamiTig


Posted May 31, 2012, 6:05 am
Nolan met the resident squishables today! They are so adorably squishy!
MamiTig


Posted Jun 2, 2012, 5:24 pm
The host family took me to their dress rehearsal for thier dance recital! The theme is "An International Affair" and they had a lot of amazing dances, representing all sorts of different countries!
MamiTig


Posted Jun 3, 2012, 5:57 am
Tonight was opening night! We learned about the "break a leg" tradition. To wish stage performers good luck, you tell them "break a leg" and bring a gift. It was fun to spend time with all the kids in the waiting area downstairs from the stage!
MamiTig


Posted Jun 4, 2012, 3:55 am
I stayed back stage in the waiting area during the last night of dance recital, with host mom. She took me for a peek in the dressing rooms when the kids were all on stage for the opening act!
MamiTig


Posted Jun 5, 2012, 1:18 pm
We went to help Miss Lula in her garden again. So much to explore!
MamiTig


Posted Jun 6, 2012, 5:01 am
Nolan liked host mom's new project!
MamiTig


Posted Jun 7, 2012, 5:40 am
Nolan met a baby blue jay today :)
MamiTig


Posted Jun 8, 2012, 5:51 am
Today, host mom took us to see the caboose at the head of the Garnett rail trail. The rail trail is many miles of hiking and biking trail,  that runs along the lines of an old railroad corridor.
MamiTig


Posted Jun 10, 2012, 1:35 am
We visited Arnold's Greenhouse! It's such a magically relaxing place, with all of the amazing plants and flowers!
MamiTig


Posted Jun 11, 2012, 5:14 am
After visiting Arnold's Greenhouse, we visited a curious place called Luther's Beef Jerky and Convenience Store. There were lots of unusual things there! Nolan got his picture with Luther himself! :)
MamiTig


Posted Jun 12, 2012, 5:20 am
Nolan enjoyed Sabbath supper at the SDA church.
MamiTig


Posted Jun 13, 2012, 4:10 am
We took host mom's parents to meet Lula and work in the garden. It's looking so pretty and nice as all the weeds get gone!
MamiTig


Posted Jun 16, 2012, 1:18 am
Nolan is always happy to eat the amazing Mexican food at El Charro!
MamiTig


Posted Jun 17, 2012, 8:27 pm
Today we went to the Farmer's Market- then we got to go to El Charro for the second time this week, to celebrate a birthday! Yay! :)
MamiTig


Posted Jun 18, 2012, 1:17 pm
Today we went to Deanna Rose Farmstead! There were so many fun things to see and do. The gardens are lovely and the petting zoo animals were very curious. We had fun playing and exploring!
MamiTig


Posted Jun 20, 2012, 4:41 am
After visiting Deanna Rose Park, we went to China Star for dinner. Some people think that dessert is the very best part!
MamiTig


Posted Jun 21, 2012, 4:43 am
There are always interesting things to see and do in Lula's garden! We had fun exploring! :)
MamiTig


Posted Jun 22, 2012, 4:38 am
The ToyVoyagers loved the tooth fairy bench at Legends Drive Dental!
MamiTig


Posted Jun 22, 2012, 5:03 am
Host mom was really excited that she finished her daughter's Prinplup costume today! :) Only about a month until Tokyo in Tulsa and she can show it off!
MamiTig


Posted Jun 24, 2012, 7:12 am
One of the host family boys was in a play this morning, at the community theater. It was all very exciting!
MamiTig


Posted Jun 25, 2012, 6:17 am
Today I went fossil hunting with the host family! It was so pretty and we skipped rocks and saw lots and lots of interesting things :)
MamiTig


Posted Jun 26, 2012, 4:43 am
Host mom took us to the south lake in Garnett to watch the geese at lunch hour and we got a special surprise! She had to take pictures through the windshield so she didn't scare it away, and couldn't get a close up shot with me in it to show the details of what we were looking at, so please forgive (but enjoy) the picture that shows closer up!
MamiTig


Posted Jun 28, 2012, 5:10 am
Today was a quiet day, just visiting with the hedgehogs.
MamiTig


Posted Jun 29, 2012, 5:46 am
I wandered through host mom's garden today,
MamiTig


Posted Jul 1, 2012, 8:26 pm
Host mom had errands to run in Chanute, so we stopped at Santa Fe Park to have a picnic and play. It was very hot (over 100F) so we were very glad that the park is mostly shade!!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 2, 2012, 6:00 am
I went to a party with the host family, to celebrate a couple of birthdays (including America's)! We had water balloons, snacks, fireworks, and all sorts of fun!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 3, 2012, 1:34 pm
There are always so many amazing things to explore in Lula's garden! :) Host mom's oldest daughter took my travel pictures today :)
MamiTig


Posted Jul 4, 2012, 4:34 am
Host mom said that even old, broken down things can be beautiful. She showed us this old, abandoned building in Garnett as an example!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 5, 2012, 6:20 am
Host mom started a new sewing project today. She said it's going to be a costume, that will be entered in the cosplay contest at Tokyo in Tulsa! I can't wait to see how it turns out!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 8, 2012, 10:54 pm
The host family got the car all packed and ready to head out on an exciting adventure!  :D
MamiTig


Posted Jul 9, 2012, 12:54 pm
About four hours after we packed into the car, we arrived at Broken Arrow Ranch for family camp! The host family unpacked everything, and then took us on some grand adventures! It was so nice to end the day with campfire, overlooking sunset on the lake!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 10, 2012, 1:29 pm
The second day of family camp was just as amazing as the first! We started with a yummy breakfast and morning worship. Then the host family went horseback riding. We didn't get to see that because host mom was worried we'd get lost or hurt. Then we had lunch, played in the basement, and then we had to wait while the host family went ziplining. We got to see the equipment, but again, we had to stay behind because host mom was worried for our wellbeing. In the late afternoon, we played on the beach at the Tuttle Creek reservoir and that was so  relaxing!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 11, 2012, 2:57 am
Day three at camp was just as wonderful as the first two days! We climbed up the hill to the nurse's cabin to enjoy the view of the lodge. After breakfast, we went for a hike through the woods. In the afternoon, we celebrated a baptism in the lake. It was a lovely day!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 11, 2012, 4:00 am
On the way home from camp, we stopped to fuel up in Lyndon, KS. Host mom remarked that this is the first time she's ever seen gas prices fall during summer!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 11, 2012, 4:27 am
Ready for another road trip! This time, the packing is light.
MamiTig


Posted Jul 12, 2012, 1:51 am
After four hours in the car, we arrived at Lives Under Construction Ranch, where one of the brothers will be staying for a month of summer camp!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 12, 2012, 4:33 am
On the way home, we stopped in Ozark, MO to stretch our legs, look in the tourist shops, and enjoy a meal at Lambert's (home of the famous "throwed rolls")!!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 13, 2012, 1:12 pm
Host mom  and her youngest daughter took me and the other TVs for an evening walk down Elm and First streets. We looked at all the pretty houses!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 14, 2012, 1:32 am
We took a look at the Farmer's Market tonight, to see what was for sale! They hold the market every Thursday evening, on the town square, when the weather is nice :)
MamiTig


Posted Jul 14, 2012, 4:13 am
Today some men came and started digging out the bricks on the south side of the host family's house! Host mom said they are contractors and they are fixing the foundation. We were very curious about what they are doing!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 14, 2012, 6:03 am
We went up to the town square to see what all the excitement was about! Today is the Mad Bomber Run, and there was a car show and a motorcycle show, and entertainment. Here's the website that tells about the historical event that inspired the modern Mad Bomber Run!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 14, 2012, 3:25 pm
The contractors came again today and jackhammered at the foundation. Now all of the stone blocks under the south wall are gone, and three little jacks are holding up the side of the house! Yikes!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 15, 2012, 8:03 am
We enjoyed a lovely vegetarian supper after Sabbath services at the SDA church today!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 17, 2012, 4:28 am
A birthday at El Charros! I just love celebrations! :)
MamiTig


Posted Jul 17, 2012, 4:51 am
The foundation work continues to progress... that's a lot of rocks!!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 18, 2012, 2:54 am
We did a little sightseeing on the grounds while waiting to check three of the kids in at summer camp. I wish I were staying, it is so lovely at Hidden Haven!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 19, 2012, 2:30 am
We went to the Ralph Mitchell Zoo in Independence, KS! It is an old zoo that is very lovely. The Monkey Island is the birth place of the first monkey in space!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 19, 2012, 1:35 pm
On the way home from the zoo, host mom noticed this lovely abandoned school house on the prairie, so we stopped to take a picture! The clouds behind it were especially pretty; very much showing Kansas in the summer.
MamiTig


Posted Jul 20, 2012, 4:07 am
It was hot and everyone was hungry, so we stopped at a Dairy Queen for sweet ice cream treats!  :D
MamiTig


Posted Jul 23, 2012, 4:26 am
They're making good progress on the host family's foundation!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 23, 2012, 5:50 am
The foundation will soon be done!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 24, 2012, 1:06 am
We crossed into the Cherokee Nation as we crossed the Oklahoma border, just south of Caney, KS.
MamiTig


Posted Jul 26, 2012, 2:48 am
Our first night in Tulsa was wonderful! We got to the hotel and waited in line about 45 minutes for our room assignment. This turned out to be a blessing as they ran out of double rooms, so they upgraded us to a suite at no extra cost! The view was beautiful! :) I had fun wandering the convention (Tokyo in Tulsa) with the host family!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 26, 2012, 5:07 am
Most of our day two at Tokyo in Tulsa was spent at the pre-judging for the cosplay and skit contests, then at the panel about "Pokemon Gijinka" that the host family presented, wandering "artist alley" and then at the final cosplay contest! Host mom and two of her daughters won a judge's choice award in the cosplay contest!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 27, 2012, 5:32 am
On the last day of Tokyo in Tulsa, we took a last wander of the vendors room and ogled all of the fun and amazing things! :)
MamiTig


Posted Jul 28, 2012, 4:39 am
We liked the new water saver look for the fountain at Legend's Drive Dental!
MamiTig


Posted Jul 28, 2012, 4:57 am
Nolan is on his way home to his mommy! :) Happy travels!
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Jul 30, 2012, 6:04 am
Safely home! Look for pictures later in the week!
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Jan 5, 2013, 10:08 pm
We went to the Balch Springs Chamber of Commerce awards gala! It was nice! Kristy even wore a dress!
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Denny's!
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Wendy's
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Back at Denny's!
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We went on vacation! Nice hotel room and the waffels were shaped like TEXAS!!
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Back to Denny's! The nachos there are awesome, especially when you sub seasoned fries for the chips!
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Different day, different Denny's. We're a bit addicted!
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Special night! We went to razzoo's!! We didn't have alligator, though. They were out!
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Working at Denny's! Kristy does her best thinking there!
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Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Jan 11, 2015, 6:45 am
So glad to see this place back up and running! No pics yet as I had almost given up and long since quit carrying my voyagers. Pics to come soon!
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Jan 11, 2015, 7:16 am
Nolan and his new buddy, magic out and ready to play again!
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Jan 22, 2015, 4:23 am
Enjoyed dinner at donnas kitchen
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Jan 30, 2015, 8:14 pm
Dinner at dennys with friends!
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Apr 3, 2015, 2:59 am
Enjoying our guests! Looking forward to serving more. Events in the horizon: May trip to south Mississippi, Trip to the lake ASAP.
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted Apr 8, 2015, 3:47 am
Met up with Otaku and recruited him to host Littlebearlightfoot's Bruce Lee and make his own voyager!
Kristykirkpatrick
kristykirkpatrick@rocketmail.com

Posted May 15, 2015, 3:09 am
We did great raising money this year for cancer research!

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